11 anorak jackets that’ll make you want to give your bomber a rest day

Aiming for a dressed down look with sporty flair? Consider swapping your go-to bomber for one of this spring 2018’s biggest activewear trends: the anorak jacket. Done in wind-resistant and water-proof fabrics, often with drawstring ties at the waist, the functional third piece has been elevated by designers this season as a coveted topper for appearing like an anti-try hard.

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.

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Isabel Marant Olaz Floral-Print Hooded Jacket, $1,045

This multicolored floral-print walked Isabel Marant’s SS18 runway. Wear yours with black leggings and sneakers or as a fresh layer over a T-shirt and shorts.

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.