The Ultimate Streetwear Styling Guide: From Basics to Statement Looks

Streetwear is more than just clothing—it's a statement, a lifestyle, a way to express yourself without saying a word. Whether you're just starting to build your streetwear wardrobe or have been in the scene for years, the right styling can make the difference between a standard outfit and a look that truly stands out.

At Lab10 Streetwear in Eindhoven, we help guests create unique looks that reflect their personality every day. In this guide, we share our best styling tips, from timeless basics to bold statement pieces that will take your streetwear game to the next level.

The Foundation: Essential Basics for Every Streetwear Wardrobe

Before you experiment with wild prints and statement pieces, you need to have your foundation in place. These basics form the backbone of any strong streetwear outfit:

The Perfect Fitting Hoodie

A good hoodie is essential. Choose a relaxed fit that's comfortable without looking sloppy. Oversized is fine, but make sure the shoulders still drape well. Neutral colors like black, white, gray, and beige are versatile and easy to combine, but don't shy away from a statement color that suits you.

Styling tip: Layer your hoodie under an oversized jacket or coach coat for added dimension. Roll up the sleeves slightly to reveal your watch or bracelets—small details make all the difference.

The Signature T-Shirt

Invest in quality, well-fitting T-shirts. A heavyweight cotton tee with a relaxed fit almost always works. Graphic tees are perfect for showing off your personality, but make sure the design resonates with your style—don't wear brands or designs you don't support.

Styling tip: Tuck your tee halfway into your pants (a so-called "French tuck") for a casual yet sophisticated vibe. Or layer it under an open shirt for more texture.

The Right Sneakers

Your sneakers make or break your outfit. From classic low-tops to chunky dad sneakers—choose what suits your vibe. White sneakers are the ultimate all-arounder, but don't be afraid to experiment with color and different silhouettes.

Styling tip: Subtly match your sneakers with another element in your outfit—for example, the color of your cap or a detail in your graphic tee. This creates cohesion without becoming too matchy-matchy.

Layering: The Art of Creating Dimension

Layering is where streetwear really gets interesting. It's not just about staying warm, but about combining texture, color, and proportion in a visually interesting way.

The Three-Layer Rule

Start with a base layer (tee or long-sleeved top), add a mid-layer (hoodie or sweater), and finish with an outer layer (jacket, coach coat, or bomber jacket). These three layers create depth and give your outfit structure.

Pro tip: Play with lengths. Let your base layer extend slightly below your mid-layer, and make sure your outer layer is a different length. This variation in lengths makes your silhouette more dynamic.

Texture Mixing

Combine different materials for a richer look. Think: a cotton tee, a fleece hoodie, and a nylon jacket. Or mix denim with corduroy and suede. This texture variation adds visual interest to your outfit, even if you stick to a simple color palette.

Color Blocking vs. Tonal Dressing

Color blocking: Combine two or three contrasting colors in large blocks. For example: a black hoodie, green cargo pants, and white sneakers. This is bold and attention-grabbing.

Tonal dressing: Stay within one color family but vary the shades. All-black outfits are classic streetwear, but also try different shades of beige, gray, or even green. This is subtle yet sophisticated.

Proportion Play: Oversized vs. Fitted

One of the biggest mistakes in streetwear styling is oversized pieces. The key is balance:

The Balance Rule

If your top is oversized, keep your bottoms more fitted (or vice versa). An oversized hoodie works perfectly with slim-fit jeans or tapered cargo pants. Baggy pants require a more fitted top to keep your silhouette from disappearing.

Exception: The full oversized look can work if you're tall and want to make a statement. But even then, there should be variation in how oversized each piece is.

Cropped Pieces

Cropped hoodies and jackets are trending and can seriously upgrade your proportions. They create a higher waistline, which makes your legs appear longer. Pair them with high-waisted pants for maximum effect.

Accessories: The Finishing Touches

Accessories transform a basic outfit into something memorable. Here are the essentials:

Caps & Beanies

A cap or beanie is more than just functional—it frames your face and adds an extra layer to your look. Wear your cap straight or slightly curved, depending on the vibe you're going for. Beanies work best when worn slightly pulled back, not pulled all the way over your forehead.

Bags & Backpacks

A crossbody bag or backpack is both practical and stylish. Choose minimalist designs in black or neutral colors, or go for a statement piece with bold branding or color.

Jewelry & Watches

Subtle jewelry can elevate your outfit. A simple chain, a few rings, or a statement watch add personality without being overdone. Less is more—choose one or two statement pieces instead of everything at once.

Socks

Yes, socks count! If your sneakers are low-cut, show off your socks. White crew socks are a streetwear classic. Or choose colored socks that match another element of your outfit.

Seasonal Styling

Winter Streetwear

Layering is key in winter. Invest in a good puffer jacket or parka as an outer layer. You can wear multiple layers underneath without feeling bulky if you choose the right materials. Thermal long-sleeve tops as a base, a hoodie as a mid-layer, and your jacket as an outer layer.

Winter accessories: Beanies, gloves, and scarves aren't just functional but also add texture. Choose neutral colors that go with everything, or go bold with a statement color.

Summer Streetwear

Lighter fabrics and fewer layers, but you can still create interesting outfits. An oversized tee with shorts and low-top sneakers is the foundation. Add a bucket hat or cap for sun protection and style.

Summer tip: Experiment with color in summer. Pastels, earth tones, and even bright colors work well in sunlight. This is the season to step outside your comfort zone.

Brand Mixing: The Art of Combining

You don't have to wear one brand head-to-toe. In fact, mixing brands shows that you have your own style instead of simply copying a lookbook.

The No-Logo vs. Logo Balance

If you're wearing a statement piece with heavy branding (like a graphic hoodie), keep the rest of your outfit cleaner. Conversely, if your outfit is minimalist, a single logo piece can serve as a focal point.

Combining Our Brands

At Lab10 Streetwear, we carry brands like Comrade Berlin, Jott, Baselab, and Copa Football. These brands each have their own aesthetic but can work perfectly together:

·         Comrade Berlin for your statement graphics and bold designs

·         Jott for quality outerwear that keeps everything together

·         Copa Football for that sporty edge

·         Baselab for your clean basics

Mix a graphic tee from Comrade Berlin with a clean Jott jacket and sneakers that bring it all together. That's how you create a unique look that no one else has.

Common Styling Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Too Matchy-Matchy

Wearing everything in the same color or from the same brand looks forced. Vary your colors and mix brands for a more natural look.

Mistake #2: Wrong Size

Oversized should be intentional, not sloppy. Know your measurements and know when to go oversized and when to stay fitted.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Fit

Even the most expensive pieces look bad if the fit isn't right. Take your time trying them on and choose what truly fits, not what you think should.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Footwear

Your outfit is only as strong as your weakest link, and that's often your shoes. Invest in good sneakers and keep them clean.

Developing Your Own Style

The best streetwear styling tip? Be authentic. Trends come and go, but your personal style remains. Use this guide as a foundation, but experiment and find what works for you.

Experiment

Try combinations you wouldn't normally wear. Go to the store, try things on, mix and match. Some of the best outfits are accidental.

Search for inspiration

Follow streetwear accounts on Instagram, see what others in your city are wearing, but don't copy—get inspired and make it your own.

Invest Smart

Quality over quantity. It's better to have five good pieces that you wear constantly than twenty items that are worn out after just a few washes.

Come visit Lab10 Streetwear

Styling is personal, and sometimes it helps to see and feel pieces in real life. At Lab10 Streetwear in Eindhoven (Strijp-S), we have a carefully curated selection of unique streetwear brands that you won't find everywhere.

We are open: - Wednesday: 12:00 - 18:00 - Friday: 11:00 - 18:00
- Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Come visit, experience the quality of our pieces, and let us help you create looks that suit you. We break the rules and create fans—and that starts with clothes that tell your story.

Check out our collection online: www.lab10streetwear.com

Streetwear is a journey, not a destination. Every outfit is an opportunity to express yourself anew. Use these tips as your foundation, but never forget: the best styling rule is that there are no rules. Break them, experiment, and create your own wave.

Stay fresh, stay authentic.