To quote Easy A, one of the best rom-coms of all time (and no, this is not up for debate), “John Hughes did not direct my life.” But that doesn’t mean we can’t pretend, right? After a good sob sesh watching Sixteen Candles or The Breakfast Club, it’s hard to ignore the fact that life in an ’80s romantic comedy sounds fantastic. Problems aren’t so big you can’t solve them in a week or two, and the right people always end up together. Of course, real life isn’t as simple—so we’ll settle for adding a few plus-size varsity jackets to our wardrobes.
It seems every decade prior to the ’00s had their version of the varsity jacket. Typically reserved for those who played sports (or the cheerleaders who dated said jocks), they often come attached to a stereotype. Classic high school tropes aside, though, plus-size varsity jackets make a seriously cute addition to any wardrobe. And, of course, they might just make you feel like a misunderstood John Hughes character.
How we dress offers the world a reflection of who we are—but anyone, not just football-wielding high schoolers, can rock a varsity jacket. Toss one over your favorite floral midi dress for the perfect combination of sporty and romantic. (Sorry! Just can’t help bringing up classic rom-com personalities.) Or, wear a varsity jacket with a cropped graphic tee and high-waisted jeans for an effortless weekend look. Just treat this outerwear pick like you would a leather or denim jacket, and you’re set.
We all need a good daydream every now and then, and if that means wearing plus-size varsity jackets to make us feel like we’re in a picture-perfect rom-com, so be it. Cue the happy ending.