Style

How to Style a Hoodie Like a True Fashion Pro

The comfortable classic can become a chic fashion statement with the right moves.
NEW YORK NEW YORK  OCTOBER 14 Ros aka Roseanne Park MBE is seen in Midtown on October 14 2024 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14: Rosé aka Roseanne Park MBE is seen in Midtown on October 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images)TheStewartofNY

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Confession: I never thought knowing how to style a hoodie was necessary, until recently. It just wasn’t a piece that worked with my personal style (or so I thought). But as someone who keeps a close eye on the latest street-style trends—it is my job, after all—I’ve come to realize that true fashion pros are able to make even the most laid-back garment look elevated and chic. So I’ve studied how to style a hoodie—and because I don’t believe in gatekeeping, I’m here to share my wealth of sartorial knowledge with you.

I’ll start with my favorite outfit: a blazer and hoodie combo. And if you choose a blazer with strong, structured shoulders? You’re sure to stand out in the crowd. Best of all, this versatile pairing works just as well with your work trousers as it does with athleisure leggings. If you don’t want your hoodie hiding underneath layers of clothing, though, go ahead and make it the star of the show (if the weather permits, that is). Those in the know have made a convincing argument for elevating the loungewear with miniskirts and kitten heels.

hoodies
13 Best Hoodies for Women, Tested and Approved by Editors
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Of course, you don’t need to abandon that tried-and-true hoodie you’ve owned for, well, longer than you’d like to admit. IMO, a style emblazoned with your high school sports team gives off a cool vintage vibe, especially if you pair said piece with some old-school Levi’s jeans. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out the newest sweatshirts on the market too. I’m personally fond of all the soft cashmere styles—Tibi is a purveyor of the look—out there right now as well as midriff-baring cropped hoodies.

Still eager for more hoodie styling tips? Keep scrolling for eight outfit formulas worth test-driving this season.

1.Wear a graphic hoodie with heels

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

If you haven’t quite figured out how to style that graphic hoodie stuffed in the back of your closet, here’s an outfit idea: Wear it with culottes or Bermuda shorts. Why? So you can show off a pair of statement heels. Because it reads fairly chill otherwise, you’ll instantly elevate this casual look with a pair of leopard-print pumps or leather knee-high boots. A colorful handbag adds a sophisticated touch as well.

hoodie
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Anthropologie Daily Practice Hoodie

Reformation Maddox Slingback Heels
Courtesy of brand

Reformation Maddox Slingback Heels

2. Layer a hoodie and sweatpants set with a coat

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Gone are the days when your hoodie and sweatpants were relegated to the house. Sure, it may be daunting to wear your trusty loungewear out in public, but there’s nothing a chic coat can’t elevate. I’d recommend adding texture to the matching set by layering it with a fuzzy topper, but a trendy trench coat in a relaxed fit works just as well too. Here, content creator Anaa Saber left no styling stone unturned, accessorizing the look with 2010s-coded wedge sneakers.

SoComfy Full-Zip Hoodie Sweatshirt
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SoComfy Full-Zip Hoodie Sweatshirt

We the Free Denim Barn Coat
Courtesy of brand

We the Free Denim Barn Coat

3. Balance an oversized hoodie with an itty-bitty miniskirt

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

See? Fashion folks love a hoodie and miniskirt duo. To make a sporty pullover the pièce de résistance of your look, follow this person’s lead and stick to the same color family elsewhere in your outfit—perhaps one or two shades darker than the hoodie. Lastly, punctuate the getup with a bright clutch or tote. Dark tights and kitten heels also add a fancy flair to this hoodie outfit.

free people sweatshirt
Courtesy of brand

Free People A Cut Above Hoodie

pleated skirt
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Reformation Pleated Skirt

4. Go for the full monochromatic look

Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images

You can never go wrong with a neutral monochromatic look, whether you’re running errands or going to dinner with friends. And though a black hoodie and matching trousers probably doesn’t sound groundbreaking, it’s all about how you style the pieces. Here, a leather bomber jacket provided a dose of streetwear edge to the look. Kick things up a notch with coordinating frames and sneakers. Add a black baseball cap if you want to go full incognito.

sweatshirt
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Lululemon Scuba Hoodie

leather jacket
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Mango Leather Jacket

5. Style a fitted hoodie with your most colorful pieces

Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

Allow street-style star Chloe King to persuade you to style a gray hoodie with your most playful maximalist looks. As it turns out, a hooded sweatshirt in a neutral shade perfectly grounds a bright jacket and trousers ensemble. And why not throw on a coordinating sequin skirt while you’re at it? This formula might not be for the faint of heart, but as King would tell you, it’s well worth the risk.

Skims Classic Zip Up Hoodie
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Skims Classic Zip-Up Hoodie

J.Crew Cosmo Pant
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J.Crew Cosmo Pants

6. Play with volume with a baggy sweater, loose jeans, and big jacket

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

For a comfy and casual outfit that doesn’t skimp on style, layer a large jacket—ideally one that’s furry—atop an oversized or voluminous-sleeve hoodie. With ample coverage around your neck, feel free to leave your blanket scarf at home. I wouldn’t blame you if you opted for sweats on the bottom, but for something a tad more dressy, consider a pair of jeans (just go with an on-trend style like carpenter jeans) or cargo pants. Western-inspired boots give the look even more intrigue.

Alo Sweet Escape Zip Up Hoodie
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Alo Sweet Escape Zip-Up Hoodie

Everlane Carpenter Jeans
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Everlane Carpenter Jeans

7. Pair a neutral hoodie with a statement blazer

Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images

Call up your grandma and see if she held on to her shoulder-padded blazers from the ’80s. If yes, nab the outerwear while the look is hot. Styling-wise, tone down the attention-grabbing jacket with the help of a pared-back hoodie and tailored trousers. It’s also not a bad idea to work a statement accent into this smart-casual outfit, such as an animal-print pump.

sweatshirt
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Sporty & Rich Jersey Hoodie

quince leather blazer
Courtesy of brand

Quince Leather Blazer

8. Break up a denim jacket and jeans with a zip-up hoodie

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

There are only so many ways you can rock a denim-on-denim look, right? Wrong. I’d argue that the possibilities are infinite. In fact, I bet you haven’t considered wearing your true blues with a basic hoodie—athleisure is perfect for breaking up your denim jacket and jeans. I’m quite fond of the colorful bag and leather boot add-ons above, but I’ll leave the rest of the outfit up to you.

Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie
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Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie

Loft Denim Barn Jacket
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Loft Denim Barn Jacket