Hoodies are often dismissed as casual wear, but with a little creativity, they can become the cornerstone of a stylish and versatile wardrobe. From street style to chic ensembles, a hoodie can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
10 Fashion-Forward Ways to Style a Hoodie
Prepare to wear your hoodies beyond the gym.
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Hoodies usually get a bad rap from the fashion world considering their inherently casual nature.
When you first think of the hooded top, you most likely associate it with pajamas, loungewear or athleisure, which is totally understandable considering their comfy nature. But what if I told you that those same hoodies, the ones that you already own, can actually be the missing ingredient to achieving a perfectly balanced look? Well, good news: they are.
Hoodies can be so much more than just a plain old sweatshirt tucked away in the back of your closet. You just have to reframe your thinking around them. Like any good piece of clothing, it all depends on the styling. I personally love wearing my hoodies with mini skirts, baggy trousers, and underneath a long trench coat. Aside from keeping you warm and comfortable, hoodies are largely seasonless. In the summer, it’s a good idea to have one on hand for when the air conditioning is on full blast at the office, while the cold weather months call for layered styling to make it through the dreary frigid days.
The next time you’re thinking about dressing up your hoodie, remember that they are as versatile as any layering piece and can even be worn as a top that stands on its own. Below are 10 creative ways to style your hoodie this season and beyond.
With a Mini Skirt
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Having a plain black hoodie in your wardrobe is absolutely necessary in my opinion. Not only will you wear it a million times (and so many different ways), but it’s a guaranteed way to look chic yet still be comfortable. One way to stand out is by pairing your hoodie with a pleated mini skirt. Extra points if it has some color! Make the look even more interesting by adding a chunky belt, boots, and a bold colorful bag.
With Baggy Jeans
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A cropped red hoodie may not be the first thing that comes to mind when styling baggy jeans and pointed-toe heels, but it’s a unique piece to feature in this mix. The hoodie adds a laid back and effortless feel to balance out the dressier aspects of the look. Incorporating an evening clutch with a pair of heels elevates even the most casual outfit without overpowering it.
With a Pencil Skirt
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A pencil skirt might be the most unexpected way to style a hoodie, given its office-ready connotations, but that’s exactly why it goes well with a more casual, laid-back top. If you’re heading somewhere fancier, why not keep it cool and relaxed on top and high-end on the bottom? What makes this look really pop is the monochrome palette. Add your favorite pair of pumps to finish it off.
Under a Blazer
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One of my go-to looks that I can always count on is a hoodie underneath a blazer. Styling a structured piece over the hoodie totally changes an otherwise dressed down look and adds an element of put-togetherness that was missing before. Once you realize that something as simple as a blazer can be a complete game-changer, you’ll be wearing this combination over and over again.
With Micro Shorts
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A recent trend that’s been booming from the designer runways to the streets is a pair of micro mini shorts. One way to rock the trend is with a pair of sheer tights, patent leather wedges, a matching clutch, and, you guessed it, a hoodie. Fashionable, yet practical.
With a Sheer Skirt
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If you’ve been following the latest trends then you’ll know that transparent skirts and dresses are all the rage right now. Although on the more elegant side, this white sequined version ties into the hoodie’s casual look just as well, especially when styling it with a pair of white sneakers. Strike the perfect juxtaposition between easy-going and luxurious with this combo.
With a Trench Coat
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Any kind of trench coat will work over a hoodie, really. Take, for example, this beige trench with a brown hoodie underneath. The similar tones keep the look feeling elevated and balanced, while the leopard print bucket hat adds a vibrant pop. Keep the rest of the outfit in a neutral palette for an easy, on-the-go look.
With Trousers
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Whether you’re heading to the airport or heading downtown with friends you can always rely on a pair of well tailored trousers to do the trick. This pair of black pants (on the slouchier side) look so good with a bomber-style jacket and a hoodie underneath. With a pair of heavier trousers like this, it’s smart to opt for a lighter hoodie so as not to look like you’re drowning in fabric.
With a Midi Skirt
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Classic midi skirts are a must-have staple, so why not pair one with a hoodie? In this case, wear a cropped style to even out the high-waist cut of the black pleated midi. Add a pair of patent riding boots for the ultimate all-black fall look that’s right on par with this year’s equestrian trend.
With Bold Pants
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You can easily add some life back into your wardrobe with a pair of bold-colored pants. This bright orange and blue pants, for example, are a good reference to follow. Style them with matching sky blue pointed-toe heels. You can offset the loud colors with a minimalist cream hoodie on top.
