Though runway fashion has moved in a hyper feminine direction embracing every manner of ruffles, lace and sequins, everyone we know is on team cozy, a look characterized by a mash up of retro cotton sweatshirts, t-shirts, baggy jeans, sweatpants and kicks. A seriously relaxed look, the latest version includes feminine touches like exposed sports bras and peaks of fishnet stockings.
Very much rooted in streetwear, when it first emerged it was referred to as “steal from the boys,” a term that eventually morphed into Tomboy style and is now known as cozy. Whatever the label, the look has picked up steam to the point where it’s become borderline mainstream for young women and a style that’s sported not just while lounging at home, but also worn in at concerts and in clubs.
Singer/songwriter SZA aka Solána Rowe is the unofficial heroine of the cozy movement, known as she is for her delicious mix up of current day streetwear looks mixed with cool ’90s labels and sneakers. And while SZA has been rocking this look for a minute, her take on it isn’t static and in the latest evolution she’s traded in her vintage rock t-shirts for current and vintage versions of labels including Champion, Fendi, Coogi, Gucci, Supreme and Bathing Ape, among others.
In a recent interview, SZA credited her mother for her vintage shopping habit, one that she maintains while traveling. “We got so much stuff, we had to buy a new suitcase!” she told Billboard about a visit to a Michigan vintage store. “There was so much fishing memorabilia in Lansing. The natural paraphernalia, the Realtree and other camo, the windbreakers. It was old Champion sweatshirts at two dollars a piece. But it was also like a weird, old Ralph Lauren dad vibe as well.” In the same interview, SZA credited her father with her love of overalls.
With SZA’s CTRL album release imminent and touring this summer to follow, her raised profile will enable the cozy look to grow even more popular. In the meantime, check out a Snobette Ten list of our favorite SZA cozy looks below.