Rihanna does it, Schoolboy Q does it, A$AP Rocky does it. Heck, I want to do it too. By it I mean make athletic wear look effortlessly cool on a daily basis. I have never been the sportiest of people, yet I consistently find myself drawn to the athletic look. The trend has become increasingly popular in recent times due to labels like Hood by Air and Public School NYC. These designers are showcasing athletic wear through the lens of high fashion. It is the contrast of the streets and the elite that make this trend so interesting. I particularly admire the Hood by Air fall 2015 ready-to-wear collection. Designer, Shayne Oliver, pairs his famous “HBA” logo with extravagant layers and outerwear to create looks that are both sporty and polished.
One of Oliver’s trademarks is the “HBA” logo. The bold black and white letters can be found on many pieces in the collection. I was reminded of this look when I found this shirt by adidas. The simple logo and the color contrast make the piece pop. Gender neutrality is an important aesthetic of the athletic wear trend, and I liked the way this oversized piece hung ambiguously on my body. As Oliver does, I paired my T-shirt with outerwear. What screams “athletic” more than a varsity jacket? All right, I admit I didn’t earn this jacket whacking homeruns or slam-dunking basketballs, but it does give the illusion that I am an athlete, right? Whatever the case, pairing a simple piece like a T-shirt with a statement jacket adds depth to a look. The more layers the better.
Rihanna is the queen of athletic wear. She has a knack for making the most masculine of clothing look sexy. Quite often she combines the trend with a pair of heels. The juxtaposition of urban street wear with a feminine shoe gives the look an edgy twist.
Get My Look: 1. An oversized logo T-shirt. 2. A varsity jacket. 3. A pair of killer heels.
