Retro sportswear is making a big comeback, and there’s no better time than autumn to refresh your wardrobe with these timeless, stylish pieces. The bold colours, clean lines, and functional designs of the 60s and 70s have become a modern-day fashion staple.
Whether you’re heading out for a casual weekend or looking to add a sporty edge to your everyday look, incorporating retro sportswear into your wardrobe is easy—and it’s a great way to stay comfortable while looking effortlessly cool.
Here’s a guide on how to add retro sportswear to your wardrobe this autumn.
1. Start with a Track Jacket
The track jacket is a must-have for anyone looking to dive into retro sportswear. It’s versatile, lightweight, and perfect for layering, making it ideal for autumn when the weather can be unpredictable.
Look for track jackets with classic retro touches like bold stripes, colour blocking, or subtle logos. Navy, burgundy, or black with white accents are popular options that can easily match your existing clothes.
You can wear a track jacket over a plain T-shirt or sweatshirt for a relaxed look. Pair it with joggers or slim jeans, and you’ve got an outfit that’s both practical and stylish.
For something a bit smarter, throw it over a polo shirt and finish the look with trainers. This combination is perfect for casual nights out or weekend get-togethers, offering a mix of sporty and sharp that’s right on trend this season.
2. Add Some Polo Shirts
Polo shirts are a timeless staple of retro sportswear. They offer a sporty yet refined style that works well in almost any setting, from a casual day out to a dinner with friends.
Look for polos in solid colours like white, navy, or grey, or go for something with subtle patterns.
Polo shirts are incredibly versatile. For a smart-casual look, pair a polo with chinos or tailored trousers. You can also wear it with joggers or jeans for a more laid-back vibe.
The key is to find a well-fitted polo that complements your body shape without being too tight. Layer it under a track jacket for a polished look that’s still relaxed and comfortable.
3. Embrace Joggers
Joggers have come a long way from being just gym wear. Nowadays, they’re a stylish addition to any man’s wardrobe, especially in autumn when comfort and warmth are key.
Slim-fit joggers with cuffed ankles give a modern, streamlined silhouette that pairs perfectly with the retro sportswear look.
Choose joggers in neutral tones like grey, black, or navy, which are easy to mix and match with other pieces in your wardrobe. You can wear joggers with a polo or a sweatshirt for a sporty, casual look.
For a more elevated outfit, pair them with a bomber jacket and some sleek trainers. The mix of comfort and style is unbeatable, and you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again throughout the season.
4. Layer with Sweatshirts
No autumn wardrobe is complete without a few good sweatshirts, and retro sportswear offers some great options. Look for simple designs in solid colours or with subtle vintage detailing.
A grey, navy, or black sweatshirt can easily become a go-to piece for layering as the weather gets cooler.
Sweatshirts are perfect for creating a casual, laid-back style. You can layer one under a track jacket or bomber jacket for extra warmth.
Alternatively, wear it on its own with jeans or joggers for a comfortable, relaxed look. The key to making a sweatshirt work in more stylish settings is to keep the rest of the outfit sharp—think fitted joggers or jeans and fresh trainers.
5. Retro-Inspired Trainers
Footwear is just as important when pulling off the retro sportswear look. Retro-inspired trainers are a great way to round off your outfit.
Look for clean designs in neutral colours like white or black, or go for something bolder with pops of red or blue to add a bit of flair.
Trainers are incredibly versatile and can be worn with just about anything. They work perfectly with joggers for a sporty, casual look but can also add a relaxed touch to smart-casual outfits like chinos and polo shirts.
The mix of comfort and style makes them an autumn essential, especially as you’ll be doing more walking in the cooler weather.
6. Accessorise the Right Way
Retro sportswear is all about simplicity, but a few well-chosen accessories can help tie your outfit together.
Caps and beanies are perfect for autumn, providing warmth and adding a stylish, sporty touch to your look. Choose a classic baseball cap in a neutral tone or a knitted beanie in black or grey to compliment your outfit.
Crossbody bags are another popular accessory in retro sportswear. They’re practical for carrying your essentials, and they add a modern twist to your look.
Go for a sleek, minimal design in black or navy to keep things simple and functional.
7. Play with Colours and Patterns
Retro sportswear is known for its bold use of colours and patterns, so don’t be afraid to add a little personality to your wardrobe.
Autumn is a great time to experiment with deeper, richer tones like burgundy, forest green, and mustard yellow. You can introduce these colours through your track jackets, polo shirts, or even accessories.
If you prefer to keep things a bit more understated, stick to neutral tones for your main pieces and add pops of colour with smaller items like trainers, caps, or bags.
This way, you can embrace the retro style without feeling too out of your comfort zone.
Incorporating retro sportswear into your wardrobe this autumn is a great way to stay stylish while keeping things practical and comfortable.
By focusing on key pieces like track jackets, polo shirts, joggers, and trainers, you can create a look that feels both modern and timeless.
Whether you’re dressing for a casual day out or just want to add some sporty flair to your everyday outfits, retro sportswear has something for everyone.
Embrace the nostalgic vibes, play around with different combinations, and most importantly, wear it with confidence.