ICYMI, (and honestly if you have missed it, dare I ask, how?) the women's football World Cup tournament is well under way in Australia. Since the team's win at the Euros last year, there's actually a fragment of hope that England may progress quite far this time too (win, even!), meaning this is quite possibly the most excited we've collectively been over any sporting event, ever.
But support for the women's team isn't just turning up to the pub on game day and cheering on as if we understand the off-side rule (I actually do know the off-side rule, just FYI), it's wearing your football shirt with pride as many times as possible, during and beyond the tournament itself.
Anyone with even a remote interest in fashion will tell you about the rising popularity of #Blokecore and "Soccer Girl" aesthetics trending on TikTok and beyond, which seem to be a different take on sporty fashion after years of hype over athleisure and streetwear. Perhaps a little more niche, but the spike in interest around football fashion specifically—whether it's because of the rising popularity of women's football, or not—is undeniable.
Drenched in nostalgia, searches for retro football shirts have peaked dramatically on the likes of Depop, and brands such as Prada, Adidas, Balenciaga and Martine Rose are adopting football culture and style into their collections. But before I bore you into oblivion about the history and nuances of football fashion, or break out into a passionate chant of "It's coming home", let me share with you four ways myself and our affiliates manager Jerrylyn Saguiped have styled our Home and Away shirts.
1. KILT + LOAFERS
Style Notes: Kicking us off, we have the kilt. Jerrylyn and I actually both own kilts, and we fought over who would get to wear theirs for this shoot. As you can see, I lost. From the ever-popular Chopova Lowena tartan iteration to pleated minis in black, the mini kilt is having a moment, and it's the perfect short-skirt companion to your shirt. Pair with penny loafers and socks (preferably white) and a baguette bag to highlight the Y2K-ness of it all, and you're good to go.
2. STATEMENT SILVER
Style Notes: The most obvious way to style a football shirt is, unsurprisingly, with football shorts. But to elevate your shorts-and-shirt combo from pitch to pub, swap them out for jorts, or better yet, a statement pair like these silver ones, which are summer's answer for anyone obsessed with silver trousers this year. Metallics aside, when it comes to shorts—be they tailored styles, denim or nylon—a slightly longer length is what I'm after right now. So bid adieu to the hot pants this year, and say hello to balloon and Bermuda silhouettes.
3. DENIM MIDI SKIRT + AIR MAX
Style Notes: Denim midi and maxi skirts have had as much love as the aforementioned silver trousers over the last few seasons, for which we have Y2K and Gen Z to thank. Ramp up the noughties nostalgia with a pair of kitten-heel slingbacks, or if you want to remain more casual, the Air Max 95 in neon is the sneaker of choice.
4. DAD JEANS + VOMERO SNEAKERS
Style Notes: I've called these dad jeans, but rest assured, they are in fact mine. What I mean is they're big, they're baggy and they're bleached—exactly as my dad wore them with his Newcastle United shirt back in '95. Along with my Nike Vomero trainers (which, between us, I think are the new New Balance 530s), this is dadcore at its finest.
Up next? The easy items that are sure to elevate your office wardrobe.