34
Sweatshirts seem to be pretty divisive at the moment. Some people literally cannot get enough of them, and others, like Ella, aren't such big fans. Until a little while ago, I was 100% with her: I didn't 'get' the sweatshirt thing, especially when some versions cost more than the average person's month's rent (but look how preeeetttttttty).
To me, though, they belonged in the bottom drawer with my gym gear, where the hoodies reside from my years as a 'don't give a crap how I look cos I've just rolled out of bed at 8.55am for a 9am lecture' journalism student.
I'm not entirely sure what changed or when, but suddenly my wardrobe seems to have an infestation of sweatshirts and, actually, I'm pretty happy about that. Because I have yet to find something that doesn't look good with a sweatshirt.
Sweatshirts are the perfect foil for formal skirts. They add just the right amount of insouciance to otherwise über-glam eveningwear, which basically means you can go batshit crazy with the accessories and not look overdone. I am personally going to dress like this for all the Christmas parties this season. On-trend, sparkly but not overdressed and, most importantly, warm: I think this is basically the holy grail of winter party outfits. You're welcome.
Pro tip: don't wear embellished shoes with full-length skirts. For one thing, no-one will see them, and for another, they will catch on the inside of the skirt all. the. time. and drive you completely insane, thus ruining both your skirt and your party mood.
We can thank Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy for taking the humble sweatshirt to interstellar levels of chicness. Statement sweats are now all over the high street, which means you and I can get a look-in on this trend without having to sell any of our bodily organs on the black market. Pair one of these with any old pair of jeans and some hot heels and you have got yourself the perfect casual ensemble without even trying. This will work equally well with slippers or sneakers.
I really just wanted an excuse to use this jacket in an outfit, because ... well, look at it. It's perfection. And I know you're really busy, Santa, but I have been SUCH a good girl this year ...
Sweatshirts can even go to work with you! I will freely admit that I stole the idea for pairing sweatshirts and pencil skirts from J.Crew, whose lookbooks are kind of my bible on those days that sartorial inspiration is slow to strike. This particular sweatshirt by the label saves time in the morning with its sparkly embellishment at the neck standing in for a necklace, so you don't have to choose one, and even makes the Kardashian-designed pencil skirt look office-appropriate (who knew, right?).