Cover Jennie Kim from Blackpink (Photo: Instagram /@ jennierubyjane)

The varsity jacket is officially back! Here's a dose of styling inspiration from the likes of Jennie, Lisa and Bella Hadid, plus our top picks of this preppy staple that you need this winter

The varsity jacket is still on trend for 2021—the trendsetter Blackpink members approved. Jennie, who was invited to the annual LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles, brought her best Californian looks with a mix of summer knits and serving beauty looks. One item that caught our attention was her brown corduroy varsity jacket from Korean brand Freiknock. The singer completed her look with a Dion Lee corset top and black Raf Simons cargo pants, balancing sensual femininity with casual masculinity.

Jennie is not the only Blackpink member who loves this preppy staple. Lisa, who just finished promoting her solo album Lalisa, was also spotted in a Celine varsity jacket in Paris, although she styled the look with a white T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. 

See also: Blackpink’s Jennie Stars In Her First Chanel Campaign

The jacket has also been revived thanks to the recent reboot of Gossip Girl. Upper East Sider and influencer Julien Calloway (played by Jordan Alexander) emphasises athleisure by wearing the varsity jacket with Balenciaga sneakers and bike shorts. The “new Chuck Bass”, AKA Max Wolfe (played by Thomas Doherty), wears the varsity jacket more traditionally, giving off Ivy League college boy vibes.

Preppier styles are seeing a resurgence in autumn-winter 2021 collections, and brands like Louis Vuitton are putting their own spin on this staple jacket—the colours and fabrics on offer include from leather, shearling, wool and corduroy. 

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Above Louis Vuitton autumn-winter 2021
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Above Celine autumn-winter 2021

This retro and oversized jacket instantly creates a youthful look, and frequently appears in outfits from It Girls such as Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Zendaya. With more Gen Z fashion influencers sporting the collegiate looks on TikTok, Pinterest searches for the varsity jacket have doubled this summer, and Lyst has also observed an increase in demand for it. 

Whether you want to get the exact same piece as the Blackpink girl, or prefer a variation of the style, here is a selection of unisex must-have varsity jackets:

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Above Freiknock X 이동휘 Varsity Jacket
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Above Stadium Goods Varsity Letterman Jacket (Photo: Farfetch)
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Above Off-White Varsity Jacket
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Above Dior Men Christian Dior Atelier Teddy Blouson
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Above Rodarte Appliquéd Felt Bomber Jacket (Photo: Net-A-Porter)
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Above Gucci Felt Jacket with Interlocking G Patch
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Above Celine Oversized Wool Varsity Jacket
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Above Polo Ralph Lauren Yankees Jacket
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Above Monse Oversized Wool Blend Varsity Jacket (Photo: Lane Crawford)

If you happen to be a second-hand fashion lover, or want to be completely immersed in the vintage academia style, you can also invest in a pre-owned varsity jacket on our trusted second-hand luxury websites.

Shop sustainable: 

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Above Supreme 2019 Team Varsity Jacket (Photo: The Real Real)
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Above Chanel 2004 Sports Letterman Baseball bomber jacket (Photo: Farfetch)
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Above Stella McCartney Jacket (Photo: Vestiaire Collective)

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