How to Style Windbreakers

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Windbreakers are lightweight jackets that protect you from the wind and light rain. They come in pullover style, zip-up style, and hoodie style, and they usually have tight cuffs. Windbreakers can range in color and design, so it can be hard to choose what to wear with one. If you have a windbreaker you’re dying to wear out, try sticking with a vintage look, going for an athleisure vibe, or creating a monochromatic outfit to look great in your windbreaker today.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Styles of Windbreakers

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  1. Windbreakers used to be a form-fitting way to stay protected from the wind. In fashion, they are now used as oversized statement pieces that add style and class to an outfit. Purchase a baggy, oversized windbreaker to elevate your style. Buy one as large as you are comfortable with. [1]

    Tip: If the sleeves of your windbreaker are too long, roll them up until your hands stick out.

  2. If you are using your windbreaker to run or exercise in, consider getting one that is actually your size. This will be easier to move in and it will also give you a more athletic vibe. Make sure the windbreaker hits at your hips and the sleeves end just above your wrists. [2]
    • This will also allow you to wear your windbreaker in more professional settings.
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  3. Many windbreakers call back to the 80s and 90s in terms of color and style. Choose a windbreaker with multiple blocks of color to stand out and make a statement with your windbreaker. Multi-colored windbreakers look great over a monochromatic outfit, like all black. [3]
    • Bright colors in large chunks are more vintage than modern.
  4. Windbreakers that are a solid color are an excellent staple for any closet. An all-black windbreaker will go well with almost anything, but you can choose a windbreaker of any color that you like. If you are feeling daring, you can even try a bright neon colored windbreaker. [4]
  5. If you live in an area that has a lot of rain, you may need to choose a windbreaker with slightly more coverage than normal. Buy a windbreaker that has a hood on it so that you can not only wear it fashionably but also get some functionality out of it. Try to find one where you can tuck the hood into the collar of the jacket for more versatility. [5]
    • Classic windbreakers do not usually have hoods on them, but you can find modern ones that do.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Pairing Bottoms with Your Windbreaker

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  1. If you have a bright, blocky-colored windbreaker, you are already calling back to the decades before. To play up this look, add a pair of light-wash high-waisted jeans. Make sure your jeans fit you well in the waist and hips, but are loose around the calves and ankles. [6]
    • You can find jeans like this at most thrift stores.
  2. If you want your windbreaker to be the main focus of your outfit, tone down the rest of your look by wearing simple black jeans. [7] This will make your windbreaker pop so that it draws attention. This is a great idea for brightly-colored and oversized windbreakers. [8]
    • You can also wear black jeans with a black windbreaker for a streetwear look.
  3. If you are wearing your windbreaker to work out or you want to create an athleisure look, wear some leggings or workout pants with your windbreaker. This makes you look ready to move your body while also being fashion-forward. [9]

    Tip: If you wear sweatpants with your windbreaker, make sure they are slightly fitted. Baggy sweatpants with a windbreaker can look too oversized.

  4. If you’re heading into the office but you still want to be comfortable, throw on your windbreaker over your button-down shirt. Pair it with some slacks or dark-wash jeans and some dress shoes and you are set to do work with an athleisure vibe. [10]
    • If your office is particularly formal, a windbreaker is not a good choice.
  5. If you want to dress up your windbreaker, wear it over a form-fitting skirt or dress to elevate your look. Match your skirt color to your windbreaker color for a monochromatic outfit, or pair a dark dress or skirt with a bright windbreaker to stand out. You can even add a pair of slim high heels to complete this outfit. [11]
    • Loose fitting skirts and dresses, like A-lines, do not go well with windbreakers. Stick with form-fitting ones to even out your look.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Wearing Tops and Accessories

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  1. Windbreakers are often the main focus of an outfit. To keep it that way, throw on a classic, neutral colored T-shirt that fits you well. White T-shirts are always a good choice, especially with light-wash jeans. Black T-shirts pair well with darker jeans and will emphasize the colors in your windbreaker. [12]
  2. It can be fun to dress up a windbreaker sometimes, whether you are headed to the office or just want to parody business attire. Throw on a button-down or blouse underneath of your windbreaker for a cool juxtaposition of style. [13]
    • If you want the popped collar look without all the buttons, try a polo shirt instead of a button-down.
  3. If the day isn’t particularly windy or you really want to show off your shirt, leave your windbreaker fully or partially unzipped so people can see your entire outfit. This is especially helpful when you are doing a monochromatic look, like an all black outfit with a pop of color in your windbreaker. [14]
    • Some windbreakers don’t have zippers, in which case you can wear whatever shirt you want underneath of them.
  4. If you are wearing a windbreaker from the 80s, you might want to play up that look by adding other pieces from that era. Use a thick leather belt to buckle your jeans and add to your outfit. Tuck the front of your windbreaker into your pants or leave it unzipped to show off your belt. [15]
    • Black belts look the best on light-wash, loose fitting jeans.
  5. A loose-fitting windbreaker goes great with some chunky, large shoes. Slip on some sneakers that make your feet look slightly wider than they actually are to balance out your outfit. Keep your bottoms slick with some skinny jeans, or play up the oversized look with a relaxed fitting pair of pants. [16]
    • White shoes will make light-wash jeans pop.
  6. If you have leggings or workout pants on, throw on some running shoes to compliment the sporty vibe you have going on. You can also wear running shoes with cuffed jeans for a streetwear look. Keep your running shoes a neutral color to make your windbreaker stand out. [17]
  7. A purse or a handbag can elevate an outfit, so keep it casual by throwing your essentials into a small backpack or a fanny pack. A fanny pack will play on the windbreaker’s vintage sporty look, while the backpack keeps your outfit looking utilitarian. Match your backpack or fanny pack to your windbreaker, or use one that is a solid color so it doesn’t stand out. [18]

    Tip: You can wear a fanny pack around your waist for a classic look, or sling it over your shoulder for a more modern take.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What looks good with a windbreaker?
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Jeans and sneakers are a great choice if you're going for a classic and casual look.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.collegefashion.net/campus-style/how-to-wear-windbreaker/
      2. ↑ https://stylegirlfriend.com/5-days-5-ways-windbreaker/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN629S33b1g&feature=youtu.be&t=247
      4. ↑ https://stylegirlfriend.com/5-days-5-ways-windbreaker/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65gb90FY1a0&feature=youtu.be&t=100
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN629S33b1g&feature=youtu.be&t=133
      7. ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 20 April 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rEkqWe-Dls&feature=youtu.be&t=79
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rEkqWe-Dls&feature=youtu.be&t=96
      1. ↑ https://stylegirlfriend.com/5-days-5-ways-windbreaker/
      2. ↑ https://www.collegefashion.net/campus-style/how-to-wear-windbreaker/
      3. ↑ https://stylegirlfriend.com/5-days-5-ways-windbreaker/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN629S33b1g&feature=youtu.be&t=286
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rEkqWe-Dls&feature=youtu.be&t=135
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN629S33b1g&feature=youtu.be&t=174
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN629S33b1g&feature=youtu.be&t=190
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN629S33b1g&feature=youtu.be&t=297
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rEkqWe-Dls&feature=youtu.be&t=40

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