We need to talk about Joey Badass's style. We feel that, lowkey, the Joey Badass style code is not addressed enough. In a world of fleeting trends and micro-aesthetics, he has cultivated a complex and authentic look rooted in the golden era of the 2000s. His hybrid outfits masterfully mix the raw Y2K vibe with a touch of haute couture, creating a look that is always relevant to the culture.
He's a master of storytelling through clothes. For anyone looking to build a wardrobe with meaning, his approach is a blueprint. We want to break down that blueprint into five key lessons that we believe define his style.
The Foundation: Represent Your Roots
The first and most important rule in the Joey Badass playbook is that your clothes must say something about who you are and where you come from. It’s a direct rejection of the placeless, soulless nature of fast fashion.
Lesson 1: Wear Your Story, from Your City to Your Brands
This picture is the perfect example of the main pillar of his dressing code: never miss the opportunity to tell people who you are and what you represent.
-
A vintage Yankees jacket and baggy selvedged jeans are screaming NEW YORK. This is what fashion is about: using what you wear to broadcast your identity. In absolutely no way can fast fashion offer you this level of authentic connection.
-
This philosophy extends to the brands he chooses. Instead of chasing whatever is viral this week, Joey Badass has always stayed true to a core selection of "value" brands that ended up defining his image. When you think of him, you think of Avirex, Evisu, and Pelle Pelle—and vice versa. The lesson is powerful: instead of chasing trends, build your own universe of trusted, authentic brands and wait for the trend to chase you.
The Art of the Mix: High Fashion Meets the Streets
Another key element of Joey's style is his constant dance between the raw culture that shaped him and his high fashion choices. He understands that there are no sides in the fashion game; there is only your personal expression. This high/low mix is the perfect way to give a soul to an outfit.
Lesson 2: Master the High/Low Philosophy
Joey provides a masterclass in combining different fashion worlds to create a look that is entirely his own. Here are a few of his signature formulas that you can adopt:
-
The Workwear + Tailoring Mix: He’ll effortlessly pair a rugged workwear piece, like a Carhartt jacket, with a pair of clean, tailored pants. The contrast between the rough and the smooth creates a sophisticated yet grounded look.
-
The Preppy + Street Mix: This is a classic. Start with a preppy foundation, like a nice little Lacoste or Burberry knitwear piece, and then "muddy it up" with some Timbs, a Yankees cap, or other raw street elements.
-
The Formal + Casual Mix: He’s not afraid to take a formal staple, like an elegant shirt and tie, and throw a vintage varsity jacket over it. You get to play with the bold colors and embroidery of the jacket while maintaining a sharp, unexpected silhouette.
The Execution: Mastering Your Personal Aesthetic
Building a foundation and learning how to mix styles are the first steps. The final part is about execution—the details that make the look truly yours. This is where you move from having good clothes to having great style.
Lesson 3, 4 & 5: Color, Simplicity, and Confidence
The last three lessons are interconnected. They are about developing your eye and your confidence.
First, don't be afraid to explore colors! Joey doesn't stop at the basic black, white, and grey you see all around. He dares to mix and test color pairings, establishing his own "color DNA." You can do the same. Start exploring, mixing, and testing. You will miss a lot of times (so be ready for the jokes), but once you get that right, you will find inspiration for outfits you couldn't even have imagined.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, sometimes you just have to keep it simple. In a world of complex, multi-layered outfits, the power of a simple, perfectly executed look is often underestimated. This doesn't mean being boring; it means having the confidence to let one iconic piece do all the talking. Think of a classic, perfectly worn-in Vintage Varsity Jacket paired with simple black pants and clean sneakers. The jacket is the hero. Or a crisp white tee, good jeans, and a single, high-quality Ralph Lauren harrington jacket. The lesson here is that simplicity requires confidence, and often, the most timeless looks are the most straightforward.
Conclusion
The Joey Badass style code isn't about buying specific items; it's a philosophy. It’s about using vintage and timeless pieces to tell an authentic story, mixing worlds with confidence, and building a personal uniform that is truly your own. It's a reminder that true style is a marathon, not a sprint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are some key brands to get the Joey Badass style? Joey often gravitates towards heritage and culturally significant brands. For the Y2K hip-hop look, think Avirex, Pelle Pelle, and Evisu. For workwear, Carhartt and Timberland are staples. For the preppy mix, look for vintage Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, or Burberry.
2. How does Joey Badass mix high fashion and streetwear? The key is contrast. He often pairs one "high" piece (like a tailored pant or a designer knit) with several "low" or "street" pieces (like a workwear jacket, sneakers, or a baseball cap). This grounds the high-fashion item and elevates the streetwear, creating a balanced and authentic look.
3. What is the "Pro Era" style? Pro Era (Progressive Era) is the hip-hop collective Joey Badass is a part of. Their early style was heavily influenced by 90s "Golden Age" hip-hop, featuring bucket hats, vintage sportswear, camo, and a focus on classic New York brands.
4. Where can I find vintage jackets like the ones Joey Badass wears? The key is to look for authentic vintage pieces from the 90s and 2000s. Curated vintage stores like GRABBERS.studio are your best bet for finding high-quality leather jackets, or classic workwear and varsity jackets. Check out our Jackets & Fleeces collection for similar styles.
5. What's the difference between 90s and 2000s hip-hop style? While there's a lot of overlap, 90s hip-hop style was often more rooted in workwear and sportswear (Carhartt, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica). The 2000s (the Y2K era) saw the rise of brand-focused, often more "bling" aesthetics, with brands like Fubu, Rocawear, and Pelle Pelle becoming hugely popular, featuring bolder logos and baggier fits.
0 comments