How to Rock the "SLP" Aesthetic in 2019
However much urban streetwear becomes a part of luxury fashion, the so-called SLP (Saint Laurent Paris) aesthetic returns season after season – a mash-up of chic Parisian flair infused with rock ‘n’ roll edge. Though the style was popularized by Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent – who brought forward skinny androgynous models to the catwalk in leather jackets, slim-fitting jeans, heeled boots, and bold, patterned shirts – today the look is less defined by the namesake fashion label and more by a select few wardrobe essentials.
A notable pin-up for the look in the past few years has been Harry Styles, but elements from the trend continue to emerge and adapt in fashion week street style. Now, if you're looking to smarten up without losing your edge, we've compiled a list of all the pieces you'll need in your arsenal to do so, with some particularly on-point shopping suggestions to boot.
The Leather Jacket
Rick Owens's penchant for all things rock ‘n’ roll puts the leather jacket at the top of any SLP-influenced shopping list. Subcultural trends such as grungy tattered knitwear and glam rock-inspired embellishments come and go, but the rockabilly biker jacket is a true style icon. While an investment in this iconic shape from Saint Laurent needs no justification in our eyes, in 2019, an oversized leather in a different shape won't lead you too far from the vibe you seek.
The Slim Pants
Though wider fits and baggy jeans seem to be the cut of choice for more progressive street style these days, skinny and slim fit denim aren't going anywhere fast. Saint Laurent's dark cropped skinny jeans have been a vibe that's informed more affordable styles for a minute now, but a surprising adopter for SS19 was AMIRI. The brand's recent skinny jeans are giving us serious SLP vibes, most notably with its leather details at the knees.
The Boots
This is, pretty strictly, a sneaker-free zone – instead favoring the decidedly smarter Chelsea boot. Paired with the aforementioned slim, neatly cropped pants, this kind of footwear is a match made in heaven, with some of the best options of late coming from, you guessed it, Saint Laurent. Under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane, the western vibes of Saint Laurent are showing the world how it's done when it comes to this particular style.
The Shirt
Those retro-style graphic printed shirts have trickled down from luxury heights into some pretty surprising collections for SS19. Though it's a given that Prada's printed shirts are up there on our wishlist, you can also peep highlights in the form of a statement dragon-print sateen offering from Japanese label Wacko Maria and a Jaipur flower-print long-sleeved shirt by BODE.
The Accessories
Don't confuse SLP aesthetics for minimalism. Though the vibe might be smarter than your usual streetwear get-up, it's completed with copious jewelry and chic, rockstar belt buckles. Feeling particularly extra? Forego caps and beanies for a full-on bow hat by Johji Yamamoto.
Learn how to style accessories by watching the video below.
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