15 luxe, stylish sweatshirts you'll want to wear 24/7
Creatures of comfort, you've never looked so good
The athleisure trend is a godsend for some. Wear sweats, be fashionable! But there are those among us who just don't feel put together in yoga pants—designer or not. Enter the sweatshirt. "But that's still athleisure!" you may say. Technically, yes. But when comes in so many stylish iterations, it's actually a wardrobe-changer. In velour, the sweatshirt feels luxurious. Embroidered, it feels sophisticated. And in Breton stripes, it becomes a classic. Oh! And the sweatshirt can be a dress, too. Shop on for our 15 favourites.
We can only assume, by the way this top is styled, that the Elle sweater is a reference to Legally Blonde's Elle Woods. And Elle was not the kind of girl who left the house in sweats! Paired with a mini skirt and worn over a button-up, this sweatshirt becomes a preppy basic.
Sunday Best Elle Sweater, $70, aritzia.com
While yes, this is basically just a giant sweatshirt, you couldn't just buy an XXL somewhere and get the same look. Longer and leaner than your usual athletic wear version, this dress has stylish drop sleeves that are made to look oversized without hanging a foot beyond your hands. Skip the sporty knee socks and wear it with opaque tights and heeled booties.
H&M Sweatshirt Dress, $19.99, hm.com
This soft sweatshirt looks simple from the front but features oversized grommets and satin ribbon at the back. Perfect for days when you want to lounge in sweats but don't want to look basic, although it would look equally great with a black leather skirt or faux leather leggings.
H&M Sweatshirt with Satin Ribbons, $39.99, hm.com
Leave it to elevated basics label Franc to turn the sweatshirt into an elegant-looking boatneck top. A bit longer in the back than front, this top is great for layering over a dress shirt or dress. Wear it alone with jeans on weekends.
Franc The Boatneck Sweatshirt, $63.00, wearfranc.com
Looking more like a vintage tennis sweater than a sweatshirt, this stylishly sporty piece looks sweet with a floral skirt and heels, but will look just as sharp with jeans.
Little Moon Amaranth Sweater, $85, aritzia.com
Like your favourite oversized sleep tee made stylish, this sweatshirt dress features an '80s-inspired tulle ruffle that instantly dresses it up. Wear it with sneakers or heels. Your choice.
Everly Tulle Ruffle Sweatshirt Dress, $64.25, nordstrom.com
A bit '70s, this lush velour sweatshirt looks vintage—in a good way—with high-waisted jeans, but it would look great with a pair of high-waisted trousers for the office or a soft pleated midi skirt for a nice dinner date too.
Gap Velour raglan pullover, $54.95, gapcanada.com
The silhouette of this sweatshirt has a pretty boatneck and slightly cropped hem, but it's laced-up sleeves really make it stand out. We like it with jeans and booties, but it could also be thrown over a slip dress or wide leg trousers.
Gap Lace-up sleeve pullover, $49.95, gapcanada.com
Add Breton stripes to anything and it looks even cooler. Think Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn. This top has the weight and comfort of a sweater with the style associated with those classic navy and white stripes. The red-stitched buttons and oversized pocket add extra adorableness.
Joseph Breton striped cotton-jersey sweatshirt, $225, net-a-porter.com
Not for the modest dresser, this sweatshirt is not only vibrant yellow, but its puffed shoulders truly make it a fashion piece. Wear this with just about anything. It's such a standout piece, it'll instantly update jeans or a skirt. Keep the other colours in your ensemble more neutral or go wild with colour!
Mango Puffed-shoulder sweatshirt, $49.99, mango.com
The long embroidered sleeves on this black sweatshirt feature little bows at the cuff. It's probably the prettiest, slouchy piece you'll own and one of the easiest ways to dress up your comfiest clothes.
Mango Floral embroidered sweatshirt, $69.99, mango.com
More runway than muppet, really! This faux fur sweatshirt is soft, furry and fashionable. Layer it over a button-up or throw it on with a high-waisted skirt. Either way, it'll keep you warm while looking fun.
Zara Faux Fur Sweatshirt, $25.90, zara.com
Need an office-appropriate sweatshirt? This check version is like a classic suit turned soft and cozy. Wear it with your favourite work basics, like black ankle-length pants and ballet flats or your best pencil skirts.
Zara Check Sweatshirt, $35.90, zara.com
Are we telling you that the giant dot on this sweatshirt makes it more stylish? Actually, yes - sometimes it's not the little things, but the big ones. Either way, it's all in the details. With a swing silhouette, this oversized top has a '60s vibe we love.
Oak and Fort Sweatshirt 1521, $68.00, oakandfort.ca
The asymmetrical ruffles on this loose-fit sweatshirt dress give it a feminine but modern feel. It comes in both millennial pink and classic heathered grey for a more literal sweatshirt look.
BP. Asymmetrical Flounce Hem Sweatshirt Dress, $72.12, nordstrom.com