Stylist and brand consultant Rachael Wang says the rise of the anorak is part of fashion’s follow-up to normcore, which is “gorpcore” (shout out to the summertime trail mix favorite, gorp). The trend is all about seemingly “unstylish” items are actually the most stylish of all. It’s a look where “city dwellers wear technical gear favored by hikers and backpackers,” she says.
The anorak is part of fashion’s follow up to normcore, which is “gorpcore.”
Wang adds, “Designers nodded to this street-influenced trend by sending every imaginable version of the waterproof, hooded anorak down the Spring '18 runways. Fashion darling Demna Gvasalia designed a color-blocked and deconstructed version for Balenciaga, and newly appointed creative director to Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh, styled the classic all-weather staple as a swimsuit coverup for his Off-White collection. At Calvin Klein, Raf Simons reimagined the anorak as a pastel blue dress worn with white pumps, and Phoebe Philo designed an all-leather version for her swan song at Celine."
So how should you wear yours IRL? "Valentino provided a great styling tip: Choose technical outerwear in a pastel color and try pairing it with other pieces in that same color family for a chic monochromatic look,” suggests Wang.
For an easy way to wear an anorak when you’re not throwing it on over your workout attire en route to the gym, take a cue from Shopbop’s fashion director, Caroline Maguire: “I love styling it with a denim skirt or my favorite pair of high-waisted denim with the anorak tucked in."
Available in a range of punchy prints, transparent PVC, so-now pastels, and vivid hues, shop 11 anoraks ahead as your new lightweight jacket option.
Don't forget to give your sneaker collection a spring makeover with these fresh designer kicks. And check out the other style of retro activewear having a moment: windbreaker jackets.
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