How to Be a True Gangsta

Lil' Wayne sports the gangsta look well.

So you wanna be a true gangsta? All right, quit laughing. You probably don’t want live like a true gangsta; you just want the look. Yet, recreating is difficult for you. Well, here’s a little help. Adorning yourself in the attire that screams gangsta really isn’t that big of a challenge. Why? Most gangstas have been wearing the same recycled pieces over the past year. Here are the key elements to the true gangsta style.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Access to a tattoo shop
• Baggy jeans
• Trendy hair
• Platinum jewels
• Handkerchief
• Trendy kicks
• Swagger

1. Get a tattoo. Tattoos have been a part of the gangsta look for years. Just be sure what you tattoo on your body is meaningful. Go with themes about your mother, spiritual beliefs and dead family and friends.

2. Wear a trendy hairstyle. Hair is a signature piece of the gangsta look. Select one that is trendy or non-traditional such as cornrows, dreads, ponytails and fades with designs in them. You can also go bald. Just be sure you have a tattoo somewhere on your scalp.

3. Buy jeans that are extremely baggy. Baggy, low-riding jeans are key to the gangsta style. Make sure you wear the appropriate trendy boxer shorts underneath them; the ones that you don’t mind showing the world. Top off your baggy jeans with a tank top, flannel shirt or blue jean shirt. These also need to be at least one size too big.

4. Drape yourself in platinum jewelry. Your platinum jewelry needs to be opulent (even if not real). A good gangsta look includes the following pieces: A chain (necklace); a watch and earrings (diamond with platinum casing). Be sure to wear them all together.

5. Use bandannas or handkerchiefs as additional accessories. Besides the jewels, a good bandanna or handkerchief makes a great accessory in the gangsta look. You can tie them around your neck, head or mouth. They will add drama and make you look tough.

6. Sport the latest kicks. “Kicks” are shoes. These shoes should be the ones everybody is dying to get. Usually, they coincide with the most recent kicks released by a NBA player. So keep your eye on what the fashionable kicks are.

7. Put forth a tough swagger. Swagger is the way in which you move and face the world It should be ultra macho or tough. Why? None of the prior steps will work if you come across as “soft.”

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun with this style (just don't tell anyone).

• Unless you are a gangsta, this style is only a look, so don't get into any fights because of it.

Resources

• How to Gangsta Limp
• How to Make a Gangsta Playlist with an Ipod