Sweats have been in the collection for years now. Black sweats since they very first launched. But I’ve never owned straight up black sweats. I’ve owned black velour sweatpants, a black striped set, but never classic, black sweats. Why?? What was I thinking?
Here’s the low down -
Garment Name- Sweats (assorted, this time in Black.)
Fabric Composition- 100% organic cotton.
Fabric Origin- We have a couple of suppliers for our black sweat. The most recent batch was made in Portugal.
Design Details- Here it depends what you opt for, we have sweatpants, sweatshirts, jumpsuits, cardis. For me personally, I went for Sweatpants (cocoon shape, deep, warm pockets, soft, elasticated waist can be worn on hips or waist) and Cardi (soft, plush fabric, loose, oversized shape, wide hems to give weight and structure.)
Handmade at The Pink Studio? - Always.
Would Wear To- Anytime you want to prioritise comfort, warmth and ease. In black I’d say they’re on the cusp of work-appropriate- the shape is easy going but never scruffy.
Here’s what black sweats look like on the models…
You’ll be pleased to hear I’ve rectified the aforementioned situation this January and am now the proud owner of one pair of Black Sweatpants and one Cardi, also in Black.
I’ve worn them everyday since taking them home.
Many of you will be shaking your heads reading this, wondering how I din’t already know that this would be the case. I can think of several of you on my Instagram who faithfully shop black Stalf every new launch with zero regrets.
I’m not sure what was holding me back for so long? I think since I had my kids, started looking drained and tired and left the make-up off my face most days, I just feel like black saps me of life when worn face-adjacent. This is also a conversation I’ve had with many of you in my DM’s over on the ‘gram.
So what’s different now? Why is it suddenly working?
When I was debating Black Sweats, mulling what I’d pair them with in my wardrobe, I realised the outfits I was imagining (and listing in my notes app) all heavily featured wardrobe staples- a great one to share here since I’m pretty sure you’ll all have iterations of these items already in your wardrobe.
For the following recipes you will need (disclaimer, you don’t need them all, my point here is work with what you’ve got) -
Jeans
Baser layer
Knitted crew neck cardi (matching trousers optional)
Striped tee
Waistcoat of some description
Some kind of favoured blouse (I went for the Flutter Blouse in double gauze.)
A classic linen shirt
Number 1- Fave jeans + vintage waistcoat + base layer + Cardi
Notes-
Base layer is for warmth, my faves are from Everlane, available here.
I have white on here, it just suites me better around my face.
Layered with a vintage waistcoat. Mine is a soft, shell pink. Anything goes here, since you’re pairing with black, white and denim, you could be as “out there” as you require that day. The colour of this one does a lot of heavy lifting for my complexion, and I like it paired with the shell earrings.
Jeans down below- just pull on your faves, mine are verrrry old high street.
Then top with the Cardi. I love the weightiness of pulling on this cosy topper (somehow amplified by the fact that it’s black.) Paired with black/white trainers it all plays very nicely together. Super simple, warm, layered and not at all boring.
Number 2- Double up and sandwich a stripe.
You know that striped Tee you’ve loved for years? The one you come back to time and time again that’s almooosst threadbare? Pull that on, bask in its comfy familiarity and then sandwich it between two black sweats shapes. I went for our lilac mini stripe from a few seasons ago. This look would work just as well with a bold red or green stripe as with classic black and white or grey. See below-
I added those shell earrings again (something about the black middle works so nicely with a black-heavy outfit) layered the base layer under (anything for an extra layer right now) and pulled on a balaclava.
Kept the balaclava on all day, worn like a necklace!
See below for outfit sans cosy, black, Cardi topper (but why you’d forgo that layer right now, I don’t know??)
I like the white trainers to finish this look. It’s like the elements all neatly match up in way that really pleases me. I also wore this same combo with my trusty black suede DMs (I know you’ve all seen them a zillion times, I wear them to death through the winter.)
Number 3- Do you own a knitted set?
Mine is old high street, but I have looong loved the look of Jaggery London’s knitted sets and recently came across Gobi’s sustainable cashmere. I don’t wear the set I already have enough to warrant another, but if I did, that’s where I’d look.
The great thing about the Stalf Cardi is that you can utilise it for one of my fave layering-for-warmth techniques… the double cardi. Take a classic, crew neck, knitted cardi (most of us already have one?) and pop the Stalf version over the top. Something about knit-meets-sweats, close-fit-meets-slouchy and in this case, oatmeal-meets-solid-black that just works so well.
Pull out that base tee again and get that layered underneath the whole look (I told you this one was more about the wardrobe staples and less about my usual clashy approach) and the job’s mostly done.
Number 4- The trousers that just keep cropping up
Ok, firstly if you love these Liquorice Check Wide Trousers and it makes you sad every time I rewear them- now is your moment- I just managed to snap up a delivery from my supplier. It was the last of what they had and there’s no guarantee when or if they’ll get more in. Linked here in all sizes and colours.
These trousers just keep jumping at me out of my wardrobe. Especially good with classic tones- grey, black, white and oatmeal-y shades and brilliant worn with a block of black sweatshirting.
My boucle vest is by Me + Em.
Number 5 - Triple Sweats
Doubling up on the sweats is all very well, and pretty standard practice through Jan and Feb for me. Where I really excel at the warm layers is adding in a third. Our Sweatshirt Vest does very nicely here. I have two in Frosty Lilac, on in a size small, and one in a size XL. They’re both fab, but the XL in particular gives the feel of a sweatshirt layered under your cardi without the bulk through the arms.
Notes-
I do feel it’s important that there is a definite change in colour here between your twinset and the sweat layered underneath.
Because everything is a similar length, a longer, looser shirt, with tails peeking out the bottom (as well as a pop of colour at the neck and wrists) helps break up the whole look.
Add in that all-important texture contrast by opting for a softly crumpled linen shirt.
Lots of shoe options would work here, but my personal preference with loose fit sweatpants is a boot or hi-top trainer with a close fit around the ankle.
Number 6 - Dressed up (slightly)
The Cardi, in black in particular, is a chameleon and will work hard for you on many an occasion. I would dress it up for a day out or even a casual meal, like so…
Take your favourite blouse. Something with a bit of a statement here plays well- a frothy collar or a blousy cuff, as per my favourite, the Flutter Blouse. Add black jeans and top with the cardi.
This bag is being chucked at any outfit right now, Christmas prezzie from my partner. It’s from Viv.
I hope this gives you plenty of inspo for the sweats-clad days of Jan and Feb. On reflection, my advice seems to be- when in doubt, turn to your fave wardrobe staples, layer up with black sweats and add in a pair of pretty shell earrings!
‘til next time!
Paris x