This is the first in a three-part hipster guide designed to inform and instruct those looking for a lifestyle change or simply to become more knowledgeable about this new phenomenon. So, put a kettle of tea on the stove and read on.

It’s 2012 and the hipster epidemic has struck. Everyone either knows a hipster, hates hipsters or wants to become a hipster. But the perfect balance of wit, plaid and facial hair can only be accomplished by those with a fierce dedication.

Above all else, you must remember the most important rule of being a hipster: never admit to being one.
Even though you’ve secretly striven to be one for years. Even though you’re so excited because your cool friend finally called you a hipster. Even though you bought your glasses praying someone would say they make you look like one. If someone continuously accuses you of being a hipster, the best response is to simply say, “I don’t like to label myself.”

A large part of being a hipster is outward appearance. With that being said, the first step in becoming a hipster is knowing how to dress like one.

Dressing like a hipster:

For ladies:

• Large, thick-rimmed glasses
• High-waisted shorts
• Corduroys
• Ironic shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc.
• 80’s and 90’s clothing and accessories
• Gold chunky jewelry
• Colorful spandex
• Toms or moccasins
• Forehead headbands

For gentlemen:

• Large, thick-rimmed glasses
• Extremely tight pants
• Cut-off jean shorts
• Flannel button ups
• Zip-up hoodies, particularly American Apparel style
• Ironic t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc.
• Deep v-neck t-shirts
• Ironic moustaches, especially handlebars, and/or beards and long, shaggy hair
• Vans or Converse

Keep in mind that your hipster outfit will change depending on the season and your tolerance for cold weather.

Where to shop:

• Your attic! Your mom thought her gruesome 80’s dress would never surface again, but suddenly it’s the perfect compliment to your new lace tights.
• Thrift shops (Savers, Goodwill, etc.)
• Urban Outfitters. Hipsters love things that cost a fraction of their original price, and things that cost ten times as much as they should. Who would pay $70 for a cat sweater? A hipster!
• American Apparel. This goes for both male and female hipsters.
• Your elementary and middle school wardrobe. When you packed away that Pokémon shirt you wore every day in fourth grade you thought that would be the end of it. Now, however, it’s the perfect “ironic” shirt, made even better by the fact that it’s a few sizes too small. The Charmander appliqué says, “I’m still young, but old and mature enough to look back at my childhood in an ironic way.”

A few other hipster accessories:

• iPhone and any other Apple product
• Large, professional looking, vintage camera
• Anything with Native American print
• Fixed gear bike
• Androgynous haircut

Dressing like a hipster, although a vital part of becoming one, is only part of the battle. Check back next week to learn about what hipsters like.