Yes, you can wear a hooded sweatshirt if you’re over the age of 16 .

One of the (many) pitfalls of getting older is the realisation that we can’t wear whatever we want anymore, at least without looking rather foolish. From baggy jeans to bucket hats, some things just won’t wash in the adult world. The hoodie, however, is one item that has transcended its youthful stereotype to work its way into the modern man’s wardrobe. In the past few years, everyone from Beams and Neil Barrett to Givenchy and Vetements has featured hoodies on their runways. If you don’t have one in your wardrobe (and we don’t mean the one you use for the gym), it might be time to invest. But how to wear one without looking like a 16-year-old Papa Roach fan? You could take your lead from the Queen, who wore a nice grey one, hood up, while driving her Range Rover (google it if you don’t believe us). Or listen to us, and read our guide below.

If you’re a bit of a hoodie collector, there are some pretty bold options available (see Vetements for streetwear, or Missoni for a healthy dose of colour). For the amateur hoodie-wearer, however, we suggest you think of it as a basic for layering. A simple design is your safest bet, and few brands do understated better than Parisian label Officine Generale. This grey mélange, cotton-jersey version is slim-fitting and pleasantly mottled, which makes it rather easy on the eye. This means you can be bit bolder with whatever you throw over it, such as this Saint Laurent jacket, replete with psychedelic shark design and “sweet dreams” slogan emblazoned on the back.

If you’re used to hoodies purely in a fitness context, it may be tempting to slip into this mindset with other elements of your outfit. Put away those tailored trackpants, and opt instead for some blue jeans. Japanese brand OrSlow does a great line in selvedge denim, and we particularly like the slightly lived-in appearance of this slim-fit pair. Keep things casual with a simple tee, such as this striped cotton-jersey one from New York-based Theory.

Backpacks are another sartorial symbol of youth that have been reimagined by designers to become a practical and stylish choice for just about anyone. We’re big fans of Givenchy’s punchy printed bag, which will serve you well on city streets, but is also big enough to accommodate everything you might need for a weekend away. Some stone-grey nubuck sneakers from minimalist brand Common Projects should finish things off nicely.

Keep up to date with The Daily by signing up to our weekly email roundup. Click here to update your email preferences