What’s the vibe? is all things gay, feminine, empowering, campy, and fun. The goal of this magazine is to empower and encourage readers to not only take fashion risks but use it as a statement. Aesthetics and beauty is often deemed as something not important and claims are made that it has no ties to the politics and opinions of the world What’s the Vibe? thinks the opposite
Fashion is inspired by the state of the world, inspiration is everywhere. We find ways to incorporate political conversations into a fashion statement. In order to give credit where credit is due, What’s the Vibe? magazine strives to provide information about the source of our fashion inspirations, everyday apparel and aesthetics.
Founded by Foster Monroe and Emma Lu Sarkissian, we take our midwest mindset and pair it with our experiences around the world. We look for things everywhere and find ways to incorporate ideas and aesthetics worldwide into our readers' world.
ROYAL RAIN BOOTS
Rain: Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t escape it Personally, I love the rain, but more often than not, it throws off the vibe when it comes to choosing an outfit for the day. The wrong shoes? Your feet are soaked. A jacket that’s too thin? You’re damp all day. No hat or umbrella? Say goodbye to your hairstyle.
The thing about rain is that it affects everyone. It doesn’t care about your income, the designer you ’ re wearing, or how long you spent on your hair It’s a universal inconvenience whether you ’ re an average student or a member of the British Royal Family. And, in fact, it may be through them that we find the ultimate rainy-day fashion inspiration.
Thanks to strict royal guidelines and the high expectations placed upon them, the Royal Family must be on top of their fashion game 100% of the time And whether it’s Queen Elizabeth II in her early days or Prince William now as heir to the throne, they have always found stylish solutions to rainy weather. Netflix’s The Crown perfectly showcases the family’s decades of hunter-chic rain gear.
Muted greens and browns, paired with striking red plaids, create a practical look that stands apart from the Royals’ everyday attire while remaining entirely regal Much of this classic rainwear comes from Barbour, a brand that has been closely linked to the Royal Family since 1974, when the Duke of Edinburgh granted it a Royal Warrant essentially a royal stamp of approval.
Now, I’m not suggesting that everyone drop $1,000+ on a Barbour raincoat. Let’s be honest rain gear often feels impractical, hard to style, or just plain unflattering. But I do think there’s something to learn from the Royals If they can maintain an air of elegance under the dreary British skies, maybe we can too. It’s time to embrace the rain and throw on some boots.
To begin this journey, let’s look at none other than young Prince William in this 1987 outfit
Breaking down the color palette, these bold colors make a simple statement on their own but then paired with the boots and jacket, it creates this cozy look that you crave on a rainy day.
The important thing about rainy days is layering You never know how damp you ' re going to get, the weather tends to fluctuate in terms of heat, and also, layering is awesome. To achieve this look or something similar, you first need a good pair of jeans. Keep in mind, if you aren’t planning on wearing a rainboot then your jeans can get a little damp so it’s wise to wear a jean that tapers into the ankle.
From here, you have a little more range You could go with a tank, tee, button up or all of the above. This layering piece isn’t as important but it could make or break the outfit. It’s all dependent on the sweater you throw over it. It’s wise to go with neutral colors for this look because at the end of the day you must tie it into your jacket.
Neutrals include whites, creams, browns, blacks, and if you have an established staple color- that can be one of your neutrals This sweater on top of the first layer will not only keep you warm from the rain but it also provides texture to the outfit that even furthers the coziness you need on a rainy day.
Now at this moment, you have a really great layered piece, If it’s not raining- great outfit but if it IS raining- then it’s even better. Rain accessories are severely underrated, and it’s time we utilize them
Foster Monroe
The Tabi Effect
In February, I had the opportunity of a lifetime— two weeks spent traveling through Japan. Beyond the incredible memories and unforgettable travel stories, the fashion lover in me knew there was one thing I had to bring back: a pair of Tabis. It would be the perfect homage to Japan. The iconic split-toe shoe, with all its quirky, almost absurd charm, had been occupying my mind non-stop, like a song you can ’t shake. I needed a pair, and what better place to get them than in the country of their origin?
If you ’ ve seen a pair of Tabis, you know their magnetic pull. But if you haven’t, let me explain the style. Tabis are shoes that split your toes into two parts, creating a hoof-like appearance with a slit down the middle. They’ re often flat with a slightly raised heel, accentuating the barefoot look. At first glance, they might seem like any other shoe, but once you look closer, they become the focal point of any outfit. You might hate them, even find them repulsive, but soon enough, you ’ll find yourself strangely drawn to them. And before long, their image will stick with you, festering in your fashion-conscious mind.
Maison Margiela is perhaps the most notable purveyor of Tabis, with pairs selling for $1000 or more, often worn by celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Paul Mescal, Emma Chamberlain, and Kylie Jenner. Following suit, other brands like Nike and Kyoto-based Sou-Sou have pushed their own Tabi designs. In the past year, these "hoof shoes" have dominated runways, Instagram feeds, red carpets, and nearly every corner of the fashion world. But what is it that makes them so fascinating?
DENIM ON DENIM ON DENIM
Everyone has a favorite pair of jeans. Take a moment to think about yours. Now, ask yourself what makes them your favorite? Is it the way they sit at your waist? The perfect wash or rips? There’s something about them that makes them distinctly yours. And on a bad day, slipping into them just makes things a little better. But why do we all feel so good in our favorite jeans?
Denim has been a wardrobe staple since 1873 when Jacob Davis partnered with Levi Strauss to create the now-iconic Levi’s jeans. Originally designed for long, grueling workdays, these pants were made to withstand the stress that workers—especially those in gold mines— were putting on their clothes.
Though denim was first introduced as durable workwear, it quickly evolved into a symbol of the American West and working-class America. It was practical, rugged, and deeply symbolic.
As Western films gained popularity, Hollywood embraced denim, introducing jeans to mainstream culture No longer just for laborers, denim became a staple for cowboys on the big screen, forever linking it to a rebellious, all-American image.
After World War II, American soldiers stationed in Japan left behind belongings including their jeans This unexpected fashion export captured the attention of Japanese youth, sparking the Taiyozoku (Sun Tribe) subculture, which embodied a bold, rebellious spirit. This international influence only fueled the denim craze.
Now, you might be thinking this is a lot of history for such a simple, everyday item. But denim’s roots run deep, shaping culture, identity, and self-expression across generations.
Denim’s significance extends far beyond fashion. During slavery, it was used to create a stark divide slave owners typically wore fine linens and lace, while enslaved people were dressed in denim workwear. Even before this, in the 1700s, enslaved individuals labored in fields picking indigo and cotton two key materials used to produce denim for working-class white Americans.
Decades later, Black Americans reclaimed denim, using it as a powerful statement during the Civil Rights Movement. Protesters and activists, including members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), wore denim overalls and jeans as a uniform of resilience. These garments not only symbolized the struggles of Black Americans but also provided practical protection from violence during demonstrations.
As activism continued, so did denim’s evolution as a fashion statement. The hippie movement of the 1960s and ‘70s intersected with the Civil Rights Movement, and denim became a symbol of counterculture and protest. The flared jeans of the ‘70s, now a coveted vintage style, embodied the era’s spirit of self-expression.
With Levi Strauss based in San Francisco ground zero for both the hippie movement and political activism it’s no surprise that head-to-toe denim became a defining look. In response to the cultural climate, Levi’s introduced custom stitching and patchwork, allowing wearers to personalize their jeans in alignment with their beliefs.
The 1980s saw denim take on a new identity—acidwashed, studded, and distressed. The clean, structured look of previous decades gave way to the rebellious, worn-in aesthetic we still see today. So, the next time your parents ask what happened to the rest of your jeans, remind them that they were the ones who embraced ripped denim first.
By the 1990s, the fashion industry fully embraced denim as an everyday wardrobe essential. Designers like Calvin Klein made jeans undeniably chic, famously dressing Brooke Shields in them with the tagline, Nothing comes between me and my Calvins. Brands like Tommy Hilfiger capitalized on the denim boom, positioning it as the go-to look for the effortlessly cool.
If you browse any store today, chances are you’ll find a pair of jeans labeled 90s denim—a nod to the straight-leg silhouette that defined the decade. Women like Julia Roberts and Whitney Houston cemented the trend, pairing their jeans with monochrome looks that made denim feel as timeless as the little black dress.
On the West Coast, Chicana culture put its own stamp on denim, further pushing the trend. Artists like Selena embraced the denim-ondenim look, inspiring the Latin community to take pride in their personal style.
And then came the 2000s a decade of iconic denim moments. It-girls wore the lowest-cut jeans imaginable, emo boys drowned in the baggiest pairs, and everyone else found a place somewhere in between. It was an era of experimentation, where denim was styled in both practical and impractical ways.
Today, oversized, loose-fitting jeans dominate fashion, often paired with anything and everything. While many wear denim without considering its historical and cultural weight, the fabric has always carried meaning whether political, personal, or purely aesthetic.
Even in music, denim remains an emblem of identity. Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter celebrates denim’s cultural significance with tracks like Levi Jeans and Sweet Honey Buckin’, evoking the effortless cool of a perfect pair of jeans. This isn’t new— artists have long used denim as a symbol in their lyrics. Elton John’s Tiny Dancer paints the picture of an effortlessly stylish "blue-jean baby," while Lana Del Rey romanticizes denim in Blue Jeans.
This "it-person" we all imagine—cool, effortless, timeless is probably wearing their favorite jeans, a neutral top, and a classic sneaker. Style icons continue to embrace denim’s versatility, and brands are following suit. Baggu is releasing denim-inspired purses, Target aisles are lined with denim accessories, and major designers are sending full-denim looks down the runway.
Our relationship with denim is constantly evolving, just as its styles have come and gone throughout history. Whether you reach for your favorite pair on a casual day or use denim to make a bold statement, one thing remains true: denim is here to stay.
Influence on Hip Hop, Fashion and
BreakingBoundaries Tyler the Creator’s
QueerIdentity
Amid the success of Chromokopia, Tyler, the Creator’s eighth studio album that debuted atop the Billboard 100, and the launch of his world tour, his influence on culture is undeniable. But beyond the album’s numbers, his impact stretches into a much broader conversation about fashion, hip-hop, and queer identities one that feels more relevant than ever as queervoicescontinuetoshapethemusicindustry.
From the moment you step into one of the many arenas on Tyler’s Chromokopia tour, his distinct artistic vision is evident. The main stage features a massive green shipping crate with “Chromokopia” emblazoned on it, a symbol of this new era for Tyler. A smaller stage showcases an intimate living room setup. Some fans have interpreted this contrast as a metaphor for Tyler feeling as though parts of himself have been “shipped away.” But the aesthetic of Chromokopia extends far beyond the stage design. Fans, many sporting pieces from Tyler’s brand Golf Wang, green Sambas, Chucks, pastel cardigans, butter yellows, loafers, and trousers, create a visual connection through their shared expression of fashion.
Foster Monroe
Throughout his career, Tyler has used fashion as a tool for artistic expression, constantly evolving his style to reflect the themes of each album. One example is the split-colored red and pink suit with a blonde bob-cut wig worn during the Igor era. For Chromokopia, it’s the split-face mask he wears, referencing the album’s song “Mask Off.” In many cases, these outfits transcend beyond mere clothes they become personas or characters, like “Goblin” or “Wolf,” used to explore deeper themes in his work. Tyler himself has said these personas allow him to define who he is, both as an artist and as an individual. Through bold choices in fashion, sound, and character, Tyler has firmly established himself as an influential artist, unafraid to takerisksandbreakawayfromindustrynorms.
Though his music is classified as hip-hop or rap by the Billboard Charts and the Recording Academy, Tyler’s sound constantly pushes the boundaries of the genre. His third album, Cherry Bomb, was initially seen as highly experimental, and with his fifth album, Igor, Tyler further blurred genre lines by incorporating rock, R&B, hip-hop, and psychedelic influences creating something entirely unique. But perhaps most groundbreaking was his openness about his sexuality. Traditionally,hip-hophasbeenagenrethat,whilebuilt on raw and unfiltered expression, lacked queer representation and, at times, even embraced homophobic rhetoric. Tyler flipped this narrative with the release of his fourth album, Flower Boy, where he became one of the first major hip-hop artists to openly discuss his queer identity as a Black man within an industry not yet ready for such conversations. The album's title itself references a derogatory Korean term for a "delicate, gender-fluid young man, " reclaiming it inhisownway.
Tyler’s influence extends beyond his music. In 2011, he founded his fashion label, Golf Wang, becoming one of the first artists to take merchandise beyond the typical concert tees. The brand exists separately from his music but remains an essential part of the Tyler, the Creator universe. Golf Wang exemplifies the collapse of rigid gendernormsinfashion,reflectingTyler’sownidentity. His consistent ability to blend comfort and style speaks to his belief in self-expression and authenticity, values central to queer identity. As Tyler has said, his aim with Golf Wang is to "create fashion that reflects one’s most comfortable state," a sentiment that echoes the power ofself-discoveryinthequeercommunity.
Additionally, Tyler has spoken about how Golf Wang represents embracing one’s inner child. In a 2019 interview with Vogue, he explained, “No matter your age, I think everyone stays the same at their core. Maybe the shorts I wear now have a different cuff, maybe the dress socks I’m wearing are a little nicer, but it’s still the same as when I was 19 or 15 years old.” By fulfilling the desires of our inner child, we reconnect withourtruest,unsuppressedselves.
Although Tyler and Golf Wang rarely appear in fashion weeks or on red carpets, their influence on fashion is undeniable. Since its debut in 2011, Golf Wang has collaborated with major brands like Lacoste, Jeni’s Ice Cream,theNFL,and,mostnotably,LouisVuittonunder Pharrell Williams’ creative direction all while consistently incorporating femininity into men’s fashion.
Tyler’s influence transcends music, expanding the boundaries of self-expression in an industry historically resistanttovoiceslikehis.BeforeTyler,anopenlyqueer rapper was virtually unheard of, and his openness has had a ripple effect across the industry. Artists like Frank Ocean and Kevin Abstract of Brockhampton began to share their queer identities after Flower Boy, helping to create space for representation in hip-hop. Lil Nas X, now an iconic figure in pop and hip-hop, has credited Tyler and Frank Ocean for paving the way for queer artists in the industry. Rising stars like Doechii further demonstratethatqueerartistsarenotjustparticipating inmusic theyareleadingit.
Start your pin collection! Look for old pins or start collecting them when you’re out. they really do make the cutest accessory and are so fun.
Funky tights are the ultimate way to add color to your spring outfits while mastering the transition from cold to warm weather. And if you ask me, the funkier the better!
Listen, we all have bad hair days and sometimes the best thing we can do is cover it up. Throw on a thick headband and stop letting greasy hair ruin your day!
Everyone needs to have a comfy loose fitting matching set. You just do. It is the perfect effortless outfit on a lazy day and you feel like you’re in pj’s all day!!
Need a confidence boost in your work life? Get a pair of kitten heels. I recently bought my first pair to wear as I worked Paris Fashion Week…and let me tell you I felt like a fashionable business girl straight out of the Devil Wears Prada. We’ve seen watch rings but how about buckle rings?! Let’s keep the maximization of hard wear themed jewelry going.
