Singapore has a vibrant fashion scene and young people of many different backgrounds have been seen wearing a variety of styles. Here are five aesthetics which stand out from the crowd: fresh tropical core, playful Y2K, flirty coquette, classy acubi and unique animecore.
Tropical core
The look: Inspired by the lush tropics, the “island-y” style is bright, bold and floral. Think Hawaiian shirts, flowy floral dresses and statement accessories. Clothes are made of natural fibres such as linen and cotton to make them breathable and light weight, which is a must for Singapore’s humid weather.
Most commonly seen at: Sentosa beaches and Marina Bay Sands.
Why young people like it: Ms Natasha Ee, 19, who recently graduated from Victoria Junior College, said: “I love how the mixture of colours makes me look lively. It reminds me of my time spent on the Maldives’ beaches, so I tend to be more relaxed when wearing this dress. Although I can’t remember where I bought it, I recommend Zalora as they have a wide selection of these designs.”
Ms Natasha Ee feels relaxed while wearing her lively colourful dress.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
Mr Koh Xu Bin, 20, who is serving his national service, said: “This Hawaiian shirt is my favourite. It fits Singapore’s humid weather and I can wear it everywhere. Honestly, these clothes are offered in most shops. I can walk into Uniqlo empty-handed and walk out with two new Hawaiian shirts.
Mr Koh Xu Bin says he can wear a Hawaiian shirt anywhere as it fits Singapore’s humid weather.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
How to dress like this: Males can pair a Hawaiian shirt with palm tree prints and a pair of neutral-coloured shorts. For females, a floral blouse and a maxi skirt works. Add some seashell bracelets and flower hair clips before throwing on a pair of sandals or slippers to complete the look.
Y2K
The look: If you miss the late 1990s and 2000s, the Y2K aesthetic brings back its fusion of glamourous, sporty, yet retro, fashion. Visible logos, brandings, sequins as well as bright, neon and metallic colours bring this style to life.
Sequins and bright colours bring Y2K’s glamourous and sporty style to life.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
Most commonly seen at: Bugis Street, Haji Lane and Orchard.
Why young people like it: “I love going to thrift stores, especially the store Unwasteland in Haji Lane. It sells so many old vintage clothes, cute denim skirts and jeans. These clothes are special. It’s something that is old, unique but not quite out of fashion,” said Ms Nikki Lee, 19, a recent graduate from Victoria Junior College.
Ms Nikki Lee loves the unique vintage clothes and denim skirts she finds at thrift stores.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
Mr Issac Sim, 19, who is serving his national service, said: “I don’t like clothes whose brands are very obvious. But, it’s great on jerseys. The bold colours and logos look good together and do not look flashy. Although I have not experienced the 1990s, I still manage to feel a little nostalgic. I feel like a skater living in the 1990s.”
Mr Issac Sim feels like a 1990s skater in his jersey with its bold colours and logos.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
How to dress like this: Males can pair graphic T-shirts and jerseys with washed-out baggy jeans while females can wear crop tops with a mini skirt or low-rise jeans. Accessorise heavily with chunky necklaces and bracelets before putting on sneakers or platform boots.
Coquette
The look: This charming style is specific to females. It enhances femininity, bringing out a soft and endearing look. Embrace your girly side with soft pastels, ribbons and lace trimmings.
Most commonly seen at: Haji Lane, museums and cafes.
Why young people like it: “I love how the colour white is paired with ribbons, as they are perfect together. It gives off a ‘I am going for a picnic in a garden’ type of impression… It looks pretty and I feel pretty,” said Ms Jamie Liew, 19, a year three Temasek Polytechnic student.
Ms Jamie Liew feels pretty in her outfit that gives the impression of going to a picnic.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
How to dress like this: Females can put on a soft flower-patterned crop top and a ruffled skirt. Tie your hair with a ribbon and wear a pair of flats.
Acubi
The look: Acubi aesthetic focuses on comfort and practicality. The easy-going yet sophisticated look is created with a neutral colour scheme and minimalistic designs, clean lines and shapes. Fun elements such as cute graphics can also be incorporated to enhance the look.
Most commonly seen at: At museums, Haji Lane and Orchard.
Why young people like it: “My favourite colours are black and white, which are also the colours that this aesthetic revolves around. It is simple yet classy, making me (look) put together but not overdressed. Usually, I buy my clothes on Taobao. But I can also find them in H&M, as there are a lot of nice designs there,” said Ms Corliss Toh, 19, a recent graduate from Temasek Junior College.
Ms Corliss Toh looks put together but not overdressed in her black-and-white ensemble.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
Ms Raina Sengupta, 19, who recently graduated from Victoria Junior College, said: “This style is the easiest to find clothes for and is always comfortable to wear. All you need is a thin, plain-coloured tank top and some jeans. The key to this style lies in the accessories and layers. The moment you throw on a pair of sunglasses, hoop earrings or a black leather jacket, you are all set to leave the house.”
Ms Raina Sengupta says accessories are key to this comfortable style.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
How to dress like this: Females can throw on a slim-fit baby tee and high-waisted pants with high cut socks. For males, opt for a plain white T-shirt with cargo pants. Layer it with a dark-coloured blazer or buttoned-up shirt to enhance the look. End it off with dress shoes or sneakers.
Animecore
The look: It uses wigs, costumes, props, contact lenses and accessories to look like a specific Japanese anime character. Make-up worn by the individual is also referenced from the anime character that one is inspired by.
Most commonly seen at: Anime convention events or anime cafes.
Why young people like it: Ms Cao Wanting, 20, a student from Nanyang Technological University, said role-playing her favourite characters makes her happy.
Ms Cao Wanting enjoys dressing up as her favourite character Misa from Death Note.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
She said of one of her outfits: “I am dressed as the character Misa from the anime Death Note. Cosplaying as Misa lets me become her for that moment and it makes me happy. However, cosplay can be expensive, as the outfits and props needed are elaborate.”
Her outfits usually cost more than $100 if they are store-bought, and $30 to $80 if purchased second-hand. “I got my strawberry blonde wig and the costume from Shopee, as it is cheaper there… You should also be able to find some second-hand cosplay outfits on Carousell,” she said.
She added that animecore is not everyone’s cup of tea: “I get judged by strangers on public transport, but I have learnt how to ignore them. I dress for myself and not for them. If I think I look good, a few weird stares from people I don’t know will not make me lose my confidence.”
Ms Cao Wanting does not let stares from strangers bother her, as she feels confident of her look.ST PHOTO: ADRIELLE KOH
How to dress like this: Start off by finding a picture of an anime character you like. Take note of the outfit, accessories and props you need and search for them in cosplay shops or online platforms such as Shopee.
One example is Misa from Death Note, where one has to obtain her signature black dress, arm and leg warmers, gloves, a choker, a strawberry blonde wig, brown contact lenses and a black notebook inscribed with the words “Death Note”.
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