Just as films like Napolean Dynamite, starring Jon Heder as the dorky loser hero who wore his overbite with pride, celebrate the kind of people most catty high-schoolers would never classify as cool, a whole new brand of chic was born.
Instead of straightforward ensembles, guys have been mixing sportswear with traditional attire, working in old-school sneaks with a sweater vest and a pair of tailored trousers. T-shirts, worn purposefully slouchy, paired with a battered windbreaker and patched pants show street cred.
None of that baggy K-Fed-inspired trailer trash stuff works these days. Not that it ever did. It’s more a mix of proportions that’s become sartorially relevant to lots of male fashion insiders.
The same can be said of lots of trends for women. WWD’s trend forecast included T-shirt dresses, those shapeless, baggy things your mom made you toss out.
Nike’s holiday 2006 Sport Culture line has all the bases covered for a variety of upcoming trends. Oversized men’s tees make for sexy dresses while formfitting zip-up jackets work well with loose-fitting cargos in navy. Retro sweaters and hoodies are easily paired with wardrobe staples, from tennis minis to skinny jeans to floor-skimming skirts.
Inspired by legendary track star Steve Prefontaine (played by the super hot ____ in the biographical film based on Prefontaine’s life), the line represents the label’s shift from straight-up sportswear to edgier, street-inspired pieces.
Instead of making clothes meant to be worn straight to the gym or track field, Nike cleverly referenced sports icons – and their distinct retro style – and made them fit for everyday wear.
It’s not exactly worthy of a catwalk but it’ll get you from the gym to the mall without sweating style points. Not many other sports labels can say the same.