Spring’s active anorak
March 25th, 2008Athletic-inspired anoraks were fringe fashion last year, but are now mainstream. They’re a super lightweight, casual cover-up that’ll give your look a sporty edge with lots of style. You’ll find them shiny or matte, long or short, and neutral or coloured. Fabrications like nylon, polyester and acetate give them a particularly authentic active appearance.
I like anoraks best when they’re contrasted with dressy attire, like a little black dress, dark jeans, slacks, swanky walk shorts and fancy shoes. This is a rather avant-garde, high fashion look, so it’s a little tricky to pull off if you don’t get the components right.
I’ll bypass this trend – the less sporty trench is more my style. But If you’re an active zip-up-and-go kind of gal, than the fashion anorak look might be for you.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Hmmmm. They’re cuter than I expected. Much cuter than the forshadowings on the runway last year. That salmon colored one in the corner is pretty adorable.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I’m really not a fan of anoraks.. seriously. Even those cute ones in the pic…
March 25th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Gee, I have been wearing these on & off for years -a staple. don’t think I would try to be too high fashion about them, tho…
March 25th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I agree with Pamphyila. High fashion they are not. I have been wearing one from the Gap that I bought 15 or so years ago to wear to my boys’ baseball games. What makes these high fashion are the models who are wearing them. There are too many bells and whistles on most of them.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I agree. I can’t see this as anything other than what I would wear camping. Do you have a picture of one with a little black dress?
March 25th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Hang on ladies. It’s important to understand that these are fashion items and not gear. They are purchased in the fashion area and not in a sports shop. You cannot compare this look with an item that you had 15 years ago. It’s not quite the same. It’s much like the difference between an athletic running shoe and a fashion sneaker. Hope that makes sense.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Oh how I would love to be able to wear one of these little numbers, to look casually sporty and on trend at the same time but alas though I have tried, the anorak is just not “me” (possibly because I am NOT sporty in any way, I don’t know)
March 26th, 2008 at 7:37 am
i think angie’s comparison to a fashion sneaker makes a lot of sense, and i’m loving these fashionable anoraks. do NOT wear them with gym shoes, rather, pair with sharp trousers (skinny jeans if you’re young) and a classy ballet flat. a comfortable and cute look for spring.
March 26th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Sorry, Angie, but I have to disagree with you on this one. I am having trouble with this look just as I have an issue with the whole concept of a fashion sneaker. It is still a sneaker and this is still a sport jacket. The yellow one in the middle is cute and I would like it ritht now with my grey trousers and white shirt or nice jeans for the weekends. However, next year I would be wondering what I was thinking.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Cute for a day of errands and groceries I think
March 27th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I’m too small for the anorak look. I don’t like all the pockets.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Anoraks can look fab - but you have to be careful about what you team them with. Leggings/footless tights or skinny/fitted denim are best. Because they can make you look bulkier than you are, keep bottoms sleek and simple. Also, choosing one with a drawstring waist helps maintain a more svelte appearance.
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
What is the difference between an anorak and a trench coat?
July 17th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I’m catching up on my reading since this post was before my time. I just bought a beautiful Orange Ralph Lauren anorak in this style that fits my fabulously. I saw the Michael Kors one, as well, and although I love pink I opted for the orange. This post has inspired me to wear this on my casual days, rain or shine!