Believe it or not, the humble fleece has shot to the top of the list of must-have fashion items. Rather than being the go-to piece for those in search of practical work-wear, its popularity seems to have risen in line with the explosion in Scandinavian-inspired clothing.
Simple, functional and from the same family as the jumper, the fleece is making its comeback as a must-have staple for any wardrobe. The real trick to pulling off this look is knowing how and when to wear it and in this article, we look at the role of the fleece in a modern and fresh wardrobe.
The benefits of wearing a fleece
Perfect for getting you through the temperamental British weather, the fleece is an excellent transitional piece. Seeing as UK winters now take up most of the year, its useful to have an item that you can dress up or dress down whatever the weather.
Although you wouldn’t want to wear it out in a downpour, the fleece is nonetheless a surprisingly versatile choice which can be teamed with dark jeans and plimsolls in the daytime and smart trousers and brogues during the evening.
The range of choice
As the fleece is now a key trend piece, there are a huge variety of different styles to choose from to suit all price brackets. Many designers have put their own spin on the piece so there’s something suitable for all needs.
Putting together an outfit
Since modern fleece styles boast modern and clean silhouettes, they avoid the reputation for being over casual or even scruffy. With these newer designs, the fleece is an intermediary piece that is perfect to take you from running errands to enjoying dinner. No longer heavy and bulky, the fleece strikes a sophisticated note that once seemed impossible.
The fleece can be worn similarly to the much beloved chunky knit jumper. Whether you want a jumper style fleece or one with a zipper along the front, the general rule is always to pick a style that complements your body type.
The ideal partner for jeans, trousers or any kind of bottoms, the fleece is an essential piece when creating a smart-casual look. As fleeces no longer rely solely on texture but also on pattern, you can also experiment with colour combinations and statement dressing for an up-to-the-minute look.