You’ll be pleased to know the humble kagool is no longer just for dog walks in the park. Once a staple of your off-duty rotation, practical weatherproof layers now have a place in your nocturnal wardrobe, too.
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And better still, the unexpected outwear piece has just got the celebrity stamp of approval. At The North Face Mountain Jacket 40th anniversary dinner in New York City, singer-songwriter Griff and supermodel Emily Ratajkowski both endorsed the trend. Griff, the new face of the campaign, paired the Alpine explorer’s jackets with a full-skirted, black embellished dress and handbag from Cecilie Bahnsen’s SS25 collection. Em Rata, on the other hand, took a more laid-back approach, styling hers with blue-rinsed wide-leg jeans, a cropped white T-shirt and a pair of sleek pointed heels.
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And while we’re perhaps more well-acquainted with the The North Face Mountain Jacket’s cosier older sister, The Puffer (beloved by rappers, supermodels and fashion editors alike), the sportier, more techy reimaging is having a moment in the sartorial sun. Though it gained cult status in the 2010s through streetwear collaborations with Supreme, UNDERCOVER and MM6 Maison Margiela, its recent crossover with Cecilie Bahnsen’s hyper-feminine designs and the uptick of casual outerwear on the runway have cemented its status as a spring staple.
A breakout trend on the SS25 runway, windbreakers, anoraks, soft shells and zip-ups were abundant in the collections of global fashion brands. Kicking things off in New York, Brandon Maxwell paired an oversized khaki raincoat with a sequin embellished gown in a new proposition for high-low dressing.
It might not come as a surprise that weatherproof coat specialist Burberry is also a proponent of the trend. Daniel Lee sent glittery cocktail dresses and storm-faring parkas down his SS25 runway - a surprising pairing that Jodie Turner-Smith wore in the brand’s recent spring campaign film, opting for a draped pink sequin version of the dress and a swaddling waxed green parka from the latest collection.
When Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons back a trend, it’s only a matter of time before it dominates. For SS25, the duo threw orange and yellow windbreakers over their elaborate feathery and sequined frocks at Prada. But aside from statement pairings and cocktail dresses, the real strength of the windbreaker lies in its versatility. Whether thrown over wide-leg jeans and a tee (à la Em Rata) or styled unexpectedly with a sharp suit and tie, this lightweight layer is the ultimate wardrobe chameleon.
Throwing on a waterproof layer is the practical trend we all need this spring, adding an undone air of cool to any look while keeping your evening outfit intact. The best part? Attaining the look is by all means accessible. It's likely you already own one, and if not, it can be easily sourced second-hand or from your local sportswear supplier.
Shop our favourites now
The North Face GORE-TEX® Mountain Jacket
The North Face Reign On Jacket
Cos Technical Hooded Parka Jacket
Adidas Originals Wales Bonner Hooded Shell Jacket
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