I’ll be honest – unless I’m dressing for a particular occasion, my go-to look is casual cool. I rotate about five different cuts of white T-shirt per week. And as much as I love a frilly collar, good quality basics now make up 70% of my wardrobe. Think white tee, sharp blazer, straight leg jeans. Meet the latest addition to your staple wardrobe: the chicest hoodies. Now part of the essential gang thanks to the rise of casualwear.
Wearing pyjamas to work (bottom half only, if WFH) has become the norm, so much so that hoodies are now considered making an effort. Though cosy, hoodies could be considered the ‘lazy’ option when it comes to dressing, but they can be styled.
I might choose a cropped style with high-waisted jeans, or an oversized iteration with a stirrup legging or tailored shorts. You might even go for the ‘I just stole this from my boyfriend’ look, with an extra baggy version. Or opt for the authentic version and actually steal one from your boyfriend, a la Hailey Bieber (we would if it was Justin’s too).
The rules
Choose your style
A hoodie is a simple throw-on option, but there are various styles to choose from. There’s cropped versions, fleece, cashmere, knitted, zip-up and sporty.
Perhaps you feel the tracksuit two-piece is a bit niche 90s for you. And the velour Juicy Couture-style matching set? Far too Y2K. Why not dip your toe in the comfy style with a sporty sweatshirt fit, or a knitted version that resembles your favourite jumper?
Layer up
When the weather’s unpredictable the humble hoodie really comes into its own (outside of the four walls of your bedroom). They are great for layering.
A favourite of the fashion editors is a grey or cream hoodie worn as an extra layer of warmth between a T-shirt and a black blazer, paired with straight-leg blue jeans.
Or try draping the hoodie over your shoulders, or in a loose knot around your neck instead – this instantly makes a tailored look more casual. Style with stomper boots or a pair of Nike high-tops.
How to style with a dress
Don’t be afraid to wear a hoodie with something uber feminine, like a midi dress. Okay, it might feel a little Lily Allen circa the Noughties when paired with trainers. But add a trench coat on top, or a blazer and boots and you’ve got a curated outfit right there.
If you prefer a more fitted look, go for a cropped hoodie to create more shape, or a zip-up style worn open, so nothing takes away from the flowing silhouette of your dress.
Don’t be afraid of colour
If you’re craving a dose of vitamin C, try one of Ganni’s sherbet shade hoodies. Or for a pop of colour to a tonal outfit, try a vintage tie-dye hoodie. If you find bright colour a little daunting, throw on a leather blazer or quilted jacket to tone down the playfulness.
There’s no sign of letting go of loungewear any time soon. And one chic hoodie style is never enough. If you’re in the same boat, then keep scrolling to shop my favourite hoodie brands for all your laid-back needs.
Where to buy them
Best for designer dupes: & Other Stories
The hoodie section is a permanent feature at & Other Stories and they keep things interesting – try a zip oversized style with leggings and a blazer, a cropped with high-rise jeans and a sleeveless over a polo neck or another sweatshirt.
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Best for celebrity approved: Pangaia
These dreamy pastel hues have been seen on everyone from J Lo to Harry Styles. Plus, they’re made from recycled materials. You had us at sea mist.
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Best for motifs: H&M
Who says you have to go to Harvard to sport their logo? No one. But slogans and motifs do add an extra layer of cool to your athleisure look. Style with an oversized blazer, leather trousers and a baseball cap and you’ll look like one of the cool kids on campus.
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Best for different materials: Arket
Most of these we’d want to sleep in. Alpaca-blend hoodie? Yes please, that will make getting out of bed in the morning to go to work a bit easier. And the fleece version is great for post-workout look, it even has practical thumbholes.
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Best for ultimate basics: Uniqlo
This is my go-to high street shop for basics and they come with easy-on-the-wallet price tags too. Uniqlo also has every style for your comfort needs – zipped, cropped and fitted. For more of an oversized look, try shopping their men’s range. Ultimate comfort.
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Best for a pop of colour: Ganni
Again, not exactly high street prices for what might be considered a throw-on item. But this Copenhagen-based brand is cool and chic and they do the best sorbet shades. Style one like the fashion set and wear the hoodie tie pulled in around your neck and tied with a bow.
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