An elevated sweatshirt is a logical evolution of fashion during a pandemic. At the beginning of March, we gladly pivoted to our house clothes of sweatshirts, sweatpants, and slippers. By mid-April, most of us were looking for more fashionable options. We weren’t ready to go back to our jeans or work attire. We just wanted something comfortable and maybe not so tight.
Initially, I balked. I went all-in on the cozy matching sets trend resulting from months of working from home but I hesitated at the elevated sweatshirt trend. You all know, I have a healthy aversion to puffy sleeves. Maybe my brain has become mush or I finally succumbed to fashion pressure but I came across this AGOLDE Extended Rib Sweatshirt and fell in love.
The Extended Rib Sweatshirt is a super-soft yet extra-warm, terry fabric with a relaxed silhouette and puffy sleeves, and extended ribbed cuffs. I immediately ordered it as sizes seemed to be vanishing quickly, snapped up by other fashion lovers looking to get in on the trend.
When the sweatshirt arrived, I did what I always do and looked to verify that it could work in several different outfits while still hanging at home and for when we are finally able to venture out more. I like a new item to work in a minimum of three different ways in my wardrobe. Here is how I am wearing my elevated sweatshirt now.
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An Elevated Sweatshirt Three Ways
Outfit #1: For Everyday
I have slowly been re-introducing jeans back into my everyday wardrobe. I gave them up for too long and now I need the reminder that they are getting snug. Of course, in an attempt to avoid looking old I skipped the skinny jeans and went with some young-looking straight-leg jeans. I switched to a middle part a few years ago so I was safe there but I had no idea about the emoji😭. At 51, is it really so bad to be considered old by Gen Z? I added my favorite straight leg jeans the Noella by Paige. My exact wash is no longer available but I linked a modern light wash. Amazon has a few sizes and washes in the Noella.
To add a pop of color I added the Aquatalia Lilah Boot in the fabulous green embossed croc. They are water-proof for all of you braving the weather and crazy comfortable. I am obsessed with green right now so they were a no-brainer for me. They instantly make any outfit special.
Outfit #2: For the Office or Dinner Out
An elevated sweatshirt can work just like your favorite fancy sweater. I added the J.Crew Cameron Pant and a pair of their leopard booties I picked up a few years ago, for a work-appropriate outfit. Sticking with a monochromatic look in black makes taking this look from work to an evening out so easy.
Whenever someone asks for a work pant recommendation I suggest the Cameron Pant from J.Crew. They are available in cropped versions and long. I wear my standard size 8 and I buy the Tall any chance I get. I have them in multiple colors & cuts. They are a classic style that will last you years.
Outfit #3: At Home
Let’s be honest, I still sport athleisure most days of the week. As I write, I am wearing the Zella Plush Hoodie & Zella Plush Joggers. If you want a cozy set definitely give this one a try. I love it so much.
You can elevate any pair of joggers by adding a fancy sweatshirt. Now you are ready for Zoom meetings or running an unexpected errand. Over my time at home, I realized that when I look frumpy, I feel frumpy. Now, I try and put on make-up every day, make an attempt at doing my hair (though I don’t wash it every day), and pull together an outfit. I feel so much better when I do. My joggers are the Zella Restore Joggers and my shoes are Golden Goose. These are similar.
Also, I find a good sweatshirt safer around my pups than a sweater. My girl Coco loves to sit right next to me and my little girl, Roxy loves to play. She has snagged more than one sweater of mine. So at home, I usually stick with sweatshirts. A sweatshirt keeps you warm in the same way a good sweater will. Right now, elevated sweatshirts are trending which means there are so many pretty options available. So lately, I have been shopping for all the cute sweatshirts.
Elevated sweatshirts can have puff sleeves, unusual cutouts, ruching, or other feminine elements. I prefer any item with “girly” details in a decidedly non-girly color like black or grey. It keeps the item from looking too costumey or juvenile. But if you do go with an ultra-feminine style then keep your other outfit details simple. Ripped jeans and combat boots are the perfect juxtaposition to an elevated sweatshirt.
Another sweatshirt option I love is the Pistola Lenora Sweatshirt. It has slimmer sleeves with a structured drop shoulder. It is a great option if you don’t like turtlenecks. I ordered it to check out in comparison to the AGOLDE one. I will report back. Either way, an elevated sweatshirt is a fashionable way to elevate your at-home look. Give one a try. Let me know what you think.
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is a fashion and lifestyle website with a modern take on midlife. We hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and live your life in full bloom.