Wanted That Gambino Style Without Emptying My Wallet
Okay, so I’ve been totally obsessed with Childish Gambino’s vibe lately, especially his stage outfits. That mix of retro prints, weird patterns, bright colors, and just… effortless cool? Yeah, that. But man, that level of unique style looks expensive. Really expensive. My wallet started sweating just thinking about it.
I knew going straight to designer stores was a one-way ticket to Ramen-for-a-month town. Nah. Started simple. Took like a zillion screenshots of his looks from music videos and live shows – ‘This is America’, ‘Feels Like Summer’, those killer awards show appearances. Zoomed in hard. What fabrics? What kinda shapes? That Hawaiian shirt moment? Fire. Needed something similar but not bankrupting me.
Hit the obvious first: thrift stores. Got my butt to like four different ones, spent hours elbow-deep in the men’s section. Found a few almost pieces. A kinda loud button-up with these weird birds? Grabbed it ($7!). Some slightly-too-baggy olive chinos that felt like the right silhouette ($5!). Kept digging. Was aiming for that specific, slightly oversized, bold pattern shirt he rocks. Found a contender! Floral print, not exactly like his, but crazy bright and a bit unusual ($8!). Score.
Next mission: finding a standout jacket. Saw him in this awesome, almost shiny, patterned bomber thing. Knew finding the exact match on my budget was fantasy. Scoured online discount apps and physical stores hunting for a bomber that felt unique but didn’t scream “trying too hard”. Found one! Was kinda hesitant at first. Pattern was bolder than I usually go for, dark background with big florals. But then I thought, “What would Gambino do?” Bought it ($45 – still cheap for a coat!).
Accessories time, where the magic happens. His chain necklaces! Started scoping cheap stores. Found a simple linked chain that felt hefty enough, not flimsy ($12). Then the really fun part: unique items. Remembered his cool patterned scarves sometimes. Found one tucked away at the thrift store, silky feel, abstract squares in yellows and browns – definitely unusual ($4!). Perfect.
Took it all home for the big fitting. Mixed the bird shirt under the floral bomber. Wowza! The patterns clashed in a way that totally worked? Added the chain, draped the scarf loose. Tried the baggy chinos… meh. Swapped them out for some plain black jeans I already had – much cleaner. Put on my beat-up trainers. Looked in the mirror and damn near jumped. That was it. That weird, cool, patterned, layered look I wanted.
The crazy thing? Added it all up. Jacket ($45) + Chain ($12) + Shirt ($7) + Chinos ($5) + Scarf ($4) = $73. Seventy-three bucks! For an outfit that feels crazy unique and totally nods to Gambino’s vibe. Felt like I hacked the system. Yeah, it’s not head-to-toe designer. But honestly? Mixing weird thrifted finds and cheap basics got me that look. Proves you don’t need deep pockets, just patience and maybe a little courage to try the loud patterns. So happy with how it turned out.
