Aug 1, 2017

6 Chic Ways to Style Up the Humble Hoodie

by Barbara McMillan

How to wear a hoodie? It's something you could be forgiven for not knowing, despite the fact that athleisure has become a mainstay over the past year or so. Sneakers came first, followed by super-flattering side-stripe pants and leggings, but the hooded sweatshirt? So many bad associations are to blame for its slightly later arrival to the fashion spotlight, but thanks to a host of celebrity backers (namely Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner) and a truckload of street style stars, there are now more answers than ever to the aforementioned question.

So how best to negotiate styling and avoid looking like you're nipping out to the shops? Be sure to steer clear of velour (unless you're feeling particularly like unleashing your inner '00s girl, which isn't always a bad thing), opt for polished accessories wherever possible to elevate your look, and when in doubt, channel a minimal aesthetic, and lean on a classic marl grey hoodie. You can never go wrong with a simple colour palette.

Scroll below for our guide on how to wear a hoodie, as well as the shopping pieces you'll need for each look.

The Minimal Approach

Photo:

Style du Monde

Style Notes: Feeling a little scared at the prospect of wearing a hoodie outside of the gym? Don't be; just keep it simple. If you don't already own a grey hoodie, choose a style that's slightly cropped for the most figure-flattering finish, and team with high-waist wide-leg jeans and heels for a sophisticated daytime look.

Layer Up

Photo:

Style du Monde

Style Notes: Tracey Cheng gives us a lesson in artful layering and belting, seen here wearing her chic black hoodie under an embroidered khaki shirt tied neatly at the waist. Go the extra mile, and add statement earrings to get the new-season look right.

Do Embrace Statement Accessories

Photo:

Style du Monde

Style Notes: Yes, we know, this sounds excessively sporty, but we think the baseball cap works well with a hoodie when balanced out with heels.

Do Dress It Up

Street style black hoodie with high heels

Photo:

Collage Vintage

Style Notes: Be brave, and work your new athleisure staple into your eveningwear wardrobe. Choose subtle embellished detailing (Zara has a great option), and be sure to wear with a pair of equally pretty heels to keep your look evening-appropriate.

Try Something Tailored

Photo:

Collage Vintage

Style Notes: Walk the fine line between smart and sporty, and instead of a shirt, why not style your super-sleek tailored suit with a logo sweatshirt?

Coordinate

Photo:

Style du Monde

Style Notes: Tonal colours worn from top to toe are the most flattering and most impactful when you're launching into tracksuit territory. If colour is just not your thing, try The Row for ultra-luxe loungewear separates in neutral shades.

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