Hoodies/cardigans/tops for a luxe not scruffy athleisure look

[OhRosalind]

I probably won’t express this very well as I’m not really sure what I want, but the look I’m going for is that mumsnet favourite, off-duty ballerina. Slouchy but luxurious. Sporty enough to go for a brisk walk but comfy enough for lounging, and smart enough for popping to shops, school run or park with toddler. I have some flattering leggings/fitted joggers, tanks etc but as soon as I put a hoody or something on top I either look too sporty or just plain scruffy. Any suggestions for specific items or styles that can elevate this look? Do I need knitwear (cashmere?!) from non-sportswear brands? Is layering the key? I was picturing some kind of luxurious yoga wrap/cardy but can’t find anything nice. Help me please s&b!

So the mumsnet consensus seems to be that I need a luxurious ballet wrap cardigan! Maybe it’s the mix of textures that gives that luxe athleisure rather than gym gear look?

Has anyone seen any knitted hoodies in rich jewel shades rather than pastels? I love the pastel loungewear look but it makes me look like death.

Thanks @MyVaginaHatesMe I am very tempted by Varley. Also a good tip on those Sweaty Betty tops @honeyking, i like the shape.

Banana Republic has some nice loungewear atm. I bought this wrap top in white (although it's more of a cream irl). I wear it with a vest top or a Uniqlo heatech top underneat as it's quite low cut for me.

@AnnieSnap I have several other stories wrap cardigans in my basket right now! Are yours the polyester or alpaca ones and is the blend nice?

Reiss have some beautiful bits but they're pricey!

www.reiss.com/womens/tops/sweatshirts/

Thé Reiss pieces are lovely but I can’t really do camel and pastels and black looks cheaper/more boring. I definitely feel like those shades help create the luxe ballerina look, but I need to try to recreate it in stronger colours.

I tried on that & other stories wrap top but it's quite thick and 100% polyester... I think when the weather is like it is today, it'll be sweat-central.

I like the banana republic one, but I have big boobs... does it gape open?

Hoodie-wise, I bought a merino wool hoodie from Cos last winter and it's so warm and looks nice. I layered it with a fitted wool coat and either leggings or jeans. I think it gave a nice off duty but sleek look. I think the key is to choose a boxy cut and not size up. I think things look frumpy if the shoulders aren't fitted.

I also ordered the Other Stories wrap cardigan and sent it straight back - really thick and plasticky. I would have sweated puddles.

A real shame as it fit really well and it's a lovely design

Good point about polyester @Pigtailsandall. I quite fancy the alpaca one for when it’s properly cold but I definitely need something lighter for now.

Banana republic has some nice bits and a petite section which I didn’t know about. I like the look of the sweater tanks though that’s not really what I need!

I waivered over some fluffy knitted hoodies from Sezane last winter, wish I’d gone for one now!

It’s not wrap style, but a collared slouch jumper from Celtic and Co might have that luxe-but-relaxed thing? The collar bit is like a half a hoodie. No polyester there!

www.celticandco.com/womens/clothing/jumpers/collared-slouch?issearch=true

I think I'd need the 'off duty sumo wrestler' look.

Try stalf, beaumont organic and arket

I would try Oysho for this kind of thing. They have some nice oversized cotton or modal sweaters and bottoms and not too pricey either.

@Pigtailsandall

I tried on that & other stories wrap top but it's quite thick and 100% polyester... I think when the weather is like it is today, it'll be sweat-central.

I like the banana republic one, but I have big boobs... does it gape open?

Hoodie-wise, I bought a merino wool hoodie from Cos last winter and it's so warm and looks nice. I layered it with a fitted wool coat and either leggings or jeans. I think it gave a nice off duty but sleek look. I think the key is to choose a boxy cut and not size up. I think things look frumpy if the shoulders aren't fitted.

It is a bit gapey on me, (my boobs are pretty small) but I tend to wear it over a cami top or a thin base layer so it's not an issue. I sized up to get a more "slouchy" look, if I had the size down it would stay in place a bit better, perhaps! It's really soft, I love it.

Sézane and Me and Em do this well I think

Their cashmere is great and they are kind of a Jenni Kayne knockoff (elevated lounge).

www.onequince.com/?g_network=g&g_adid=466801367490&g_acctid=978-058-8398&g_keyword=quince%20clothing&g_adtype=search&g_adgroupid=111191270362&g_keywordid=aud-1019509988841:kwd-431098219183&g_campaignid=11175763098&g_campaign=WP_G_SRCH_BRAND_EXACT_GENERAL&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WP_G_SRCH_BRAND_EXACT_GENERAL&utm_term=quince%20clothing&gclid=CjwKCAjw49qKBhAoEiwAHQVTo15LyYrlRw0n_FaniBtUOzy3-XLmVphG6wuQx7i-f_2QpywGV-AWxBoCK6wQAvD_BwE

On the SB tip, I bought a couple of these last year - I like the shorter length as it doesn’t drown me (longer on me than the model) and they are nicely structured. Assume they will update for AW21 too. www.sweatybetty.com/shop/galvanise-run-hoody-SB5927_Black.html

[quote OhRosalind]@AnnieSnap I have several other stories wrap cardigans in my basket right now! Are yours the polyester or alpaca ones and is the blend nice?[/quote]
One is an alpaca mix, one is made from recycled polyester. Both are gorgeous 🙂

If you want to look like an off duty ballerina how about trying a ballet brand? I am a similar size to you and have some lounge wear from Bloch. Check out the warm up clothes. I have some harem pants and a couple of tops from there.

uk.blochworld.com/collections/adults-dancewear-warm-ups

I have a great cashmere hoodie from M&S which comes in loads of colours. I have the grey marl and it’s great for exactly what you describe. My style is not sporty at all.
I also have a cashmere cardi from M&S that does the same job. I will find links!

www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cashmere-knitted-relaxed-hoodie/p/clp60466590

www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cashmere-textured-cardigan/p/clp60458901?color=NAVY&prevPage=srp#intid=prodColourId-60458900

These are nice, made by someone I know locally. You would also be supporting a small business. www.wildlikeher.co.uk

Baukjen do luxe loungewear. Excellent quality.

Me and Em do this look beautifully

www.meandem.com/lounge-in-style

www.meandem.com/knitwear-and-cashmere

No suggestions on shops but when I picture your look @OhRosalind i’m imagining cropped hoodies or off the shoulder jumpers to give that relaxed but stylish look. Avoid anything full length.

I'd go for SB