We know 'bout cha. Somewhere along the lines style transformed to hype. I'm bout to debunk this.

Somewhere along the lines, style has transformed to Hypebeastin.

Hypebeasts share the genus and species as us regular Homo Sapiens, but are of their own sub-species. For those of you not familiar with genus and species of  -- they’re a small scion of Homo Sapien, but categorized in their own subspecies: SupremeNikeBeenTrill40ozVanHBAHeronPrestonPyrex.

For those of you unfamiliar with this creature, Ask.com (formerly the cooler AskJeeves – I miss that butler) does a great job explaining it in layman’s terms:

 “A hype beast is urban slang for a kid who collects clothing, shoes, and accessories for the sole purpose of impressing others. The term is also used to refer to an online magazine for street wear, sneakers and urban fashion.”

Essentially, a hypebeast is a person who wears clothing for other people more than themselves. Still having trouble grasping the concept? See the recent trend of rapper fashion. Although Kanye’s been leading the pack for the minute, it seems like everyone else has fallen into suit (if suit was all-black Givenchy leather). Marcello Burton tees, En Noir leather jeggings, and maybe some Jordans or those Red Octobers Yeezy hooked you up with…personally.

Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t consider that style. That whole “lemme drop as much $$$ on this outfit as possible” doesn’t cut it. We get it – you have money. If style to you is defined by how recognizable your kit is by readers of Selectism and FourPins, you’re prolly hypebeastin.

Aside from these rappers and all those high-low bloggers, I’m not purposefully calling any of y’all out. If you are a die hard Supreme or Stüssy fan, more power to you. Just like many of you, I’m not gonna shy away from some dope exclusive drops just cause all those #OOTD hashtagging, instagram flexin’, blogger boiz are finna cop as well. But just cause it’s Diamond Supply Co. x Vans collaboration, doesn’t mean I’m going to buy it.

Hypebeasts are not just confined to the streets of NYC and our favorite tumblrs. Although you may not be on the #SupremeTeam, you may be part of #NorthFace #Hunter #Longchamp #Polo clique. Or #Chubbies #Sperry #VinyardVines #BrooksBros. Hypebeasts are everywhere.

I get it – I understand. We all are cognizant of the bundle of judgments people draw, within a second of meeting us, based on what we’re wearing. And when people will instantaneously perceive you as cooler, more interesting, more attractive, stylish, and desirable because you are wearing (fill-in-the-brand), it certainly is tempting to go and buy it. Also, it’s made increasingly difficult when we get minute updates on what these latest trends are through a ceaseless barrage of information, from all types of social media feeds, with captions such as, “LOOK HOW COOL WE R & LOOK HOW MUCH UR MISSING OUT!”

But instead of laboring to keep up with trends – why don’t we just set our own? Wouldn’t it be easier to just “do you”? Pajama pants and graphic tees to class? Hell yeah – I’m just doing me. Western shirts and cargo pants? Hell yeah – just doin’ me some more. 

Doin’ you is the solution to solving our country’s current hypebeast epidemic. There are too many people caring about what others are caring about. Let’s change this. Let’s not care. Let’s let our freak flag fly. Let’s try less. Let’s do us.