Angie's Blog

WIW: Oversized Nostalgia

January 28, 2024

Oversized my way! Fit is dead right.

If you wore Esprit in the '80s - Inge, Suz, Sal, Brooklyn, Barbara Diane, Laura, Dana, Bijou, Viv, and others! - you'll get why this hoodie is extremely nostalgic, and makes me smile. Had to have it :)

I wore the exact same hoodie in bright green in 1988 when I was 18. Gone full circle with bright yellow in 2023 a 53. Unisex. An iconic classic. And always with pearls. 

We will be in remodel mode for the first half of the year. I wore this yesterday because it was a bit of a remodel prep day. I'll be wearing this sweatshirt a lot! The orange one is on the way.

Worn with old leather Chucks and sailor jeans, and new causal sling bag. No need for a topper that day as I was between units in the same building.

I match our decor and the brunch I cooked for brekkie.

Jo says hi, and thanks for looking :) 

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

60 Comments

  • Kyle replied 2 months ago

    Love seeing you in casual mode, Angie. Sporty and stylish. And great colors, of course. Matching sling bag is a nice touch. Best wishes for a successful renovation! 

  • slim cat replied 2 months ago

    Sunny, bright and joyful - total win! 
    Jo is the sweetest ;-) ! Good luck with remodel!

  • Dee replied 2 months ago

    Such a happy hoodie colour and a fun casual look. Oh boy half a year for the remodel, sounds challenging, hope it goes well.

  • Bonnie replied 2 months ago

    Your casual outfit looks yummy, just like that fantastic breakfast. Good luck with the remodel. 

  • Suz replied 2 months ago

    You look adorable in the oversized hoodie. Love how vibrant you are in yellow. Good luck with all the to-ing and fro-ing for the remodel! 

  • Irina replied 2 months ago

    Fun!

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 2 months ago

    I might have let out a squeak of excitement over this outfit, Angie!  

    (I totally squeaked.  It’s too cute!)

  • Laura replied 2 months ago

    High five, fellow Esprit lover!

    That sunny yellow radiates energy! I'm so glad you showed your hoodie on Instagram this week because I am very, very excited for the arrival later this week of my cropped light blue version. 

    I can imagine the orange hoodie with white jeans :)

     

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Thanks for the kind comments, and the good remodel wishes!

    Let me know if you wore Esprit back in its hey day too. 

    Kyle, lovely to see you chime in. Very casual me is rare, and what I need for hectic remodel prep days these next 6 months. I've succumbed.....with pearls ;) 

    Slim Cat, Suz, Dee and bonnie, always sweet and gracious! Comforting. Like this outfit! We are rookie remodelers. It's going to be an interesting year...

    Thanks, Irina! 

    Mary Beth, thanks for making me smile! Appreciate the excited squeal :)

    Laura, my '80s Esprit Sister! Excited to see your imminent Esprit hoodie purchase! Whatever makes us smile, right?  (YES to the orange hoodie with white jeans!)

  • MsMary replied 2 months ago

    Angie, you are the cutest! I love the sweatshirt, of course, but I am constantly in awe of your amazing denim collection!

  • Ket replied 2 months ago

    I have all the oversize envy!! :D you look so fresh and lovely! Also—we’ve been in remodel/renovate mode since August, due to the environmental issue. (I have a feeling we will still be in that mode through this autumn…) So my heart goes out to you! Sending you speedy remodel wishes and hugs <3

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Mary, that's so nice! Fab to see you chime in, and thanks for the kind words. (I need to wear this sweatshirt with my navy tulle skirt ;) )

    Ket, thanks for the kind compliment! Appreciate the remodel empathy. Such a slog, but worth it when it's behind you. Good luck with yours!

  • Cardiff girl replied 2 months ago

    Great colour hoodie,so bright and cheery…just like you!Love the jeans as well.

  • Sal replied 2 months ago

    So fun and nostalgic! I did wear Esprit -bright and preppy and definitely fun in the 1980s. I recall a red striped tee very well.

    Good luck with the renovation - it is a lot but worth while!!

  • Inge replied 2 months ago

    Everything about this puts me in a great mood! (And yes, I too loooved Esprit back in the day, and still love the brand today!-)

    This yellow looks incredible on you, I love the nostalgia factor, and you do polished casual so well too, Angie! Gorgeous new bag too!

    You matching brekkie cracks me up:-)

    P.S. I think Jo might need a yellow sweater too! xxx

  • DonnaF replied 2 months ago

    Remodel rules: Do it fast. Do it cheap. Do it well. Choose one.

    Best wishes on your adventure! 

    And you look fab as always. Esprit colors are made for you. I loved them back in the day.

  • K. Period. replied 2 months ago

    You look sunny and fabulous, so this is a perfect match for your sunny, fabulous personality! I hope you have a lovely day. :) 

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Thanks everyone!

    Cardiff Girl, what a lovely thing to say :) 

    Sal, Esprit sisters unite! I may have had a red striped Esprit tee too..

    Inge, my other '80s Esprit Sister! You need to model for Esprit! You wear their items to perfection, right now. It's YOUR brand, my sweet friend! Yup - Jo needs a yellow something to match :) 

    DonnaF, good remodel rules! Appreciate the kind words, and high five to wearing Esprit too!

    K.Period, such a lovely and kind compliment! I'm blushing. You need an Esprit hoodie to wear with me :)

  • ChristelJ replied 2 months ago

    Oh my, the perfect hoodie on you. Esprit to suit spirited you! Gosh, that is such a great shape and color, and the orange will be too.
    I recall an Esprit store in Pacific Place long ago where I bought a beloved purple overcoat.

  • SarahD8 replied 2 months ago

    Aww, fun! This is not part of my fashion history but I see the appeal. (Come to think of it, I did have a friend in middle school who had a similar Esprit sweatshirt so it's kind of nostalgic-by-proxy for me!) This is a great look on you and you're smart to duplicate for your upcoming remodeling lifestyle. The Dutch orange is a no-brainer!

  • Bijou replied 2 months ago

    So fabulous! I am very nostalgic when it comes to Esprit as I wore it as a teen and then when my son was young, bought his clothes and my t-shirts and hoodies there. The kids clothing line was stylish and hard wearing. I was really sad when Esprit left Australia and it is fun to enjoy this on you.  

  • Jaime replied 2 months ago

    Could anyone look more polished and pretty in a bright yellow hoodie? I think no! Hi Jo!

  • rachylou replied 2 months ago

    Happy and energetic!

  • AJ replied 2 months ago

    This cheery yellow looks so good on you!!
    Esprit!! You have brought back memories of back to school shopping at the Esprit outlet in San Francisco! They had a communal dressing room. No individual booths, just one big room with mirrors. Not a fun experience, but we braved it for the clothes! LOL!
    I remember a peach body con turtleneck sweater dress and a much beloved oversized black corduroy blazer with hot pink lining.
    Is Esprit coming back to the U.S.?

  • Star replied 2 months ago

    You look gorgeous and your brekkie looks scrumptious.  Those are my favourite jeans of yours.  Hi Jo!  I am an Esprit fan, always looking out for something of theirs while thrifting.  I have a favourite pair of Esprit jeans.  I did not have an Esprit hoodie in the 80s but I did have a very similar white one, with multi--colour lettering on the front (said OBR Sport or somthing similar, a bit of a dupe, from Truworths, that I wore until it fell apart.

  • Barbara Diane replied 2 months ago

    Perfect casual look! The amount that you love it comes through.

  • Zaeobi replied 2 months ago

    I know it's the wrong brand but, for another blast from the past, I can totally see your dynamic poses (& personality) fitting seamlessly into a United Colours of Benetton ad! :D

  • Brooklyn replied 2 months ago

    You look casually gorgeous. Loving the sling bag too :)

    I lusted after Esprit in the late 80s. It wasn’t within my budget at the time. I was able to correct that in the 90s and 00s. I think they left Australia in the 10s. Such a shame.

  • lyn67 replied 2 months ago

    Wow, you made my day-so fresh and sunny colors, both! Especially love the hoodie with the pearls and the photobomber!!!:-)

  • Jules replied 2 months ago

    One of the first international, trendy brands I was aware of as a kid in the 80s :) Super cute and love the matching brekkie!

  • BlueJay replied 2 months ago

    Lovely Angie! So bright and cheery! Hi Jo, you're so cuuuuute! (As DD would say!) Of course you have a bag to match! :)

    I have a pair of grey, wool, partially lined, herringbone tweed pants from Esprit and a white button-up shirt. The pants are too small, but I'm keeping them maybe for my DD, and the shirt I still wear. The pants were bought at a consignment shop, and the shirt was new. Both from c. 20 years ago! Great quality! Unfortunately, Esprit has left Canada and won't ship here, unless you find a store that sells it. (Weirdly, the garden centre sells clothes and sometimes some Esprit items.)

    Enjoy! Good luck with your renos!

  • MsMary replied 2 months ago

    Yes! Sweatshirt and tulle skirt for the win!!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    How cool is that! I love the way you wear a sweatshirt and pearls and look totally polished. What a cheery outfit with the bag and high-tops.

    Can't wait to see what you pair the orange one with!

    Hi, adorable Jo!

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Past and present Esprit wearers unite! Love that and woooohoooooo :)

    Thanks for the kind words, everyone. Jo sends tailwags and kisses.

    Mary, I’ll throw the sweatshirt over a tulle skirt soon! Just for fun.

    ChristelJ, your Esprit purple coat sounds fab, and you are lovely!

    SarahD8, nostalgic-by-proxy counts! Appreciate the praise.

    Bijou, hope you’re back in some Esprit soon! You can buy online.

    Jaime, blushing at your gracious words :)

    Rachy and Barbara Diane, good to know! Such tender words, Barbara.

    AJ, your past Esprit items sound great! And Esprit.us is alive and well. That’s how I’m currently getting my Esprit stash, unless I’m in Europe:


    Star, I know the Truworths brand! Your Esprit stuff sounds super, and glad you like my very old jeans!

    Zaeobi, I'm very flattered! Thank you. Coicidentally, I LOVE Benetton - always have - and am wearing their jeans now. Wide leg houndstooth denim :)

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Wooohooo, Esprit wearing Brooklyn! Esprit was pricey in the '80s for me too. I had to save up wait for the sales. Thanks for the kind compliment!

    Lyn67, you are lovely and amusing as always!

    Jules, go Team Esprit! Thanks for the compliment.

    Blue Jay, thank you. YES! Seamlessly, I have a bag to match ;) . How special to save your vintage Esprit stuff for DD. I bet she'll love it. 

    Sharan, that's high praise, thank you! Jo sends love back :)

    I want to wear the orange sweatshirt with white jeans, and two pairs or checked pants!

  • Inge replied 2 months ago

    Aaawww, thanks Angie. Esprit has been working really well for me the last few years:-)

    Loving your outfit ideas for the orange sweatshirt! xxx

  • Lee replied 2 months ago

    Oh, ESPRIT! So much carried over 80s love for them & United Colors of Benetton!
    Love the sweatshirt & interested in what you’re remodeling.

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Thanks, Lee! Love those two big '80s brands with you. 

    Inge, I'm calling Esprit to hire you as their model, my sweet friend :) 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 months ago

    Ooooh, I guessed right! I was thinking you'd choose white jeans as one way to wear the orange sweatshirt. (The white lettering was my tip-off.) I would not have guessed the plaid trousers, because I couldn't think that far into your wardrobe. Those look fun, too. What about the orange pleather pants? Too much? not the right match?

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Sharan, aren't you clever :)

    Of course, orange with any shade of blue denim is a slam dunk. Love oranges with blues!

    I have many pairs of orange pants! Red and pink pants too. Orange is versatile. It will work with some of these ;)

  • Lee replied 2 months ago

    Orange with red and pink is a fav! Love it with burgundy too. The yellow one looks great on you, sure the orange will follow suit.

  • Jonesy replied 2 months ago

    What a gorgeous shade of yellow on you--so vibrant and sunny and cheerful! The orange one will be another slam dunk, I'm sure. I am crossing my fingers that your six months of renovation will be as painless as possible :)! Jo could not be any cuter! My little scruffer says hello.

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  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Lee, I like those colour combinations too. High five!

    Jonesy, thanks for the kind words and good wishes! Your sweetie is adorable! Such kind and soulful eyes. Looking awfully comfy with blankets, pillows and sheets ;)

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 2 months ago

    I loved Esprit. I don't think I had a logo shirt, but I had some amazing pink harem pants and a pink and orange and red striped vest to go with them. You used to be able to buy it in the back alleys of Kowloon in a sort of fell-off-the-truck way.

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    HAH! 

    Actually, Esprit has two headquarter offices. One in Dusseldorf, and and one in Hong Kong :) 

  • Lee replied 2 months ago

    They also have some cute canvas bags! And sleeveless dresses. You prompted a look.

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Lee, yes! The Esprit canvas and tog bags are classics too.

    Inge has done really well with these Esprit items, lately. She looks KILLER in them :)

  • April replied 2 months ago

    I loved the Esprit catalogues - the gigantic format, and at 17, every model looked like someone you wanted to be!

    I must say, your "let's just do it" attitude as you begin the rough, unsettling process of renovation makes me feel the same. "I want to be THAT person," not the procrastinating, filled-with-dread self I become when renovations are in the offing.

    Admire your spirit - stay strong.  

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    April, what a sweet thing to say! Thanks so much :) 

  • Karie replied 2 months ago

    I love, love, LOVE this! So fantastically 80’s! I also wore Esprit and oversized clothes back in the day (and today too!)!

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Karie, of course you did - and do! You're an '80s gal like me :)

    Thanks for chiming in. Always lovely to hear from you. 

  • Eliza replied 2 months ago

    Angie- you wear Esprit beautifully and take me on a trip down memory lane. I wasn’t wearing it in the 80s, but a friend gave our son a bright, striped Esprit sweater when he was 3 and the colors ruled. Added a few other pieces and I may have hung onto that sweater for sentimental reasons. Joy inducing fashion!

  • harmonica replied 2 months ago

    I love the Esprit hoodie on you! So fun and vibrant. I used to wear Esprit, too, but more in the 90’s. I had a cropped green anorak that I wish I hadn’t given away. It was in perfect shape and fit.

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Eliza, a wonderfully sentimental and fab Esprit story! The joy of Esprit keeps on giving.

    HARMONICA! It's been 5 years! What a treat to see you chime in!! Are you still in Norway? Thanks for the kind words! A big Esprit high five! :)  

  • harmonica replied 2 months ago

    Thank you for the warm welcome back. Your words fill me with joy! It’s been some time! I’m still in Norway and YLF is still one of my favourite sites to get into style and fashion. I do plan to slowly get more active and I’ll do an update when I figure out how and what to say.

  • Inge replied 2 months ago

    Aww thank you, Angie!-) It's a bit too cold still, but can't wait to wear my new jumpers, I love them!!

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Harmonica, thanks for the kind words! They filled ME with joy :) Excited to see you on the forum again. Wooohoooo!

    Inge, you'll know exactly what to wear when those Spring days blossom! 

  • Zaeobi replied 2 months ago

    Oh I didn't know Esprit's headquarters were in HK @Angie! It's weird though because they sadly disappeared during the pandemic (seems like they've left many countries, judging by the responses in this thread) & even their outlet store has now closed down...

    (PS - I keep wanting to type Espirit for some reason lol, anyone else?)

  • Angie replied 2 months ago

    Yes, headquartered in HK too, Zaeobi! Esprit is making a comeback. It's back in the US :)

    I'm positive about it all. 

  • Cee replied 2 months ago

    Those lovely bright colours would give this guy the willies ! 

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Hi, I'm Angie. I'm the co-founder of youlookfab.com and write most of the content. I've been in the Rag Trade for 20 years, and spent many of those years as a buyer. Now I'm a fashion stylist and enjoy this angle just as much. I am committed to making us all feel great about our style.