How to become a hipster in 13 steps

Fashion goes in cycles, so today's hipsters are really just dressing like their dad. Flannel shirts? Your dad wore them in the 70s. Fedoras? Your granddad had one. As a hipster you'll want to look like you randomly dug through your ancestors' closet. But it takes effort to look like you don't care - those skinny jeans don't put on themselves. Just take the band Fleet Foxes (above) as an example.

It's also important where you get your clothes. If your hipster friends ask where you bought that awesome vintage floral lace shirt or the cool combat boots, you certainly can't say H&M. If it has to be a chain store, then make it Urban Outfitters or American Apparel. But of course thrift shops and flea markets are the way to go, that's really where you should spend most of your weekends.

Every hipster needs glasses. And no, they don't have to be prescription glasses, or even contain any glass at all. The important thing is to have big colorful frames sitting on your nose. Whether they're shuttershades, oversized plastic glasses or authentic Ray Bans - you want them. They don't even have to flatter your face as long as they're oversized or shiny.

No self-respecting hipster leaves the house without a tote bag and that goes for guys just as much as girls. They're great for carrying around a Moleskin journal or your Polaroid camera. You can even jump around in them as long as your bag has an ironic saying or artsy print on the side. As the hipster parody TV show "Portlandia" would say, "Put a bird on it."

When it comes to accessorizing and wearing colors, anything goes - from large flower headbands, to neon nail polish. You can pair bright belts with long necklaces and colorful or patterned leggings. The secret is to mismatch and layer. Plus, always carry something that a kid would take to school, like an animal lunchbox. For inspiration, check out the hipster band Banda Uo (pictured).

A male hipster must be hairy. Whether it's a five-o'clock-shadow, a moustache, goatee, or an untamed full beard - male hipsters musn't go overboard with their razor. It's basically like participating in Movember (mustache month) all year. If you can't grow a beard, glue one on your face. And for a true unkempt appearance any hipster would die for, the hair on your head must look messy as well.

Hipsters define themselves as being individual and authentic. That's why they all have tattoos. You'll have to get one too, and the more ironic the better. But try to choose an unusual or even painful spot for your new ink like your neck, wrist or ankle. You could even go for an unusual place like the back of your legs, because a hipster wouldn't get a tattoo that doesn't attract attention.

If you want the Berlin hipster world to take you seriously, attend plenty of summer festivals. For some serious cred, don't take off your festival wristbands. Ever. The filthier they look, the better. True hipsters collect and wear them until they fall off. But be sure to choose the right festivals - Melt is too commercial, Fusion too mainstream, but Nation might still be alternative enough.

Your beverage sends a message, so you can't just walk around with any drink in your hand. The number one hipster drink in Germany is Club Mate, which you can find in any corner shop in Berlin. It's a caffeinated sparkling beverage made with yerba mate extract. It's also popular mixed with vodka. This magic drink is now sold in hipster cities all over the world.

As a hipster you have to be aware of what goes into your stomach. Your veggies are locally grown, organic (of course), and purchased at the farmers' market. You also look down on meat eaters. Drinking coffee is like a hipster's tea ceremony. You know all the latest beans and roasts and you only drink organic, fair trade coffee from the local underground coffee shop.

As a hipster you listen to music that nobody knows, so you obviously go to the underground club no one has heard of. It's probably in an old warehouse that just opened yesterday but will be closed again in two days. Hipsters despise anything mainstream, so don't even think about going to Berlin's former insider club tip, Berghain - it's become so "touristy and pedestrian."

What some consider rundown, the hipster sees as vintage and "shabby chic." As a hipster your natural habitats are backyard sales, flea markets and thrift stores. Must-haves for any hipster apartment are grandma-style lamps, sofas from the 70s, and antlers on the wall. The latter is very practical to hold your glasses while you're not wearing them - which should hardly ever happen (remember?).

A good spot to find hipsters is a hip hole-in-the wall urban café where they stare at their Apple laptops while sipping a Chai tea or artisanal soy latte. After all, hipsters must update their virtual hipster lives at all times, whether posting their latest vegan cuisine on Instagram or their emotionally charged poetry on Tumblr. So what's the last step to being a hipster? Sharing this gallery.