One of the perks of moving back in with my parents was reuniting with my hooded sweatshirt collection, including
- the one from that time I (briefly) joined my high school track team
- the one from Sydney University, where I took a class during my study abroad semester
- the
onetwo embroidered with printed fabric letters from my sorority days at Boston University
I was eager to reintroduce my hoodies into my daily wardrobe; they were comfortable, warm, and…did I already say comfortable? However, I quickly realized that wearing them as a 34-year-old mother of two just made me feel frumpy, even on those days when I never left the house.
Luckily, I found a compromise: grown-up sweatshirts that straddle the fashion line between sporty and sophisticated.
I was wearing one while on a video call with Jeran and Sarah last week, although I had to laugh when Sarah appeared on my monitor looking lovely in a vintage-inspired polka dot dress. By comparison, what they could see of my grey sweatshirt in the monitor must have seemed underwhelming.
“But wait!” I exclaimed, angling the camera at my waist. “It has side zippers!”
Based on personal experience — and the photos above — I say it’s totally possible to look chic in a sweatshirt. The trick is to find one that’s simple in design (I prefer mine slouchy yet slim-fitting) with one eye-catching detail. A twist of fabric, contrasting trim, or bold typography would do the trick.
Here are few current favorites:
- Faded tunic sweatshirt from GAP
- Knot sweatshirt from ASOS (Sadly, this particular sweatshirt is out of stock, but I found this almost identical alternative that I might even like better.)
- Bien Fait sweatshirt from Madewell
- Stripe-trim sweatshirt from J.Crew
- Crew sweatshirt from Everlane
- Alexa Chung for AG sweatshirt from Nordstrom
Would you dare to wear a sweatshirt out of the house? Or do they fall strictly under the category of gym/lounge clothing?
PS – For more fashion inspiration, follow my style board on Pinterest!
(top images via Zara, ELLE, PopSugar)
i think fit is key wih sweatshirts if you’re wearing them out of the house. If the shape is a little more shrunken/fitted, they totally work! I even wear sparkly necklaces with mine to dress them up even more. 🙂
Gasp! I love this. You’ve inspired me to try this today!
You have no idea how much it thrills me hear you say this! Would you share a photo of your chic sweatshirt outfit? I’d love to see it!
sweatshirts are the all-time best. and i agree, maybe not the most fashionable to wear the old GW and BU hoodies, but i’ve snagged some super cute sweatshirts recently from ann taylor loft and target!
They may not be fashionable, but those old college hoodies are hard to part with!
I’m pretty sure you stole the track team sweatshirt 🙂 I never got one to keep beyond the season.
And a brand new pair of matching sweatpants, too. 😉
I want that knot sweatshirt from ASOS!! Sadly, it is out of stock now.
Oh no! I just found a similar knot sweatshirt (and I might even like it better). I’ll update the post with the new link, too.
I’m 100% on board with the sweatshirt look. Thank goodness I work in an office that is casual because with a necklace or a pair of booties, I would have no problem wearing one of these everyday.
Go for it! Gah, I couldn’t imagine working in an office where business attire was the dress code.