Fashion Ubiquity - The Varsity Jacket

You know when you've just discovered some brilliant unknown band and love namedropping it around people just to show how cool and current you are? And then all of a sudden one day your favourite song of theirs shoots straight to number one in the charts, everybody knows their name and they've become the new mainstream mammoths to enter the music scene. You can't seem to escape what was once your favourite song and you resent everybody for catching on to your discovery.

I don't like people like this (well, that particular aspect of them anyway, they might be and generally are very lovely otherwise). Ususally with me, I'm happy when a relatively unknown band I like hits the bigtime because I often think they deserve the recognition. But I was feeling the complete opposite of this notion during my trip to town today and found myself harbouring feelings of resentment towards something which is currently enjoying a mainstream moment of - not the world of music, but the world of fashion. Think of American Football, think of cheerleading, think of good old team spirit and that star spangled banner - and Ra Ra Siss Boom Ba - what have you got? The Varsity Jacket.

Varsity Jackets, Baseball Jackets, American College Jackets - or as I like to call them, Jock Jackets - call them what you like, there is no denying they are a massive trend right now. Now, I'm going to apologise for the following, as I am going to unashamedly blow my own trumpet and show off how fashion forward I am, as I in fact have owned a Jock Jacket since almost this time last year. One day the idea of owning a Jock Jacket hurtled towards me and smacked me in the brain and it became what I desired the most at that very moment in time. I remember vividly that despite having a sprained ankle, I, along with my very patient and obliging boyfriend, trekked off to town in search of the perfect Jock Jacket. I found it in the mens section of River Island, a beautiful cream and blue jacket, size XS, stitched on badges and numbers - and I have worn it in abundance ever since. My mother also bought me one not too long ago, a beautifully understated, soft, burgundy jacket from Topshop that fits like a glove.

So imagine my annoyance when today I counted no less that fourteen - FOURTEEN - other individuals wearing some form of Jock Jacket. Grrrr. Eventually I overcame my childish thoughts of how I and actual American sportspeople should be the only ones allowed to wear these jackets -and accepted their popularity, partly because I can be smug and say I got mine last year. Mwahaha.

Despite them being as ubiquitous as Starbucks at the moment, I fully endorse the Jacket of the Jock. They're a useful little cover up, they're something that looks good on both guys and girls, they add a little twist to a girly outfit and good quality ones are surprisingly warm. So, if you fancy yourself a little slice of American pie, or worship the Jerry curled Adonis that was AC Slater from Saved By The Bell (like I did) pretend you're part of the team, save up on those dollars and star jump your way into almost any shop on your local highstreet and make that purchase.

Just make sure you don't wear it in front of me.

Burgundy is having a shining moment right now and makes a good choice as it goes with a lot more colours than you'd think. Urban Outfitters, £35

Stand out from the crowd with this vibrant red number. Team with other bold block colours for to create visual impact.
Topshop, £40

The hoodie on this jacket creates a much more casual, laid back feel to this look and looks very apt for when one frequents the gym.
New Look, £ 34.99

Fancy something a little cosier? Try a Varsity Cardigan instead.
Asos, £24

...and for the boys, Brit it up a bit with this beautifully coloured hoodied jacket.
Asos, £55

Splash out and go for classic colours and patterns and keep warm all at the same time with this woolley creation.
Urban Outfitters, £100