Although prevalent for decades, 2012 experienced a renaissance of sorts, for the societal pleasing sport-luxe trend. For reasons discernible to most – one being comfort, another being rugged masculine machismo, gents the world over have reveled in its return as elements of the so-called trend have bombarded runways and street corners far and wide.
Let’s begin with the apparent shall we? Long gone are the days of tolerable acceptance for that monumentally grandiose hoodie and matching pair of track pants. That disheveled, bedraggled look had a moment in the early 80’s, or some may argue – we’ll leave that for you to decipher. Suffice it to say, in order to pull off such a semblance with some shred of sartorial flare, a healthy dose of premeditated thought must come into play. While a full on assault of head-to-toe athletic garb can in good taste be carried out effectively, by far the most creative and inspired come from those ensembles that integrate contrasting textiles, silhouettes and styles even.
In need of some inspiration? Maybe we can help with that. Opt for a pair of white leather tennis sneakers – a la Stan Smith and team with a slimming pair of glen plaid print trousers, and a dark washed Levi’s trucker jacket as the statement outerwear piece. The result is an interpretive clash of utilitarian workwear, contemporary casual, and stern sportswear.
A pair of streamlined joggers would lend itself well juxtaposed along a classic biker jacket iteration, finished with a marred pair of combat boots.

Utilize a two-toned varsity jacket as the outer layer to a button-down, crew neck pullover combo, with a pair of finely tailored chinos and brogues to round out your lower half.
Boisterously playing into the age-old heritage aesthetic, a leather backpack is a resplendent accessory alternative to an ensemble featuring a cable-knit shawl neck cardigan, distressed pair of denims, and a set of vintage work boots.
Don’t just take our word for it though. For the previous AW14 season, a cluster of prominent fashion houses deemed it necessary to incorporate their very own artistic interpretations to this burgeoning movement. Givenchy made obtrusive use of snapback caps and basketball inspired prints emblazed on boxy silhouettes. Kenzo fashioned a luxe hooded pullover as a highlight to their fall campaign, while Calvin Klein featured slogan-rich sweaters into their runway show.

 

With no telltale sign of slowing down, the current SS15 season is positioned yet again to exploit sport garb at its finest with more and more designers electing to enter the game, if you will. Dries van Noten applies his signature somber appeal to form-fitting track pants and relaxed scoop neck shirts, while DSquared walked a palpable path injecting snap backs, leather shorts and high top sneakers into their range.

 

A trend in the midst of a celebrated uprising, it’s time to get up off the bench and into some action. With such versatility in arms reach of us all, there’s enough playing time for everyone.