An Ode to Classic Varsity Style

Think timeless varsity-style; letterman jackets, rugby shirts, and logo-emblazoned crests on both crewnecks and hoodies, which have been a staple among jocks and preps for decades. This athletic-driven, scholarly style has inspired many over the years and this season it makes its recurring debut in time for the fall, or should we say back to school!

Take Marc Jacobs’s Spring 2016 collection, where models marched down the runway showing their “Bobcats” pride in collegiate-striped, reworked sweatshirts, or Anna Sui’s spring 2017 collection, which came with its own cheerleading squad dressed in full “A.S.”-stamped varsity jackets, classic cheer shell tops, and knife-pleated skirts to boot. Go team! Meanwhile, Matthew Adams Dolan took a less literal approach by crafting women’s dresses from menswear-inspired rugby shirts for spring 2020. Even more recently, “The Dancing Boy” collection for Hedi Slimane’s Celine Spring 2021 menswear gave a nod to the TikTok generation, who may or may not be heading back to campus this fall. Models gave off a cool, thrown-together vibe, layering hoodies under varsity jackets atop ripped denim, with a touch of prep school pleated plaid.

And now this Fall-Winter 2021 varsity style makes its way to the high street with the likes of GANT, allowing all to channel the trend of the season. So here is how to update your uniform – after all, oversized rugby polos, letterman cardigans, and cable-knit cricket sweaters are as cosy as they sound.

An ode to classic varsity style the looks of the season play with the classic GANT styles and rewrite the rules and traditions. Think golden coat of arms crests, rich fabrications, floral patterns inspired by castle wallpapers and American sportswear classics mixed with the stylish sensibility of street style.

Shirts and dresses are the heroes this season. True to form, GANT turns up the preppy volume for Fall-Winter, letting its American sportswear icons lead the way down a bolder and braver path for the season. Key styles including the Royalty Varsity Jacket, the Rose Maxi Dress, U.S. Royalty Hoodie, and Cotton Twill Cap sit nicely together with classics such as argyles, collegiate graphics, colourful block stripes and fall checks. Washed out denim alongside crisp shirts is also key and perfect jersey grounds the collection and silk, cashmere and shearling fur sit as highlights on top.

For more information, visit www.liwastores.com/gant and gant.ae