It’s freezing outside, and all you want to do is throw on a soft sweatshirt and call it a day—we totally get it. In fact, we actually encourage you to partake in this sort of laid-back dressing now that there are so many irresistible designer pullovers available. The key is to look for intriguing or unexpected details—like color-blocking, lace overlays, or cheeky embellishments—to elevate the casual sweatshirt from couch-worthy to statement-making. Perfect for playful weekend jaunts or grounding girly outfits, this is definitely a piece you should Go Buy Now.
On The Runway
Good news: this trend is on-point now and will hold strong well through spring. We noted a statement sweatshirt—specifically the Porcelain Neoprene Sweatshirt ($1795)—in the mix at the Prabal Gurung S/S 13 show. Sheer side panels add femininity to this athletic essential, while a casual silhouette lends some nonchalance to the Black Python Shorts (1595). The result is a cool alternative to evening dressing.
On The Market
1. Tibi Sigrid Lace Sweatshirt ($425)
White continues to be an important hue for spring, which is just one of the many reasons we’ve got our eye on this Tibi pullover. Equal parts futuristic and ladylike, keep this neoprene, lace-front sweatshirt in the spotlight by teaming it with streamlined pieces.
2. Kenzo Tiger Embroidered Cotton Sweatshirt ($285, 310.652.1120)
By now you’re probably familiar with Kenzo’s signature tiger sweatshirts, but just in case you have yet to snag one or are looking to invest in another style, we’re bringing you a WWW favorite: the Tiger Embroidered Cotton Sweatshirt. Neon stitching gives this safari-inspired pullover its standout look and offers a cool take on the season’s novelty animal prints.
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Ped Shoulder Cropped Sweat Top with Lip Embroidery ($450)
If there’s one sweatshirt that will take you from day to night with ease, this is it. The cropped top with bold shoulders and crystal-embellished lips is a conversation piece to be sure, one that will look just as chic paired with skinny jeans and ankle boots as it would with a swingy skirt and heels.
4. Rodarte Rohearte Sweatshirt with Heart ($155)
We heart the newest addition to Rodarte’s tongue in cheek t-shirt and sweatshirt collection, and have a hunch you’ll be smitten with it too! The unisex crew-neck, which is available in heather gray, red, and blue, is so comfortable and stylish, you’ll never want to take it off.
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Carrie Colorblock Jersey Sweatshirt ($178, 323.866.3562) in Dapper Grey Multi
While this pullover’s color-block design sets it apart from the group, we’re also crazy about the fact that it’s made from comfortable, lightweight jersey. It’s thin enough to layer under a leather jacket, then come spring, you can shed the extra layers for a fuss-free look.
6. Étoile Isabel Marant Noah Sweatshirt ($340)
Isabel Marant has mastered the art of casual-cool streetwear, which probably explains why we’re so enamored with her take on the statement sweatshirt. Its relaxed fit and charming space graphic print make it a top pick in our books; just add leather pants and wedge sneakers to give your look that model-off-duty vibe.—Jessica Baker
Prabal Gurung runway image, courtesy of Getty Images.