✨ Let’s get into it ✨
⏱ 1 min read
💡 TLDR
Forget expensive designer bags—the new "it girl" flex is actually wearing random merch caps from record stores and cafes. Olivia Rodrigo and Hailey Bieber are ditching quiet luxury to hard-launch their niche obsessions with $50 hats!
Forget spending thousands on “it” bags just to stay relevant—the internet’s favorite It girls are actually raiding their own junk drawers for the ultimate accessory. From concert souvenirs to boutique shop logos, the merch cap has become the easiest way to serve a curated vibe without breaking the bank.
The New Off-Duty Uniform
If you want to see how this looks in practice, just look at Olivia Rodrigo’s recent street style in New York. She was serving major grungy-cool energy in a knitted poncho and tall boots, but it was her accessory choice that really tied the whole aesthetic together. She accessorized with sunglasses, a tote bag, and a cap that bore the logo of Supervinyl, a boutique record store in LA. Even Hailey Bieber is leaning into the movement, recently spotted in Paris wearing a black Mercedes-Benz logo cap to balance out an oversized fringe leather jacket.
💫 She accessorized with sunglasses, a tote bag, and a cap that bore the logo of Supervinyl, a boutique record store in LA.
Instead of those rainbow Ralph Lauren caps Kendall Jenner rocked during the quiet luxury era, the new goal is to look like you have actual interests beyond just looking expensive.
Hard Launching Your Fandoms
The trend has also turned into a way for celebs to basically hard-launch their hyper-specific obsessions through headwear. Jennifer Lawrence is leading the charge with an extensive hat collection that signals exactly what she’s watching—or listening to—ranging from Wes Craven’s Scream and Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love to Shania Twain and even Citymeals on Wheels. Zoë Kravitz did the same thing by declaring herself an Sex and the City superfan with a red logo cap paired with simple athletic shorts.
The best part? Most of these pieces are under $50—or completely free if you snagged them at a pop-up or concert. You don’t need a stylist; you just need to dig through your closet for that one random cafe or venue hat. Getting in on the trend is as simple as finding a cap from an artist, venue, or record store.
Are you rocking any vintage merch caps lately, or do you prefer a clean, unbranded look?
❓ People Also Ask
Why are celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Hailey Bieber wearing merch caps?
Celebrities are wearing merch caps to create a curated, off-duty aesthetic that signals personal interests rather than just showing off wealth. This trend moves away from expensive luxury items toward a more approachable and interesting look. For instance, Olivia Rodrigo recently paired a Supervinyl boutique record store cap with a knitted poncho to achieve a grungy-cool vibe, while Hailey Bieber used a Mercedes-Benz logo cap to balance an oversized leather jacket.
How can people participate in the merch cap fashion trend?
You can join the merch cap trend by wearing headwear from specific artists, music venues, or local record stores. This style focuses on finding affordable pieces, often costing under fifty dollars or even being free from concert souvenirs and pop-up shops. Instead of buying high-end designer labels, the goal is to dig through your own closet for random cafe or venue hats that show off your unique personality and fandoms.
What kind of interests do celebrities reveal through their hat collections?
Celebrities use logo caps to hard-launch their hyper-specific obsessions and personal fandoms to the public. Jennifer Lawrence uses an extensive hat collection to signal her love for specific media, such as Wes Craven’s Scream or Shania Twain. Similarly, Zoë Kravitz uses a red logo cap to declare herself a superfan of the television series Sex and the City, making her personal tastes a central part of her street style.
How does the merch cap trend differ from the quiet luxury aesthetic?
The merch cap trend focuses on showing actual interests and personality rather than just looking expensive through unbranded or high-end items. While the quiet luxury era featured polished accessories like Kendall Jenner’s rainbow Ralph Lauren caps, the new movement favors items that feel more casual and curated. This shift allows people to serve a specific vibe using affordable or vintage pieces that represent their specific tastes in music, film, or local culture.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: Bustle