Sweat It

 

Sweatshirt dressing has been a part of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember—from the bright green Benetton sweatshirt I used to wear with purple Esprit cords in grade school to the filching of my boyfriend’s hoodie in college. Cute and comfy, yes, but wear a sweatshirt now to go out? Well, never say never. 

Although the thought of fleecin’ it anywhere but my couch had been a major fashion no in my book, the spring 2010 runways of street-chic Rag & Bone and Alexander Wang are making me see sweats in a fashion-forward new light. I love the insouciant confidence of this Rag & Bone runway shot: slouchy tee, harem sweatpants, strong-shouldered jacket, and sick kicks.

But there’s no need to wait until April to start sweating like a supermodel when plenty of designers are elevating the basic sweatshirt right now. Pencey gets funky with cloud prints, paillettes, and shaggy faux fur panels, while Alex Wang indulges his fetishes with fierce shoulder grommets and a mouthwatering open back. Elizabeth and James gives French terry a little Saturday Night Fever with copious silver sequins. And speaking of Saturday night, the sweatshirt dress finally answers the dilemma of what to wear to a dive bar when you’re not in the mood to do denim. I’ll look casual-hot while feeding the juke box in a James Perse sweatshirt dress, Bing Bang mixed-chain necklace, and Modern Vintage suede wedge boots.

--Suzanne