The varsity jacket, the real way: Jacket, $499 at Danier (www.danier.com). James Perse dress, $245, Clare Vivier clutch, $142 through www.eluxe. ca. Sandals, $20.94 at Old Navy (www. oldnavy.ca). Lia Sophia ring, $78 through www.liasophia.ca. Styling by Corey Ng/P1M (www.p1m.ca); hair and makeup by Cody Alain for TRESemmé/P1M.Chris Young for The Globe and Mail
Letterman jackets have grown up. The bulky leather-and-boiled-wool numbers that bring varsity jocks or Michael J. Fox's character in Teen Wolf to mind have been replaced – at least on the runways over the past few seasons – by streamlined reinterpretations of the classic. In transitional weather, the new varsity is an easy and casual alternative to a light jacket. Here's how to work it, even at the office, without playing hardball.
This isn't your high-school boyfriend's jacket. A slim cut and sophisticated fabrics are key to avoid looking juvenile. Graphic black and white in a soft leather is a safe bet.
For proof that you can make this piece look refined, look to Prabal Gurung's fall 2012 presentation, at which the designer paired his luxe version of the jacket with a structured skirt. Stay away from that hat, though, even if it recalls fond memories of your old marching band. As the weather cools down, you can throw this over your casual-Friday essentials to give them a quick update. Here, the volume of the jacket nicely balances out a sleek maxi dress.