Esprit’s fabulous casual style
February 21st, 2007Esprit is a German chain store and a brand known for it’s uncomplicated, sporty European style and clean-cut, crisp looking merchandise. Their fit is roomier than fellow European retailers and quality usually superior. They offer casual and smart casual clothing / accessories for men and women at affordable prices.
Esprit was a great brand to own in the ‘80’s and early 90’s, but battled a bit when giants like H&M and Zara took over most of the European contemporary fashion scene. Suddenly their look seemed expensive and basic (sound familiar?). In a world where people want more for their fashion dollar, Esprit was forced to make changes. They realized that “basic was less desirable” and are back on the map. Their casual wear is once again a strength for both the funky urbanite and modern classic.
Esprit is available all over Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada. You’ll find stand alone stores in New York City, but elsewhere in the United States Nordstrom is your only option. I’ve recently added Esprit items back into my wardrobe and thoroughly recommend them. Perhaps the Gap could look to Esprit for inspiration?
Esprit are doing a great job of educating customers on their websites. These styles show how effortlessly their items can be layered and co-ordinated. Try creating similar casual combinations with the clothes you already have in your wardrobe.
February 21st, 2007 at 8:38 am
A moment of nostalgia. Esprit was what my mother always bought me in the mid-to-late 80s. I’m glad to see the brand is back.
February 21st, 2007 at 9:27 am
Love Esprit! Almost bought that tan plaid blazer. May still yet.
February 21st, 2007 at 10:29 am
Funny you featured Esprit today. I was at Nordstrom this past weekend and came upon several Esprit items on the sales rack. Man, I loved Esprit but couldn’t afford it in the late 80s when I was in high school. When I was 16, my family took a trip down the California coast and the highlight for me was stopping at the Esprit outlet store somewhere near Carmel. There’s photo of me in red leggings, denim jacket, keds and white hoop earrings just beaming in front of the store.
February 21st, 2007 at 11:25 am
Do you think I am too old for this look? I’m afraid sometimes I feel inhibited by trying not to embarrass my daughters. he hee.
February 21st, 2007 at 12:17 pm
How old is too old, Rebecca? I am a 50 something schoolteacher and I like that untucked, layered look. Even with age appropriate clothing, it looks fresh and modern- a nice twist on ‘classic’ for those of us who are a bit bored with that term.
February 21st, 2007 at 5:19 pm
I like that, Debbie — “fresh and modern- a nice twist on ‘classic’ for those of us who are a bit bored with that term”. I like classic, but I like fresh and modern better. Sometimes it seems that classic is deemed a synonym for some kind of virtue.
I am 43 and completely gray. Or silver. Or platinum, depending on your perspective, I suppose.
February 21st, 2007 at 5:25 pm
But in my mind I look like the models here. lol
March 1st, 2007 at 9:32 am
Does Esprit carry “Collection” outside of Asia? (In Hong Kong/Macau/Mainland China, the selection is Esprit, EDC, and Collection.) I find some items in Collection to be better for the office (and those over 30) than the regular Esprit fare.
March 1st, 2007 at 9:35 am
Actually, looking at Esprit’s US site, it seems that the main selection is Esprit and EDC and neither are like those carried here! How strange.
I’m a bit jealous, too. It’s been years since I shopped for Esprit in the states, but their viscose tee is too cute — I may have to have my mother get me one.
March 4th, 2007 at 12:09 am
I just looked at the website and, Angie, I love almost everything there! Thanks for recommending it.
November 5th, 2007 at 8:42 am
Hey -
I love everyones comments on Esprit and couldn’t agree more!
I frequently shop at Esprit in NYC and also know it from back in Germany.
Did you know they now have 20 stores in the US? 2 in Texas, 2 in Florida, 1 in CT, one in VA, 1 in PA, a few in NY & NJ and they are opening a HUGE store at Rockefeller Center in a few weeks! Very cool!