Within the world of fashion, the term underdog can be applied in two different ways. On the one hand, it can be used to refer to those brand names that are perceived as smaller, plucky rivals to the big design houses.
On the other, it can also be employed to describe clothing looks that are on the outer fringes of what is trending. This guide will explore all you need to know about the underdog looks that are currently emerging to become the dominant ones.
The varsity look
If there is one menswear look that has been on the outs over the past two decades it is the varsity one. For a long time, no man who was fashion conscious would go near it – perhaps because it conjured up images of frat boys.
That is changing though and this look – particularly the classic varsity jacket – is making a comeback. There is a twist though, as it has been spiked with streetwear accessories.
The two-color look remains in place, but the fresh spin is to add patches with various designs. The jacket is then combined with classic jeans and sneakers. Not to mention the evolving trend of varsity jackets has seen a change in materials being used which makes the look more high fashion.
This style is being led by brands like Rockstar Original, which also fit the definition of underdog.
Homewear
One surprising underdog fashion that has emerged in recent times is the homewear one. This means clothes designed for wearing around the house rather than when going out.
It is all about looking good and feeling comfortable and is particularly big in women’s fashion. Examples include the Sherpa-lined bathrobes in pastel shades, which are designed to be worn over jeans and crop tops as well as pajamas.
Vintage bags
Accessories are a major part of fashion for women and this year is witnessing a return to vintage bag styles among smaller brands. One of the best examples of that is the Ripple quilted bag that subtly updates a classic style.
The Cookie bags are another that has gained popularity. Designed for the sartorial free spirit these bags really capture your imagination. A bag with a visual cookie on it has been popular since its appearance on the Fall 2020 runway.
Workwear
Workwear has not been at the center of male fashion since the 1990s ‘grunge’ era. Back then, the logging style of plaid shirts and jeans became a global trend.
Now working clothes are back in fashion for 2024, but the new underdog movement is white rather than blue collar. The masculine work shirts that are making fashion waves right now are mainly classic linen or cotton Oxford shirts as well as short-sleeved polo ones.
It is a vaguely preppy image and taps into some of the same energy as that fuelling the return of varsity styles.
Sweater layering
Sweaters are another underdog trend in the area of female fashion, but they are often not being worn as sweaters. Instead they are being tied around the neck as quirky scarves.
At other times, they are worn over other sweaters to create a layered look. This usually means stripes like Breton ones on top of block colored black or white sweaters.
Like many underdog fashion ideas, this has its roots in street styles.
Kitten heels
These went out of fashion for a while, because they were so closely associated with the 1990s and shows like Sex and the City. Now the kitten heel is back, even if it is still less widely seen than the standard high heel shoe.
Where it wins out is in combining glamour with comfort. Some of the big designers like Prada and Dior have even reintroduced it to their latest collections.
This suggests that it will not be an underdog fashion for much longer.
These are just some of the underdog trends that are breaking out.
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