Categories: Fashion

Why Hooded Tops Should Be Your New Staple


by Marie Kelly
12th Sep 2016

Once an anti-fashion item more often associated with hoodlums,?hooded tops have been elevated far beyond their’stereotypical image over the past several years. They’re now an item of glamour, as suitable for a dinner date?as they are for a fashion-friendly office. Ironically, these days?when you pair a hooded top with?casual jeans and a pair of trainers, it automatically?adds an upmarket feel and a distinctly stylish vibe to the entire ensemble. I’m coveting one in cashmere and another in silk. Here are just some of the stylish?hooded tops that will work seamlessly with the rest of your AW wardrobe.

I love the A-line cut of this piece and the cropped style. It works beautifully with wide-leg trousers, though I’d pair it with a polo neck rather than a zipped sweater.

Cropped hooded sweatshirt, €39.95 at Zara

Nautical always look chic. Pairing a hoodie with a smart blazer creates a good balance between smart and laid-back cool.

Striped Merino wool hooded top, Chinti and Parker, €425 at Seagreen

This wool-blend cardigan has a straight cut which works really well with midi skirts for smart wear. The earthy green shade will?pair beautifully other autumnal shades such as burgundy, mustard and charcoal.

Open cardigan with hood, €69.95 at Massimo Dutti

The neat fit of this zip-front cardigan adds elegance to the traditional hoodie. It looks smart but in an understated way.

Striped ribbed cotton-blend hooded top, Baja East, €545 at net-a-porter.com

Choosing a hoodie with an unexpected texture adds personality to your look. I love the combination of sateen (especially the ribbon detailing) and cotton in this Zara piece.

Sateen-mix hooded top, €49.95 at Zara