THE JOURNAL
3 MINUTE READ
Five Fresh Varsity-Style Pieces To Invest In Now
Words by Fedora Abu
13 February 2023
What comes to mind when you think of collegiate style? Straw boating hats and striped blazers? Oxford shirts and penny loafers? All worthy classics, of course, but not exactly at the cutting-edge of contemporary menswear. However, this season, it appears that a few of our favourite designers are offering an edgier, more streetwise spin on varsity dressing, turning out rule-breaking pieces that are far from scholarly (more likely to land you in detention, in fact). From Off-White’s spin on the baseball jacket to Marni’s cult cardigan, these five picks have earned our top marks.
01.
The collectible Off-White baseball jacket
This bomber may be a varsity jacket in the truest sense, but, being the work of Off-White, it’s a grade above your average. That’s all thanks to streetwear-inspired appliquéd patches that pay tribute to the brand – including its late, great founder Mr Virgil Abloh –but also its high-end combination of sleek white calf leather and a wool-blend felt.
02.
The heirloom Gucci messenger
Don’t let the school rules lie to you: a functional bag needn’t be dull. Take this Gucci messenger bag – a investment piece if there ever was one – which comes adorned with the brand’s instantly recognisable emblem. It is nonetheless packed with practical features: sturdy coated canvas with leather reinforcements; a detachable and adjustable strap; plus plenty of room for your phone, wallet and all the other essentials.
03.
The jazzy Marni mohair cardigan
Yes, the cardigan was already in the midst of a renaissance before the designers at Marni got their hands on it, but the Italian heritage label has only solidified its evolution from bookish to stylish. The secret lies in both the fuzzy mohair blend (now a brand staple) and the vibrantly hued pattern, which elevate the humble button-up knit to something novel and eye-catching, yet endlessly wearable.
04.
The edgy KAPITAL sweatpants
Not all sweats are made equal – certainly not if they’re the creation of KAPITAL. True to the cult Japanese label’s love for Americana, it’s spun these baseball-inspired sweatpants, complete with playful graphic prints. And while they may be cut from a cosy cotton-blend jersey, to consign them to the loungewear drawer would be a detention-worthy offence.
05.
The retro Axel Arigato sneakers
On the hunt for a pair of fail-safe white leather sneakers that you can wear with everything this season – and beyond? Look no further than Axel Arigato’s low-top Dice Lo pair, which offer a contemporary spin on the classics by way of their deep-green panels and vintage-inspired silhouette.
