We went to Hong Kong YouTubers 22e for advice on how to put together a look and infuse it with your individuality
YP cadet Orion (third from left) with YouTubers (from left) Ka-shun, Bean and Kun.Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and felt that your outfit wasn’t quite right, but had no idea how to improve your style? Local YouTubers 22e are here to help.
Founded last October, the group already has more than 20,000 subscribers on YouTube, as well as nearly 19,000 followers on Instagram. There aren’t many channels on YouTube that provide style guide for guys, let alone ones in Cantonese. Noticing this gap in the market, Ka-shun, Bean and Kun, the original founders, decided to launch a platform to share menswear tips. The group now has six members, who are all in their mid-20s, and each of whom represents a distinct style.
They say they understand the struggle of knowing nothing about fashion, because they were just as clueless when they were teens. Using their years of experimentation with style, 22e set their sights on YP cadet Orion Chan. While transforming his look, the group offer some tips to Young Post readers to help you find the vibe that works for you.
How to buy your first suit: an expert's guide
Pick your favourite colour
Choosing items of clothing based on your favourite colour is perhaps the most straightforward way to start. 22e recommends using a colour wheel, which is essentially a display of colour hues arranged around a circle. First, find your favourite colour. The colours next to it are part of a similar colour scheme and those opposite it are its contrasting colours. A safe choice would be to mix and match items of similar colours; if you feel more daring, try adding items in contrasting colours, which will give a stronger visual impact.
Pick one item to be the focus of your outfit
It takes a lot of items to make up one outfit, and it is easy to go overboard. The key to dressing well, according to 22e, is to select one item that you want to highlight – it can be your shirt, trousers, shoes, or accessories – and build a look around it.
“If you want to show off your sneakers, but your trousers are so long that they cover up the shoes, then what’s the point?” asks Kun. So before putting on your outfit, decide which piece you want to draw attention to, and make it pop.
Forget fast fashion - here are three Hong Kong thrift shops selling everything from Topshop to Gucci
Be bold, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Interacting with their followers and subscribers made 22e realise that many people in Hong Kong, not just teenagers, are very self-conscious and easily affected by the opinions of others.
“Hongkongers are quite judgemental, to be honest, and they don’t react well to new styles,” says Bean. Because of the fear of being judged, people opt for conventional styles and stay away from bold choices. But the group is striving to change this by introducing diverse styles and encouraging their viewers to wear them with confidence.
“Finding your own style takes trial and error; we are constantly exploring new styles, so keep an open mind and give everything a try,” says Kun.
Basic skincare guide for guys and beginners: protect your skin, fight acne, and feel good
Add your own elements
Streetwear and sportswear brands are particularly popular among Hong Kong teens. But with everyone following this trend, how can you stand out from the crowd? 22e’s advice is to get creative: modify or accessorise items to make them reflect your character. From cutting off long sleeves to swapping shoelaces, there are many ways to personalise off-the-rack items so you don’t look the same as everyone else.
For more inspiration, 22e suggested Hong Kong teens look at mood-board app Pinterest, magazines, and even music videos, as many of these looks can be adapted for everyday wear. Vintage clothing is also on-trend, so Bean says youngsters could try searching in thrift shops, where they may stumble on some hidden gems. “Or be extra nice to your parents, so you can borrow their clothes,” Bean jokes.
Ka-shun emphasises there is no “one size fits all” style guide; their tips are only some of the ways improve your dress sense. After all, fashion is personal and ever-changing. Kun says he hoped that teenagers in Hong Kong would research brands before spending a lot of money on their products.
“Learning about these brands and designers can help you decide whether certain purchases are worth it,” says Kun. “Buying very expensive pieces just because everyone has them is quite silly.”