Fashionable Women in Madrid Sport This Nostalgic American Classic with Utmost Chicness

      Every year, I travel to Spain with my family for a month, and I consistently make the same error. I pack extravagant outfits featuring eye-catching sequined tops, impractical kitten heels, and tiny vintage bags that can barely fit my phone. These are perfect for when I want to wear something that captures the carefree spirit of the season, but during a lengthy trip, there are always moments when I just want to slip into a simple dress and comfortable flip-flops and call it a day. Each year, I struggle to plan for those laid-back days and end up regretting my choices. This year was no exception. In fact, I packed even more formal outfits than usual since I spent time in Madrid for the first time in years before heading down south to the beach town of Cádiz. I had seen a lot about the fashionable women in the Spanish capital from one of my favorite street style accounts, @madrileniansinmadrid, but while I was in the city, I discovered a simplicity and ease in the way chic and trendy women assembled outfits that I had yet to fully embrace.

      One aspect that caught my attention was how women styled basic sweatshirts, a staple I usually associate with mundane American wardrobes. I rarely wear a sweatshirt unless it’s over my workout clothes! But in Madrid, I noticed women styled them in ways that made me reconsider this overlooked garment.

      They paired them with ruffled skirts, vintage jeans, and designer bags. They seemed to wear them with everything except athletic wear, which is what I typically link to such basics. It feels distinctly Spanish to throw on something so simple yet still add flair with little effort.

      Although it was warm in Madrid, I found myself feeling a bit chilly at night after the temperatures dropped, and I began to crave something simple to layer over my carefully curated summer outfits. Naturally, a sweatshirt came to mind right away. In a delightful twist of fate, I entered my hotel, the newly opened Brach Madrid, and noticed that its merchandise was actually a recent collaboration with Lacoste—a limited-edition capsule first launched for the French Open. The crewneck is also available at the Brach Paris location, but it will forever remind me of my time in Madrid.

      Wearing my new favorite sweatshirt and souvenir from the hotel: a Brach x Lacoste crewneck, I decided to channel the Spanish women around me and paired it with a playful vintage Roberto Cavalli skirt. This kept my outfit feeling just elevated enough while adding a kind of casualness I typically do not prepare for. It’s an ensemble I would never think to pack, but it’s one I will definitely be including in future trips. Ironically, it took a journey across the ocean to Spain for me to realize that a good sweatshirt is essential for a reason.

      A selfie in my favorite sweatshirt taken in my favorite hotel bathroom.

      Brach x Lacoste Sweatshirt

      The best part about this sweatshirt is that it’s not just any ordinary piece; it’s merchandise from one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed at. It’s a way to bring a piece of my vacation back home. Every time I wear it while binge-watching shows on my couch, it will remind me of my travels. From now on, it will accompany me on every vacation when I’m in need of that simple comfort reminiscent of a cozy night in. I hope to always style it in a way that would make the women of Madrid proud. Below, find more sweatshirts to help you achieve that casual, Madrid-approved look.

      Pilcro

      The Niki Bubble Sweatshirt

      Acne Studios

      Printed Cotton-Blend Jersey

      By Anthropologie

      Short-Sleeve Grommet Sweatshirt

      j.crew

      New York City Graphic Crewneck in Heritage Terry

      Dries Van Noten

      Cotton-Jersey Peplum Sweatshirt

      Gap

      Vintagesoft Wedge Crewneck Sweatshirt

      Aritzia

      Cozy Sweatfleece New Mega Crew Sweatshirt

      Polo Ralph Lauren

      Polo Collar Sweatshirt

      MANGO

      Fluid Cotton Sweatshirt

      Ganni

      Oversized Printed Jersey

      Skims

      Cotton Fleece Shrunken Hoodie in Light Heather Grey

      FP Movement

      A Cut Above Hoodie

      j.crew

      Kind of Preppy Graphic Crewneck

      Everlane

      Laid-Back Sweatshirt

      Mango

      Crewneck Sweatshirt

      FP Movement

      All Star Solid Pullover

      Suzie Kondi

      Anytime Cotton-Blend Velour Sweatshirt

      Zara

      Rustic Hoodie Sweatshirt

      Lacoste

      Crew Neck Piqué Sweatshirt

      FP Movement

      Firstport Fire Island Crew Neck Sweatshirt