In December, the Gossip Girl reboot’s resident influencer, Julien Calloway (played by Canadian singer Jordan Alexander), was spotted on set wearing Balenciaga sneakers, bike shorts, and a monogrammed Louis Vuitton handbag. The look was simple, sporty, and comparable to the sorts of outfits you find in triplicate on TikTok. But Calloway topped off the ensemble with something decidedly new for a Constance Billard uniform: a burgundy-and-gold varsity jacket that signaled an update to Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen’s well-known ‘fits. As with the scandalous original series that ran on The CW from 2007 to 2012, set photos from the reboot show that it’s also on the cutting edge of trends. Also called a letterman jacket, varsity jackets are made of wool and leather and traditionally given to high school and college athletes who participate in a varsity sport or organization. It’s also shaping up to be one of this winter’s top outerwear picks.
Models Bella Hadid and Roxy Horner have worn iterations of the style in recent months. Hadid wore baggy jeans, loafers, and a shrunken Lauryn Hill T-shirt with a gold-and-green coat from Reese Cooper, while Horner chose a black hoodie dress, combat boots, and a newsboy cap to go with her all-black oversized jacket. Hedi Slimane’s spring ‘21 menswear collection for Celine, titled “The Dancing Boy,” also included varsity jackets, along with a handful of other varsity-inspired trends, from baseball caps and high-top sneakers to sweatsuits and track shorts. The TikTok-inspired collection, which was revealed in July on a Formula One track-turned-runway in the South of France, was a hickey and a history book short of an ode to classic high school Americana. And Slimane wasn’t the only designer who sought out inspiration from Friday Night Lights for 2021. A black, logo-covered varsity jacket also appeared in Burberry’s resort ‘21 collection that debuted later in the month.
The return of varsity jackets en vogue isn’t solely based on nostalgia — the silhouette has royal ties, too. Ever since Netflix released the fourth season of The Crown, we’ve had Princess Diana on the brain, seeking out the truth behind her sapphire engagement ring, as well as shoppable alternatives to her best fashion moments. A pioneer of the varsity aesthetic for adults, Diana wore her fair share of collegiate crewnecks, baseball caps, and bike shorts. In 2019, Hailey Bieber recreated many of the late princess’s most famous sportswear looks in a shoot for Vogue Paris. But Diana’s most casual (and coveted) look has yet to make it on the show, nor was it incorporated into Bieber’s shoot. The item? Her green-and-silver Philadelphia Eagles varsity jacket that she debuted in 1991 before recycling it three years later.
According to Marie Claire U.K., Diana’s varsity jacket was a gift from Jack Edelstein, a friend of the late Grace Kelly’s. Edelstein, a former statistician for the Eagles, told the Philadelphia Daily that when he and Diana met at Kelly’s funeral, they got to talking about American football. Diana asked Edelstein about his team’s colors, and when he responded with silver and green, she told him those were her favorites. Upon Edelstein’s return to the States, he had the varsity jacket custom made for her. In 1994, Diana’s letterman jacket made its People Weekly debut, with an image of the smiling ex-royal on the June 11 cover.
Between Celine’s show and Diana’s return to the spotlight following The Crown’s fourth season, nearly all of the pieces were in place for varsity jackets to become the outerwear trend of the season. Getting the approval of the Upper East Side’s most talked about influencer, though, not to mention a Hadid, was simply the final component.
Shop the royal-approved outerwear trend that’s making the rounds this winter below. But remember, since varsity jackets — unless they’re made with a thick lining and heavy wool or leather — aren’t always the warmest, be sure to layer with plenty of Uniqlo Heattech (and maybe a retro crewneck, too).
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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बॉलीवुड एक्ट्रेस करीना कपूर खान (Kareena Kapoor Khan) इन दिनों अपनी प्रेग्नेंसी के अंतिम महीने में हैं। लेकिन इस दौरान भी बेबो का फैशन एंड स्टाइल जरा भी कम नहीं हो रहा।
With a year like 2020 behind us, we’re looking ahead to 2021 as a much-needed reset. This extends to our wardrobes, too. Enter the capsule closet — a curated, minimal collection consisting of versatile wardrobe staples that you can easily mix and match — that has taken over since the pandemic took hold.
The concept is nothing new. In fact, the term “capsule wardrobe” was first coined by former London boutique owner Susie Faux in the 1970s — referring to a collection of essential clothing items that don’t go out of fashion and can easily be paired with seasonal pieces. But as we collectively navigated the highs and lows (well, mostly lows) of 2020, I noticed that it was catching on more than ever; not only did I personally turn my current closet into a capsule wardrobe but, according to my feed, so did many of my peers. With nowhere to go and nothing to do, this past year was the perfect opportunity to declutter our wardrobes — the first step of building a curated closet — but also to completely rethink how we dress.
“We’re spending an abundance of time in our homes, and with the immense multitasking our new normal requires, getting dressed has become a secondary thought for many of us,” says Kate Bellman, women’s fashion managing editor at Nordstrom. “Despite that, we still want to look polished and feel our best, and capsule wardrobes can make it easier to put head-to-toe looks together.”
As we go through this new year, the concept will only continue to get more popular, thanks to both a growing collective interest in sustainable shopping habits as well as our basic psychological needs. Read on to learn more.
Why Are Capsule Closets So Popular Right Now?
2020 caused a major shift in how we view and consume fashion. The new decade kicked off with the world in literal flames, bringing more attention to the climate crisis of which the fashion industry is a major contributor. While the sustainability movement in fashion has been gaining traction for years, the pandemic accelerated the overall idea of consuming less. Given that creating a capsule wardrobe typically involves Marie Kondo-ing your current collection and rebuilding it with pieces you’ll cherish for years (or even decades) to come, it’s no wonder that the practice took off.
“The classic foundations offer both longevity and versatility, which are perfect for our new lifestyle.”
Kate Bellman, women’s fashion managing editor at Nordstrom
Charlotte Warburton, the founder of tbc, a London-based styling agency that focuses on minimalism and essential wardrobe staples, believes that the pandemic has been a moment of realization for fashion lovers. “Although it’s nice to dabble with trending items, what we actually wear day-to-day and need are the basics for our wardrobe (and our lives). We need to buy better and collate a stronger collection of essential wardrobe styles that actually last with wear.”
This doesn’t mean leaving fashion trends behind altogether, but, rather, that we’re only opting for the ones that suit our current at-home lifestyle and mindset. “While many are embracing the capsule wardrobe in the traditional sense — classic, versatile pieces in a sophisticated, neutral palette — many customers are also building their wardrobe simply based on the items that bring them joy,” says Bellman. “For example, many are testing out the romantic trend with statement-making floral tops, voluminous sleeves, or high necklines — perfect for the new above-the-keyboard digital world.”
It’s known that what we wear can influence our psychological state. Vice versa, how we’re impacted by what’s happening in the world can influence what we choose to put on. With the pandemic making it impossible to ignore fashion waste any longer and causing many to lose jobs and financial stability, shoppers are being more thoughtful about their consumption and spending. “We’re already fraught with anxiety and, most importantly, uncertainty,” says fashion psychologist Dr. Dawnn Karen. “What we’re now dressing for is safety, sustainability, and functionality. Safety and functionality are paramount, and with that comes sustainability by default, because we’re not shopping.” Not as much as we used to, at least: “We’re being much more conscious of our impact on the environment.”
Our wardrobe needs have changed, too, with many currently working from home and staying indoors on the weekend. “Our relationship with clothing has evolved beyond I’m wearing this because I have to go to work, or I have to go to brunch, or I have to go visit my parents for the holidays,” she adds. “Now, we’re wearing something because we want to feel good in it. We want to improve and illustrate our moods.”
Karen also credits “repetitious wardrobe complex” — the idea of repeating outfits or a color/color scheme, a central part of a capsule closet, to increase productivity and maintain your mood — to the rise of the trend. Simply put, having an edited closet of essentials, and wearing the same things on repeat, takes the day-to-day stress out of getting dressed. (Sounds about right to me, who has worn nothing but crewnecks and jeans for the past year.) While this method of simplification also worked in a pre-pandemic world, back when we worked in offices five days a week or had a slew of IRL events to attend, for many, it took losing that to realize that it’s the same 10 (or, according to Warburton, 27 pieces) things that they wear on repeat.
“We’re now dressing for safety, sustainability, and functionality.”
DR. DAWNN KAREN, fashion psychologist
Karen adds that the act of creating a capsule closet has its own benefits, too. “Decluttering and reorganizing can give you a sense of control,” she says. “It grounds you in a world that is fully, fully ungrounded.” And with no sense of normalcy to come for the foreseeable future, the capsule wardrobe trend isn’t going to fade out anytime soon. “We don’t know what’s happening tomorrow. On a micro-level — near us, right in our vicinity — or at a macro-level, just seeing the news, we’re being impacted. A way of gaining some sense of control is to declutter and reorganize our closets.”
Are Capsule Closets Here To Stay?
Will we see capsule closets continue to take off? According to Bellman, yes. Even before “COVID-19” or “quarantine” were part of our daily vocabulary, the fashion industry itself has already been pivoting “We have absolutely seen a shift towards investment pieces; however, the shift aligns seamlessly with current fashion trends over the past few seasons,” she says. “Fashion has been celebrating the familiar with elevated essentials such as a luxe cashmere sweater, a polished white shirt, or a timeless trench, to name a few. These classic foundations offer both longevity and versatility, which are perfect for our new lifestyle.”
Warburton has seen this shift in her clients, who turn to her to scale back and rebuild their wardrobes: “I’ve found them looking to refresh, strip back, and reset; collating a collection of clothing that they actually wear and being more conscious about where they’re spending money, investing in items that will last.”
“The pandemic has been a reset button to the industry that was very much needed.”
Charlotte Warburton, founder of tbc
Bellman agrees that the pandemic has sparked a larger movement in how we dress and shop. “People have been using this time at home to clean out, refine, and build their perfect wardrobe. While many are embracing a capsule wardrobe, people are spending more time in their closets overall and are further defining their style by curating the pieces and aesthetic that work best for them. Whether that’s investing in a few key versatile pieces or building upon their favorites, we can expect the trend to continue on.”
There has also been a widespread change in how we approach fashion and consumption as a whole, with sustainability at the forefront. “I believe the pandemic has been a reset button to the industry that was very much needed, especially when it comes down to the likes of fast fashion,” says Warburton. “It has made us realize what we actually need and wear. I hope in the post-pandemic world we all might just be a little more conscious of how and what we spend our money on within the industry.”
Karen echoes that. “I don’t think it’s going to be about how many clothes you can buy, but more about where you get your pieces from. Who is the brand? What conscious aspects does it have to offer — is it ethical manufacturing [or an equally sustainable aspect]?” she says. “I do think we’ll be more eco-conscious in the future, post-pandemic.”
Ready to create a capsule wardrobe of your own? Check out our guide to building a sustainable collectionhere.
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THE BACHELOR – “2501” – Matt James, the charismatic and engaging star of ABC’s hit romance reality series “The Bachelor,” will hand out the roses for its momentous 25th season. After meeting Matt as a prospective suitor for “The Bachelorette,” Bachelor Nation swooned when they learned he would take on the role as the lead of his own love story. Matt is the total package with strong family values, a great career, and has used his growing platform for good. His emerging legion of fans can’t wait to follow the 28-year-old real estate broker, entrepreneur and community organization founder on his journey to find love during this historic season. Although Matt hasn’t been in love before, he feels he is ready now to welcome it into his life—no matter what challenges he will face—as he starts his search for his happily ever after on the season premiere of “The Bachelor,” MONDAY, JAN. 4 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Craig Sjodin) CHELSEA, MATT JAMES
And just like that, Bachelor Nation is back. Two weeks after Tayshia Adams received her emerald-cut engagement ring (featuring 95 diamonds!) from contestant Zac Clark on the Season 16 finale of The Bachelorette, 2020 Bachelor Matt James took the helm on the 25th season of The Bachelor. And though we’re only one episode in, one thing is already clear: Chelsea Vaughn will go down as one of the best-dressed contestants to join the franchise ranks.
On Monday night’s premiere, Vaughn debuted a dress unlike those we’re used to on ABC’s hit dating show: a black, backless gown with cut-outs galore. “You look incredible,” James told Vaughn when the two first met. “Wow, she is wearing that dress,” he added while watching Vaughn walk into the cocktail party.
The designer behind Vaughn’s dress is A’kai Littlejohn, an 18-year-old CFFA Emerging Designer of the Year recipient who was also a contestant on Project Runway Junior’s second season. Based in New York, Littlejohn debuted his first collection at New York Fashion Week in 2017 during the spring ‘18 season.
The dress, named the Emilia Gown, was plucked from his spring ‘21 collection, titled The Breakwater Collection, which was inspired by the beaches in New York’s Eastern Long Island. Given that it’s a spring piece, Vaughn’s exact gown won’t be available to shop until next season. That said, similar styles are, including a navy blue, cut-out, silk dress ($995) and a low-back, spaghetti strap slip ($995) in the same shade. For something more affordable yet equally statement-making, dare we suggest a cow-print face mask ($20)?
Vaughn, a 28-year-old from Brooklyn, is a runway model, so we expected her to dress the part on the show. But nothing could’ve prepared us for a dress this good immediately out the gate.
Below, check out the buzz around Vaughn’s Bachelor premiere gown.
