Do you ever get that mix of awe and fear when thinking about fashion, like you’re not quite "enough" for it?
Well, I used to - often. But today, I’m saying f*** it. Fashion is an art form, and everyone should feel free to express it however they want.
You know who else thought this way? Jane Birkin - the actress and singer who wasn’t afraid to be the first to customize her Birkin, the bag that Hermès designed and produced just for her.
I’ll spare you the full history (you can just Google it, there are a million articles out there) and get straight to the point. Let’s talk about how to make this concept work in streetwear and, most importantly, how to stay G without ruining your fit by drifting into the mainstream.
At the end of this article, you'll find some of my fav online shops where buying the flyiest bag charms.
Quick disclaimer: we don’t earn any fees or commissions from these picks, this is just a free scouting service to help out the community.
What Is Birkinfying?
Birkinfying means customizing your accessories - mainly bags - by adding charms, scarves, keychains, or even DIY elements that reflect your personality.
This trend has expanded beyond handbags, influencing how we style belts, sneakers, and even outerwear.
Why Birkinfying Your Bag?
Streetwear is all about self-expression, and your bag should be no exception.
Birkinfying your bag instantly elevates your fit, making it feel more curated and unique. It’s not just about adding accessories; it’s about telling a story, giving your bag character, and making it a seamless extension of your style.
Whether you carry a vintage messenger, a classic duffle, or a utility tote, a Birkinfied bag adds that OG streetwear edge, proving once again that details always make the difference.
How to Birkinfy Your Bag
Layered Accessories
Think keychains, carabiners, and patches on your tote or backpack. I bet you’ll find some dope keychains from your elementary school backpack that you didn’t even know you still had.
Contrasting Textures
Mixing leather with crochet, metal with beads - just like in clothing, contrasts make the difference here too.
DIY Touches
Paint, pins, or custom embroidery bring a raw, one-of-a-kind feel. The best part? Anything can become a charm. Get creative and start making.
Balanced Styling
Consider the bag as part of the entire outfit - carefully choosing the charms to add should be an integrated process with the rest of your fit. This means considering the colors of the items you’re wearing to stay on palette, as well as how many accessories you’ve added to your look, so you don’t go overboard with the too much.
If your bag is heavily customized, keep the rest of your outfit clean and structured to let the details shine.
If your bag is heavily customized, keep the rest of your outfit clean and structured to let the details shine.
Birkinfying is a concept that works with any style, whether classic or 'normie.' The icons we’ve included in this article show how to integrate it into an OG streetwear look without slipping into the mainstream.
The key? Treat every charm like you would a piece of jewelry - pickyness is key. Fewer, well-chosen charms are always better than overloading your bag. Too many can throw off the balance and risk turning your fit into a Christmas tree effect - definitely not the vibe we’re going for!
The key? Treat every charm like you would a piece of jewelry - pickyness is key. Fewer, well-chosen charms are always better than overloading your bag. Too many can throw off the balance and risk turning your fit into a Christmas tree effect - definitely not the vibe we’re going for!
Recommendations
Got any ideas yet? Time to get to work - go Birkinfy your bags and hit me up on Instagram to show me what you came up with. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Stay creative,
Silvia
Silvia