If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes we have to be creative to spark a little joy. Instead of seemingly endless nights on the town or jet-setting halfway around the world trying to unwind, we rediscovered simplicity and realized that sometimes we need to look within ourselves, or, better yet, outside, near , to find some fun. And with that, say hello (again) to sports.
Fashion and sports are usually not the most natural pairing. Fashion, an industry known for its creativity and glamour, is not always compatible with many sports’ uniform-specific attire. Sure, in the past we’ve drawn inspiration from equestrianism and integrated a touch of all-white Wimbledon preparation into our wardrobes, but this time, the breadth of sporting options hitting the mainstream has hit a record high.
With our newfound affinity for comfort-driven apparel, it’s no surprise we’re looking for interesting influences that add a touch of whimsy to the tried and true. So, trendy sports? Actually quite innovative.
Nowadays, it is no secret that tennis has been on everyone’s mind, to the point that the term “core tennis” was coined. Thanks to Gen-Z, tennis-inspired fashion quickly became a hit this spring/summer season. Between the $17 Amazon tennis skirt going viral on TikTok, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka pulling out of the French Open while advocating for mental health, and Kendall Jenner becoming the top influencer of tennis outfits. Alo tennis, this trend has certainly reigned. supreme when it comes to sports-inspired apparel.
Even before Tennis Core’s moment of internet fame, the fashion world has been slowly embracing the influence. We have Chris Evert to thank for coming up with the term “tennis bracelet” after losing his bracelet at the US Open in the ’80s, as well as brands like Lacoste that are entrenched in the sport. Lacoste was actually founded by tennis player René Lacoste from an updated version of the polo shirt. Now, the brand continues to create tennis clothing and seamlessly integrates tennis inspiration into its ready-to-wear collections. Other labels helping to stylishly awaken the core of tennis for SS21 included David Koma, who literally put on the show of him SS21 on a court, Maison Kitsuné, Amiri and Prada.
As temperatures inevitably get cooler and our interests in the outdoors change, we also expect the way we channel sporty style to evolve. Après-ski attire was a staple among the influencer set last winter, and judging by the fall 2021 runways, we’re sure this trend will continue. Fashion-forward ski suits consisting of fancy logos and bold shades of cherry red and cobalt blue were the standard, but we’ll see this evolve both on and off the slopes. In the literal sense, Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton showcased ski-ready apparel in pastel hues like baby blue, butter yellow, and soft pink; but for day-to-day clothing, we will be integrating this trend more easily through accessories. You can bet on statement scarves, hats and comfy mittens to spice up cold-weather outfits, as well as protective eyewear that could easily take you from the slopes to the streets in sporty ’70s style from Schiaparelli, Acne Studios, Balmain, and Max Mara, to name a few.
Another sport that has very suitable pieces for the colder months and that basically maintains the opposite aesthetic to skiing: ballet. Like tennis, ballet satisfies our longing for beauty and extravagance, but at the same time provides the practicality of comfort.
Looking back to last winter, you may recall the influx of boleros/shrugs/sweater sleeves (call them what you will) that hit the market right towards the end of the season. An industry secret: That’s a great indicator that similar styles will be in style the following year. After their introduction resonated with shoppers, we can be sure they’ll be back in our favorite retailers’ assortment (and in our carts) this time.
Other ballet-inspired pieces sure to take center stage include belted tops and sweaters like we’ve seen at Orseund Iris and Dannijo, tights and leotards that graced the runways of Rick Owens, Emilio Pucci and Christian Cowan. , as well as the classical ballerinas. Brands are making these once-cheugy shoes cool again by adding a square toe, ruching, embellishments or prints. Keep your eyes on Pretty Ballerinas, Yuni Buffa, rag & bone, and Khaite for brands that are doing it right.
And finally, the sport we’re looking at as the next iteration of “core tennis”: golf. When you think of golf and fashion, it’s hard to put aside the idea of polo shirts and khaki pants. Until recently, when it came to dress code, the sport has kept many of its traditional notions; but as more of us take to the outdoors during COVID, the interest in sports and the democratization of their “uniform” has provided an opportunity for self-expression.
An unlikely duo, the most impactful (and rather cool) influence on the evolution of “golf fashion” is streetwear. Young brands like Whim Golf and Malbon Golf have brought a much-needed edge to the market, as well as young players like Brooks Koepka, who simply said, “It’s cool, bro” when asked about his Off-White golf shoes.
Outside of the green, the women’s market has begun integrating sporty classics like Princess Di shorts and “exercise dresses” (see Outdoor Voices for this) into everyday clothing. And the aesthetic appeared in collections from trend-setting brands like Miu Miu, Todd Snyder, Dirty Pineapple, BOSS and Marine Serre, each with their own unique twist. As the trend evolves, you will surely be one of those looking for a modern take on the ever-classic brew.
All in all, if real sports aren’t your thing yet, maybe stick to inspired fashion; Surely that’s where you’ll find me
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Source: coveteur.com