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Is there a more pragmatic piece than the windbreaker? The name alone implies practicality, and it’s built, quite literally, to cut the wind. Sure, it may not be the sexiest wardrobe staple in existence, but like an old friend, it’s always there for you in times of need. Actually, I take back the unsexy part. Today’s stylish celebrities are rocking windbreakers in fresh new ways. By pairing it with chic bottoms and sleek accessories, it’s proving the hero piece can be both stylish and functional this season.
Just this week, Rihanna—right before she announced her pregnancy to the world!—stepped out in a Martine Rose windbreaker in electric blue. It’s sporty in feel, but she made it feel super high-fashion with the help of a striped fur stole, miniskirt, and strappy stilettos. Kim Kardashian also pulled out a glamorous version back in October. When she hosted SNL, she was spotted in New York wearing Balenciaga’s pink anorak coat, accentuated with a metallic silver bag and boots to match. Certainly not rainy day-ready, but cool nonetheless.
The look has even made it to the front rows of Fashion Week. At Louis Vuitton’s menswear fall 2022 show earlier this month, Venus Williams hit up the event in a monogrammed zip-up windbreaker by the label. She paired it with a button-up dress and cowboy boots. She’s smart for bringing it to fashion month, as designers have been toying with the look recently too, after all. At Celine for fall 2021, Hedi Slimane showed hunter green windbreakers that made me think of Princess Diana back in the 1980s, when she wore a classic Barbour style in the same hue. Balenciaga has also been experimenting with the techy fabric on dresses, as seen in its spring 2022 look book, and the ongoing Adidas x Wales Bonner collaboration has been delivering refined jackets as well.
If you’re wondering how to wear it for the spring—they’re perfect for transitional seasons—be sure to pair it with dressier pieces to offset its athletic feel. The good news is, currently, the market has all types of styles and color ways, whether you want to be discreet or bold (at a variety of price points, too!). Shop eight stylish windbreakers below.
