One of the best things about hip hop music videos is how great everyone looks. If the people in the videos didn’t dress a certain way, the entire aesthetic of the video would be off. To accomplish this goal, whether you’re participating in a hip-hop video, directing one or just want to emulate one in your personal life, there are a few simple things you’ll want to think about. Below is everything you need to know about dressing hip hop as you see in the videos.
Colors
The first thing to keep in mind is the color scheme. The hip hop style tends to focus more on darker colors rather than bright ones. You’ll, of course, see things like white t-shirts, but bright blues, pinks or yellows are rare. If you can’t decide on a color, black and dark blue are always a good choice. Also, don’t be afraid to add a little splash of color to your style. For example, while a pink shirt by itself may not work, having it peeking out from underneath a black or blue shirt may be okay.
Shirts
There are a wide range of shirts you can wear to fit into the hip hop style. Some prefer large, baggy t-shirts while others prefer them tighter. When it comes to your shirt, you want to avoid anything too constricting, however. You won’t find too many people in a fully buttoned up, long-sleeve shirt in hip-hop music videos. Shirts with buttons are fine, but they are typically worn open over another shirt. Think about whose style you are trying to emulate and what types of shirts they wear to give yourself some ideas.
Pants
When most people think of the hip hop style, they often think of baggy, low-hanging jeans. And while this style is still very much a part of hip hop, it’s not your only option. Many artists within hip hop are now choosing instead to go with slimmer, tighter-fitting pants. Also, jeans and khakis both work equally well, depending on the other elements of your outfit. Try to choose a style of pants that complements the shirt that you choose. For example, you likely don’t want to go with very baggy pants and a tight-fitting shirt, or tight pants and a baggy shirt.
Shoes
You may think that during your hip-hop shoot, the camera won’t be on your feet too much. However, you never know what your shoes might get on screen and shoes are a big part of the hip hop style. You’ll want to find yourself either a real nice pair of sneakers or a good pair of boots. Your shoes are a good place to add some flair to your outfit without overdoing it. Finally, if you’re filming a music video, make sure you choose something that’s comfortable, as you could be on your feet for a while. For some inspiration, Footwear News has a list of the best sneaker styles in hip hop history.
Accessories
The last thing you’ll want to think about is any accessories you want to wear. Some options are belts, hats, sunglasses, or other jewelry, like watches and chains. If you have a hip hop tattoo, you can also find a way to accentuate it with your outfit, such as rolling up your sleeves to expose it. Accessories are another good way to get your outfit to stand out by just adding in a little touch. You should think about the message you are trying to convey with your outfit and how your accessories can help you do that.
If you want to give off the vibe of being from the south or working hard all day, you might wear some sunglasses or a bandana. Adding a simple accessory to your outfit can change the entire style, so think carefully about what it is you want to say with your outfit, then find the perfect accessory to accomplish that goal. You can purchase union hats for large groups. Buying in wholesale will help you with long-term costs because you can save money by purchasing in bulk and re-use or re-sell items in the future.
Put It All Together
The best way to style yourself for a hip hop music video is by trying out different combinations of the items listed above and seeing what works. Grab yourself a baggy shirt and jeans, add a gold chain, then see how that looks. If you don’t like it, switch it out for something more slimming, then add in some sunglasses. With enough research online for ideas, and enough trial and error, you should be able to come up with a hip hop outfit that you love. Then you’ll be ready to shoot the music video and start influencing everyone who watches it.
