Get the Look:
PUMA x SANTA CRUZ

The new collaboration between global sports brand PUMA and OG Californian skateboarding company Santa Cruz brings us a delicious crossover between sportstyle and skate world aesthetics. Skater style, or skatecore, became a phenomenon in the 90s and never really died out. Characterized by comfortable, casual, and carefree clothes, we can totally understand why. With this in mind, we styled two laid-back looks with bold elements that embody this anti-establishment lifestyle and celebrate the latest drop.

The Shoes

A leader in the skate world, Santa Cruz adds some zest to the classic PUMA kicks. The newly made-up PUMA Suede display a black suede upper with lime green formstrip and the company’s “Shark Dot” graphic on the side, along with an extra set of laces. For the women’s look, we were drawn to the bold PUMA Mayze with its stacked platform — totally on point for sneaker trends this year. The shoe comes in two mono-colorways, black and lime green, both featuring the Santa Cruz Dot Reflection graphic printed on the upper and midsole.

The Outfit(s)

It’s 2021 and the resurgence of 90s aesthetics and Y2K fashion is in full swing. The PUMA x SANTA CRUZ collection, with its range of casually cool unisex and women’s apparel, emulates exactly this. Streetwear favourites including hoodies, tees, and sweatpants are refashioned with a laid-back attitude and bright pop-art graphics that call to mind grungy skater style in the best possible way.

The first look is a bit more feminine, starting with the fitted tee in an all-over-print inspired by the infamous Street Creep graphic from legendary Santa Cruz artist Jim Phillips. The fresh color palette composed of black with brilliant flairs of lime green is the inspo for the rest of the outfit. A loose LBD (little black dress) comes overtop, prioritizing comfort and movement, and then a (preferably oversized) hoodie plucked from the collection rounds off the low-key, ultra-comfy ensemble.

The second outfit starts off with the sweeping long black coat from the new line. With a co-branded logo on the back and that same all-over-print lining the inside, it is slightly more subtle but just as hard-bitten and anti-authoritarian. Beneath this iconic piece, an ashy grey hoodie is the skater staple item not to be overlooked. Then twill trousers from the line are robust enough to provide protection while shredding but also translate perfectly to the streets — easy to move in and comfy to wear. Best worn slightly cuffed and landing a few inches above the ankle, with socks pulled up high to show off the sneakers.

The Accessories  

The skate world tends to prioritize function over fashion, so while less is more with your accessories there is still definitely room for embellishment. Headwear like a beanie is practical for keeping your hair out of your face (while remaining effortlessly cute) and sheer thigh-high tights elevate things just a bit. Lastly, a funky cowhide handbag in an iteration of that amazing lime green is the one exception to the practicality theme.

On the other side, we started with the backpack from the collection. It comes with handy adjustable straps designed to carry your skateboard (such as the deck shown here with one of the most iconic graphics in the Santa Cruz library, Jim Phillip’s Screaming Hand, splashed across it and other items in the collection). A classic wallet chain reinforces the rebellious nature of the look and matches to key elements in the ring and armband. A black snapback keeps things authentic and green hemp socks with a cheeky smiley face on the heel keep it playful.

The latest series from PUMA and Santa Cruz exemplifies the magic that can be found at the intersection of streetwear and the skate world. Taking cues from the subculture, this collection delivers fashion-savvy footwear, apparel, and accessories aligned with that undeniably cool skater style.