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There really is no easy way to describe Manila street style. Like the city itself, the sartorial affections of Manila’s indie kids reveal a hodgepodge of global and regional influences, injected with a personality that is distinctly our own. The only real trend in town is to do your own thing.

If anything, the one common theme in new Manila street style is that clothes have to be comfy and cool enough for the humid weather. Within those parameters, one can find all kinds of inspiring looks.

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Of course, like any other place in the world, some key items remain fashion staples among the gig-going crowd. CONVERSE Chuck Taylor All Star, classic as they are, are still a big favorite—head to any gig and you’re likely to find about the half of the attendees in Chuck Taylors. Still, the kids of Manila always seem to find new ways to wear even the most classic items, whether by mixing it up with unexpected pieces or by modifying their clothes and accessories to make them their own. The DIY ethic is strong among Manila’s young and restless.

The Junkie Shop kids are all very close friends but none of them dress alike. Go to any concert and you are bound to find different ways of matching and mixing colors, patterns, and proportions- from 90s-inspired plaid scuzz glam to all-black cool to “nerdcore.” Some have very considered looks while others are more carefree in their style. The one constant is that the clothes have to work for you.

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Great hair makes as big a statement as the rest of one’s outfit. Troop over to Cubao when the kids converge in the evenings to see some truly inspired coifs.

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You can be sure to find some memorable outfits at Manila’s small independent galleries. Fedoras are a common sight these days but here, a young artist makes the look her own by matching the hat with oversized hornrims and an elegant, well-pressed top.

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Manila’s young and restless are a colorful bunch, literally and figuratively.  Here is how loud colors, big accessories, and pattern matching can be done right.

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This group of friends spotted at a concert in QC show how eclectic Manila street style can be. On the left is a perfectly put-together graphic sundress, in the middle is snug, black rocker garb, and on the right is loose and easy “Saturday night at the gig.” All of them look great.

People aren’t all about jeans and graphic tees though. Some like to dress proper when the proper occasion calls, like a dance party at Cubao X.

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