I'm a Self-Confessed Overdresser, But I'd Still Wear These 5 Chic Sweatshirt Outfits

It recently came to my attention that the term casual isn't in my vocabulary. According to one of my closest friends, I haven't dressed casually for a day in over twenty years. Sure, I've been backpacking but I did so with floral accessories in my tresses, my day tote was a matching patent number and my High School bag of choice was a mini Adidas backpack complete with pink stripes, whilst most of my peers donned Nike's more practical iteration. Whilst admitting defeat and pondering over this (fair) observation, I started to envisage the ways I could welcome casual pieces into the fold, the Avalon way.

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Despite what it may seem, I'm not averse to casual clothing. 2023 was the year I embraced the sweatshirt as a piece to disrupt my knitwear collection, appreciating it as a pared-back alternative to fuzzy knits. It's true that it's a considered transitional piece that sits in-between a t-shirt and the higher wool content of a knit. Last year, I even acquired a cap for the very first time and it's been a game-changer for morning jaunts. There does come a time (long winter walks, errand days and hikes, for example) where a dress will (sadly) not suffice.

I've always admired pared-back styling and off-duty looks (Princess Diana being one of my muses during her era of nonchalant dressing), however, I've come to realise that I'm more comfortable in frocks and skirts. It's my version of dopamine dressing. With this in mind, and the use of innovative styling, I've found a way to marry elements of casual and formal. For fellow "overdressers", you've come to the right place as I've created five inspired outfits comprising a sweatshirt, for your foray into casual dressing. You can't say I'm not trying!

5 Chic Sweatshirt Outfits For Spring 2024

1. Melange Sweatshirt + Cargo Pants + Pointed Ankle Boots

CHIC SWEATSHIRT OUTFITS

(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

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2. Sweatshirt + Full Denim Skirt + Mesh Ballet Flats

CHIC SWEATSHIRT OUTFITS

(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

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3. Black Sweatshirt + Leather Jacket + Column Maxi Skirt + Trainers

CHIC SWEATSHIRT OUTFITS

(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

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4. Brown Sweatshirt + Crew Neck T-shirt + Boyfriend Jeans

CHIC SWEATSHIRT OUTFITS

(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

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5. Knitted Sweatshirt + Burgundy Bag + Leather Trousers

CHIC SWEATSHIRT OUTFITS

(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

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Next Up: People in London and Paris Are Swapping Their Ballet Flats for This Sleek Shoe 

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.