Retro varsity jackets have become our secret weapon for channeling that perfectly imperfect vintage energy, and we’re completely obsessed with how they make every outfit feel like it has a story worth telling. There’s something so satisfying about the way authentic vintage details—think contrast stitching, chenille patches, and those slightly faded color combinations—create instant character and personality in a way that new pieces sometimes struggle to achieve. We’ve been reaching for these constantly because they capture that specific kind of cool that only comes from pieces with genuine history, whether that’s actual vintage finds or modern interpretations that nail those nostalgic details. The beauty of retro varsities lies in how they work with contemporary pieces to create that effortless mixed-era styling that feels so current. Throw one over a simple white dress, and suddenly you look like you raided the best vintage shop in town. Pair it with high-waisted jeans and a fitted tee, and you’ve got that classic American casual look that never really goes out of style. We love how the slightly oversized fits from past decades create such beautiful proportions with today’s more fitted bottoms, and the color combinations—those faded burgundies, forest greens, and navy blues—somehow work with everything in our modern wardrobes. They’re particularly perfect for creating that ‘borrowed from my cool older sibling’ aesthetic that makes every outfit feel more interesting and less predictable. These jackets photograph like absolute magic, especially for anyone going for that authentic, lived-in style that social media can’t quite replicate with filters.