Friday finds: a flock of hoodies
We’ve just weathered the first in a series of “atmospheric river” storms scheduled to hit over the next few days. When it’s damp and chilly like this, I often reach for one of my hoodies to keep my head and neck warm.
Hoodies: not just for the gym anymore…
Hoodies have made the leap from purely athletic wear to elevated casual. And they are on-trend for 2024, which means you’ll have a better selection.
I purchased this Me+Em cashmere hoodie over a year ago, and have worn it often. Even though it’s a relaxed fit, it layers well under a blazer. I like that it can be worn open or closed (hidden button front with placket). I’ve had this J.Crew “Regent” blazer for years, one of my best purchases ever!
Cashmere hoodies
If you prefer a zip front, this one’s available in several neutral colors.
I’m kind of intrigued by this sleeveless style (which I think would be great for travel) and not hating the pink either. Also available in a few neutrals.
Yes, Me+Em is spendy, but I’ve found the quality of their knitwear to be very good. (I’ve washed my hoodie a few times (in a lingerie bag, cold water/gentle cycle, dry flat)…it keeps its shape and pilling is minimal.
For a more budget-friendly option, this one rings in under $100, and gets rave reviews. It’s available in several colors; this darkish-red “Crimson” is very on-trend for Spring. (On my monitor, this looks to be in between “Chestnut” and “Brick” in the Autumn palettes. Winters and Summers, take a look at the “Burgundy” color.)
Here’s one in Donegal tweed, marked way down. This Emerald color is great for you Winters! In Misses, Petite and Plus sizes (other colors,too).
Wool-free options
If you prefer something lighter weight or wool-free, this “Performance” hoodie is also a customer favorite, and available in several colors.
When I was visiting London last fall, I stopped in at the Varley store on King’s Road to acquaint myself with this (new-to-me) brand. I was really impressed with the quality of the fabrics, and the design details. Like the two-way zip on this longer cotton-blend hoodie. (I brought home one of their zip-neck sweatshirts as a gift for a friend; she was delighted with it!)
And this colorblock number in cotton is kind of fun…
A hoodie is both a practical garment and one that can add visual interest and an element of Sporty Chic to your casual outfits. Do you have a favorite brand or style of hoodie?
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I have two Eileen Fisher cotton/linen hoodies that I wear often in the warmer months. They are lightweight and a bit oversized and are the perfect extra layer for chilly early mornings and again after sundown. They are the first items I pack when I head to the beach!
They sound perfect for warmer weather!
Could you share with us the jeans you are wearing in the first photograph. I love the shape of them and the seam. I have what looks like a similar pair of Osaka jeans but the material on yours I really love. Thank you.
Hi Beverly, these are from Ruti, a small independent brand. These are the exact jeans I’m wearing: https://bit.ly/3SmWv71
I’m so happy to hear my hoodies are back in fashion. I currently own two in sweater-knit prints that coordinate with various solid-colored tees and sweaters. My go-to uniform for running errands or going to appointments. I always wear one when flying, especially on international flights. I’m going to get one of the solid-colored hoodies from Quince as I love their pullovers.
Yes, I’ve started including a hoodie for travel. So versatile, and it’s nice to have the extra warmth when needed.
Thank you for the “heads-up” on the Lands End cashmere hoodie! Love the relaxed pup behind you in the photo. Made me smile.
I love the Vuori performance hoodie. It is warmer than you think it will be, but not too hot when the temperature rises. I have several and wear them all summer long. As I get older I find that so many tops and jackets are too long and skinny for my proportions, but Vuori fits me well.
I have their joggers, which are so comfortable and yes, very warm!
I have two Lands End cashmere hoodies. One is new ( black) the other is a salt & pepper Donegal from last year. The older one I have washed twice following your suggestion using the washer and laundry bag. Turned out perfectly! No shrinkage around the zipper either! They do fit a little big which is great for layering or a slouchier look. If the fitted look is desired size down…like all LE items it’s available in PETITES!! Yay!
Yes, I love that they offer Petite options. I’ve had a couple of LE cashmere sweaters, and found the quality to be quite good.
Love the Varley hoodie but the colours are bit blah. The others in the post are nice but very short, or at least they look very short in the photos. Ok for small thin people!
Maison cashmere is a favorite brand
Susan,
I’m also a fan of Quince but the colors are so hard to discern on my monitor. Can you give some guidance on the hoodie colors for a Spring?
Hi Linda, as I haven’t seen these in person, I’m also going on what I see on my monitor. I’ll be doing a post soon on color trends for spring 2024, and will include some of these.
Do the Ruti jeans you’re wearing fit like the Ruti saffron colored pants you featured as part of several outfits a while back? I bought a pair and love those, but they do have elastic at the back.
Hi Rebecca, I think these are slightly more fitted, and don’t have the elastic in back. They do have some stretch, though.
Hi Susan, I really like the idea of elevated casual and how you’ve mixed your pieces here. Very clever. Love your colour palette and layering too. Thanks for the inspo.
Best wishes,
Julie xx
Thanks, Julie!
That look is fantastic on you; an elevated casual fit that looks superb. I love the sleeveless version of the Em and Me one as well, but find their prices are too high for my budget. I recognize that you get what you pay for, but I cannot justify that money for a single sweater. Glad you are rocking them!
Thanks so much, Blyma!
I love a hoodie and a blazer combo…really speaks to me.
Question on your Chanel Arthur lipstick……is it the same color/brightness as Essie nail polish Rock the runway? I think you’ve used that nail polish color so thought you might be able to make a comparison?
Thx!
Hi Linda, thanks! I’m not familiar with that nail polish shade. Arthur is a bright Geranium red.
Echoing Robyn, I have a wonderful Eileen Fisher hoodie I thrifted, though mine is merino wool. It’s quite heavy and washes beautifully, and is perfect for the cooler seasons here in Alberta, Canada. I especially like the hood – I find so many sweatshirt hoods fall too far forward on me, and this one doesn’t
Love your hoodie and you are right about the ME+EM quality. They make beautiful stuff.
Greetje
Thanks, Greetje!
Great selections here. Funny, I’ve been wearing some form of “elevated” hoodie since I was in high school in the mid-seventies. Never cared if they were in style or not, but it always seemed like there were at least a few great options in every subsequent decade and I’ve always had a few in my wardrobe.
Just bought the green Lands End hoodie, next is a blazer. Love your look, Susan.
Thanks so much!