SEXY SPORT
Sport-Luxe and sports inspired fashion is a big issue these days. From Beyoncé’s Ivy Park to Yezzy´s collections, sports inspired fashion is gradually overtaking ready-to-wear as a consistently popular and wear able stylish all year round trend. Several years ago (Pre-2011) sportswear was only recognised as gym, street and at-home-relaxing alternatives. However, thanks to the emergence of sports stars as models (Hamilton, Nadal, Ronaldo and not forgetting Beckham) who, as well as fronting designers campaigns have also gone onto form their own ranges based on their lifestyles and philosophies. This year will see the Euro-games, Winter Olympics, Wimbledon and Tour De France, making it one of the biggest years for sport this decade.
The sportswear look nonetheless, now transcends that of the celebrities who endorse (or design) it. The characteristics of sportswear make it comfortable, wearable and adaptable clothing which means it is a very easy look to pull off. Today’s options allow you to look cool, clean and tailored without the ´just finished a 10K´ or ´college frat boy´ chic.
“Sportswear always begins its life on the back of athletes, before becoming popularised by people in the public eye. Then, it then gets reappraised by designers, making it a trend which cannot be ignored ” – Daniel Todd
With a profusion of sports in the media today, designers and stylists are taking inspiration from each and every division of the industry which is providing an infinite number of sports-style related looks. The trick is to know where the look came from specifically so you can put your own twist on it. Here are some of the designers’ favourite influences over the past year;
Baseball
Whether you follow the Pirates, the Angels or the Yankees, one of the biggest trending looks on the street-style scene is the baseball inspired one. As recently sported by Valentino and Gucci, this seasons trending souvenir jacket showcases many of the same style features as the traditional baseball jacket, but with an oriental twist to the body and a ribbed hem, collar and cuffs. However, if these Italian institutions fare too expensive for you, then the high street has some excellent interpretations (Zara) which are lightweight, economic and great for layering
Golf
Ever since the 18th century, the original gentleman’s domain, the golf club has presented strict, conservative dress codes which are somewhere between a hybrid of sportswear and formal wear. The stylish flexibility of this look is so that it can effortlessly take you from the fairway to the function room with confidence and grace. The keyword to this look is transitional style.
Harking back to the mid 1990´s with (The Sweater Shop´s) loud patterned jumpers (and sometimes trousers) this obsolete golfing aesthetic has been replaced by classic polo shirts and slim, neutral chino´s. A discreet splash of colour can be injected via a woollen jumper or cardigan for the cooler evening hours.
Motorsport
If you would like to give the impression you´ve just stepped out the Audi-R18 at Brands Hatch, then an all over black leather ensemble would be your first pit stop. However, as the summer months bring higher temperatures, it establishes that this is not the best option for the temperature or manoeuvrability commanded by the summer months.
The male equivalent to the onesie, the boiler suit is a divisive look that is trending as a sort of experimental aesthetic in all the fashion houses where Hermes, Balmain and Louis Vuitton have all shown it is now a very stylish and possible option for a contemporary wardrobe. The stylists secret to getting the look right involves keeping the suit fitted with rolled up sleeves and sneaker skimming hems.
Sailing
One of the most established and popular styles, this trend returns each and every year, with a new variation – aka ´The Nautical Look.´ This is something that has been tried and tested by every sartorial saviour. However, with regards to updating this look yet again, the trend looks to be favouring in the refinement of sailing as opposed to the practicality of fishing; taking the form of leather deck shoes, light knits in the Breton stripe and slim neutral chinos.
Daytime looks can easily be transformed into elegant evening options by slipping into smart leather loafers and crisp button down shirts. The timeless key elements of white trousers, shirts and a navy double breasted dinner jacket will mean regardless of the time or location, you will always look effortlessly chic.
Track & Field
One of the worst trends to hit fashion in the past decades was the shell-suit and it is safe to say that it will not be making a comeback any time soon. However, saying that, there is no reason why the track and field look cannot trend within the current summer style. For a safe, stylish and updated version of the look, think of combining a vintage track jacket with a crisp white shirt and slim-fitting trousers.
With a full army of designers producing more exquisite and luxurious ´athleisure´ style clothing, it is now possible to look elegant and composed whilst on the field, as opposed to off it. Additionally, with each sport having its own specific look, you can now look good when your playing ( or even only pretending to).
Article: Charles Daniel McDonald
Photography: The Trend Setter
