It’s a new year and old notions of gendered fashion are firmly in the past. Need some streetwear advice? We have got you covered with some of our fave hacks to keep you stylish, cool and full of swag.

LEATHER LACES

Even if you’re super diligent about keeping your kicks clean, it’s a headache to keep laces looking fresh. There’s a simple and inexpensive solution in the form of leather or leather-like laces. A simple wipe with a damp cloth restores them to optimal health, and they upgrade the look of even the most basic kicks. Find them at courtorder.co.za.

REPLICATE A GREAT PIECE OF CLOTHING

Ever fell in love with a piece of clothing, but wore it to shreds because of that affection? Of course, you have! We all have. Finding those exact pieces months or even years later is often impossible. However, a skilled tailor will be able to recreate your beloved piece by cutting a pattern from the existing one. If they don’t have the fabric you want, you’ll have to source it, but ask them to guide you.

CUSTOM DENIM JACKETS

Storytelling through fashion is on the rise, and customising a denim jacket is a great way to do this while also creating a distinctive piece. But unless you’re a skilled tailor, leave it to the pros. Our advice is to take your time planning the piece. Sketch it out or take a pic of it, then use an editing app to draw your design ideas directly onto the pic. It should be meaningful and creative in equal measure.

REVIVE YOUR SOLES

Over time, the soles of sneakers will discolour. adidas Ultraboost enthusiasts, in particular, will be familiar with this problem, and until now, there has been no solution. Step forward Sharpie oil-based paint pens. They have not only extended the life of the sneakers but also done so at a reasonable cost (AroundR50 at Shelflife). Pro tip: Tape your midsoles up before application.

VINTAGE ACCESSORIES

If you’re anything like some of the gents on our team, you see a gulf between the romance of vintage clothing shopping and the reality thereof. We just can’t get used to the cramped nature of most of these shops. Then there’s that smell. You know it. Anyway, while we sometimes steer clear of buying vintage clothes, we (including our stylists) have found absolute fashion-gold in the form of accessories. Dedicate enough time to this and you’ll find distinctive pieces that will subtly elevate your look.