Ride in Style This Fall: Formula 1-Inspired Racewear

The trend of Formula 1-inspired fashion is making a comeback, with designers incorporating racing elements into their collections. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner have been seen rocking the leather racing jacket, and during fashion month, various interpretations of the trend were showcased. Whether you want to fully embrace the racing look or add a touch of sportiness to your wardrobe, now is the perfect time to make a statement with bold, racing-inspired looks.

Since the release of Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix in 2019, racing has become a prominent presence in various aspects of our lives, including the world of fashion. It's hard to ignore the fact that Lewis Hamilton looks incredibly stylish in his racing jacket. The influence of Formula 1 on fashion was particularly evident in the Fall 2023 ready-to-wear season, and now we're witnessing its transition from the runway to the streets.

Designers from all over the world have drawn inspiration from the sport, incorporating elements such as checkered flag patterns on pants, durable driving gloves, and the iconic racing jacket. In the previous season, we saw sleek zip-up tops from Louis Vuitton, leather moto pants from Theophilio, and sponsor-adorned racing jackets from David Koma. The spring 2024 shows confirmed that our fascination with Formula 1 is not waning, but rather evolving. Saint Laurent showcased baggy jumpsuits and leather balaclavas that could easily belong to the most fashionable pit crew in the world, while Ferrari presented bulky and utilitarian gloves. It's clear that racecar fashion continues to be a prominent trend.

However, it's important to note that this trend is not entirely new. The racing scene in the 2000s film Charlie's Angels featured Cameron Diaz behind the wheel, with Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore as her pit crew. The trio sported blue cinched-waist jumpsuits, each unzipped to different degrees. In 2001, Victoria Beckham made a fashion statement at her husband David's Premier League game, wearing an ensemble more fitting for a completely different sport. Her outfit consisted of a black leather jacket with blue and white racing stripes, checkerboard jeans, and aviator sunglasses.

As Y2K fashion makes a comeback, it's not surprising to see Formula 1-inspired clothing resurfacing in popular culture. Over the past few years, celebrities like Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner, and Rosalía, who is affectionately known as the "motomami," have been spotted rocking the leather racing jacket. Some, like Hadid, incorporate it into their outfits to add a touch of masculinity to a sexy look, such as pairing it with a low-cut yellow blouse and black leather pants. Others, like Jenner, use it to elevate a classic outfit, styling it with a white tee and blue jeans.

During fashion month, we had a glimpse of how people plan to embrace this trend during the fall season. Tyga opted for a full motorsuit from Givenchy, while DJ Peggy Gou took a more subtle approach by donning checkerboard pants as a nod to the racing aesthetic. Cate Blanchett found a middle ground by wearing Louis Vuitton's bodycon interpretation of a racing jumpsuit. Some individuals chose to mix their sporty jackets with feminine pieces like maxi dresses and mini skirts. Whether you want to fully embrace the racing-inspired look or simply add a touch of sportiness to your wardrobe, now is the perfect time to make a bold statement as the colder weather approaches.