Many parts of the country are currently in winter’s icy grip, and men and women alike have pulled their favorite hoodies and sweatshirts out of storage for the season to keep themselves warm.
When it comes to beating winter’s chill, hoodies and sweatshirts are a popular option, and for good reason.
They’re comfortable, they work well on every body type and they’re stylish.
They are all appropriate for a wide range of situations and occasions, so they are incredibly versatile cold-weather wardrobe staples.
Whether you are getting ready to go to work, spend time with friends or family or run some errands around town, what you wear says a lot about you.
Even when you are deciding which sweatshirt to put on, you should keep in mind that the people you encounter will likely form perceptions of you based on your style.
While this may not be super important if you are just running errands or hanging out with friends, other people’s perceptions could be a huge deal if you are going to a job interview or even heading into the office.
So, what does the style of your sweatshirt say about you? Keep reading to find out the answer and to discover how to style sweatshirts and hoodies.
What Your Sweatshirt Says About You
When it comes to sweatshirts, there are a few different styles to choose from.
There’s the classic crewneck sweatshirt, plus there are pullover hoodies and zip-up hoodies. Each one portrays something slightly different about the person wearing it.
If you wear a well-fitting crewneck sweatshirt layered over a dress shirt, for example, you are broadcasting a professional, put-together look to the world.
If you are wearing a baggy pullover hoodie and sweats, your style tells the world that you are laid back and relaxed.
A zip-up hoodie can create a casual appearance, too, or it can be dressed up to make you seem more professional.
One of the great things about sweatshirts is that nearly every one of them can say different things about you depending on how you wear them.
Generally speaking, baggy sweatshirts and hoodies have a casual vibe, and fitted styles are more serious and professional.
You can totally change up the message you’re sending, though, by altering the pants or accessories you wear with your sweatshirt.
Choosing hoodies and sweatshirts in different colors can totally change what they say about you, too.
Let’s take a closer look at how to style your sweatshirts to ensure that they’re saying what you want them to say about you.
When You Want to Look Professional
If you work in a conservative office, a hoodie may not be an appropriate apparel choice.
Hooded sweatshirts are often deemed too casual for strictly professional settings.
If you want to stay warm while working in an office, a crewneck sweatshirt may be a better option.
Choose one in a dark neutral color–like brown, black, or navy blue–and wear it over a button-down shirt.
Keep your collar tucked in. If you are wearing a tie, that should be tucked under your sweatshirt, too. You can roll the cuffs of your sleeves up over the outside of your sweatshirt, though.
When wearing sweatshirts to work, make sure they are in good condition and fit properly.
A work-appropriate sweatshirt should fit close to your body without being overly snug. The sleeves should reach your wrists but not extend over your hands.
The bottom hem should extend to the top of your hips but not go lower than the bottoms of your back pockets.
Old sweatshirts that are stained, faded, or have pills are not appropriate for work.
When You Are Heading Out on the Town
Whether you are going out on a date or spending time with friends, a hoodie is generally an acceptable option for staying warm.
Pullover hoodies are great for laid-back dates and casual hangouts. If you are trying to put your best forward, though, be sure to choose one that is a solid color and isn’t overly baggy.
If you need to add an extra layer of warmth to your outfit when going out to enjoy a nice dinner or you simply want to wear something a bit dressier than a pullover hooded sweatshirt, a zip-up hoodie is a great way to go.
This style blends the comfort of a hooded sweatshirt with the more structured appearance of a jacket and is much easier to dress up than a pullover variety.
Look for one that is fitted (but not tight) and wear it with a nice shirt and a pair of dress jeans to create a style that says you are well put together but not overdressed for the occasion.
When You Just Want to Relax
Sweatshirts and hoodies are easy to wear when you are relaxing or running errands.
When you want to stay warm and toasty in an outfit that screams comfy and casual, try pairing an oversized pullover hoodie with leggings and a pair of knee boots.
If you would prefer, you can ditch the leggings in favor of a pair of skinny jeans instead.
Of course, you could also channel your inner celeb and rock a super oversized pullover hoodie sans pants with a pair of thigh-high boots if you’re feeling daring!
Crewneck sweaters work well with boot cuts and flare jeans. They’re also perfect when paired with your favorite yoga or gym pants.
When it comes to hanging out in comfort, there is really no wrong way to wear a sweatshirt. Just avoid wearing ones that are stained, excessively baggy or holey to avoid looking sloppy if you are going out in public.
The Bottom Line
Whether you like it or not, the clothes you wear tell the world a lot about you.
Make sure you are sending the right message when wearing your favorite sweatshirt or hoodie by following the styling tips listed above.
Spend some time developing your own personal style, and before you know it, it will be turning heads for all the right reasons!
