A couple of days ago, our fashion editor walked into the office wearing ankle boots, a pencil skirt, and, lo and behold, a grey hoodie. Now, for someone like me, who practically lives in trainers, this wouldn't at all be an unusual garment choice. But for our fashion editor, Sarah Maisey, whose wardrobe is filled with pleated skirts and printed jumpsuits, a hoodie seemed somewhat out of the ordinary. Her stamp of approval on the basic garment goes to show how far the hoodie has come in recent months. I would even say it's currently a wardrobe staple.
There are a few elements to consider when picking out and styling your hooded sweatshirt. First, keep in mind that your old hoodie from when you made the varsity volleyball team or your boyfriend’s old college number won’t do. Instead, seek out clean, solid and oversized pieces, perhaps adorned with a touch of lace or a logo of relevance. Earthy shades and monochromes are your go-to colours with this trend.
Don’t be quick to dismiss hoodies as mere facets of athleisure – while sporty brands such as Fenty by Puma and Vetements indeed showed them on the catwalk, Gucci has also incorporated hoodies on its runway, albeit embroidered and emblazoned with its current “Blind for Love” motto.
Hoodies are great for layering. Wear a crisp, untucked white shirt under it or a denim jacket or printed blazer over it, and witness the transformation of your look. For trousers, opt for leathers, leggings or basic blue jeans.
Just be wary of styling your hooded sweatshirt like veteran blogger Chiara Ferragni, who wore her uber-long Vetements hoodie over a leather miniskirt last year, making the garment look like a dress. And let’s just say that her choice of footwear – thigh-high leather boots – wasn’t exactly her saving grace.
hlodi@thenational.ae
