Celebrity Inspired: How to Wear a Vetements x Alpha Industries Racing Jacket This Back to School

As the school bells start to ring and the hallways buzz with fresh energy, back-to-school fashion makes its grand entrance. Among the key pieces defining the 2025 return to campus? The bold, unapologetic Vetements x Alpha Industries racing jacket.

Famous for its oversized cut, eye-catching sponsor-inspired graphics, and that unmistakable streetwear appeal, this jacket has quickly transitioned from runway standout to celebrity street-style essential. Worn by rappers, style influencers, and even lowkey trendsetters in the know, this collab piece fuses Alpha’s military-grade utility with Vetements' signature high-fashion irony.

Whether you’re stepping into a college lecture, catching up with friends in the quad, or hitting a coffee spot after class, the racing jacket is your go-to layer this season. It makes a statement without trying, turns even basic outfits into fashion moments, and most importantly lets your personality take the front seat.

So how do you wear it? How do you style a piece that already speaks volumes? In this blog, we break down the celebrity-inspired ways to wear the Vetements x Alpha Industries racing jacket this back-to-school season, ensuring you turn heads while staying grounded in authentic expression.

Why This Jacket Is Having a Moment

The resurgence of early 2000s fashion, motorsport aesthetics, and logo-heavy pieces has created the perfect storm for racing jackets to rise in popularity. But the Vetements x Alpha Industries version takes it to another level.

It’s loud in the best way featuring embroidered patches, exaggerated proportions, and a confident silhouette that transforms even the most laid-back outfit into a complete look. Celebrities like Kanye West, Rihanna, Playboi Carti, and Billie Eilish have embraced the jacket’s chaotic charm. Each wears it differently, showing how adaptable the piece can be when personalized.

Back to school is no longer about playing it safe it’s about standing out. This jacket does that naturally, offering a mix of performance, rebellion, and fashion credibility.

Building a Base: Start with Simplicity

When styling such a commanding outer layer, the first rule is this: keep the rest of your outfit clean. Let the jacket do the heavy lifting. That means sticking with solid tees, neutral-toned hoodies, or fitted crewnecks as your base.

A classic white T-shirt paired with black joggers or distressed denim allows the jacket to shine while still giving you freedom to accessorize. Think of it as building a canvas the jacket is your artwork, and everything else just supports it.

For those looking to mimic that K-pop inspired minimalism, pair the jacket with monochrome fits white on white or black on black and layer the racing piece on top to add visual weight and edge.

Streetwear Cool: Oversized Bottoms and Layering Tricks

Celebs like Travis Scott and ASAP Rocky have nailed the oversized layering game, and this jacket fits right into that formula. When you're wearing it, lean into baggy cargo pants, wide-leg denim, or loose-fit track pants. It’s a nod to 90s skate culture, updated with a futuristic vibe.

Pairing the racing jacket with a hoodie underneath (bonus if it’s cropped or slightly structured at the hem) can elevate the silhouette. Play with volume on volume. Layer a fitted long-sleeve tee, a hoodie, and then your jacket. The result? A look that feels intentional, cozy, and bold.

For color, lean into blacks, greys, or deep burgundy. These shades contrast well with the vibrant colors typically seen on the jacket’s patches and embroidery. And if your school has stricter dress codes, neutral bases will tone down the statement without losing impact.

Smart-Casual for the Campus Pro

Want to wear your Vetements racing jacket in a slightly smarter way? You can. Think of how Jacob Elordi or Timothée Chalamet might wear it relaxed but refined.

Layer the jacket over a slim-fit turtleneck or a minimalist button-down shirt. Pair it with tailored chinos or cropped wool trousers and minimalist sneakers. The contrast between the jacket’s streetwear attitude and the clean, elevated under-layers creates a high-low blend that’s runway-worthy but still appropriate for classroom settings.

This is a great way to dress it up for presentations, campus events, or just to show that your style game is multi-dimensional. Keep accessories sleek like a thin chain, a leather strap watch, or round-frame sunglasses to stay polished without clashing with the jacket’s graphics.

Athleisure Vibes: The Campus Athlete Look

If you’re more into sporty comfort, take a cue from stars like LeBron James or Hailey Bieber, who often mix activewear with fashion-forward jackets. This piece pairs beautifully with sweat sets, gym shorts, and technical sneakers.

Rock your Vetements racing jacket over a matching tracksuit or hoodie-and-shorts combo, preferably in neutral tones like charcoal, navy, or beige. Top it off with running sneakers New Balance, Yeezy 500s, or Air Max 95s and maybe a crossbody bag or small backpack.

Not only does this give “I just finished a workout but still look cool,” it’s a practical option for students moving between classes, study sessions, and evening hangs. Function meets fashion with zero compromise.

Footwear That Ties It All Together

When it comes to the right shoes, your choice sets the tone. For the classic streetwear aesthetic, chunky sneakers or retro high-tops are a must. Think Air Jordans, Nike Dunks, Adidas Forums, or New Balance 550s.

Want to elevate the look? Go for sleek leather boots or low-profile sneakers like Converse Chuck 70s, Maison Margiela Replicas, or Reebok Classics.

For an edgier, rockstar-approved fit, throw on platform boots or Doc Martens. The extra weight complements the jacket's oversized frame and gives a more rebellious finish.

Just make sure your shoes aren’t competing with the jacket in terms of color or noise. Let one part of the outfit dominate, and the rest follow suit.

Accessorize Like a Star

Accessories make all the difference, and celebrities are experts at using small details to personalize bold outfits. Here’s how you can apply that thinking to your own back-to-school look with the Vetements x Alpha Industries jacket.

Go for caps or beanies, depending on the weather. A black beanie or logo baseball cap can finish off the look with subtle attitude. Layer silver or gold chains, add rings, or throw on some stacked bracelets for added flair.

A crossbody bag, especially in nylon or leather, adds utility while keeping the look cohesive. Celebrities often opt for functional bags that sit high on the chest or side great for carrying campus essentials while keeping hands free.

Finally, top it off with statement sunglasses if you’re walking across campus during golden hour. Choose shapes that complement your face oval for softer looks, rectangular for sharper edge.

Day-to-Night Transition: Same Jacket, New Vibe

What makes the Vetements racing jacket a smart wardrobe investment is how easily it transitions from day to night. You can wear it to class during the day, then flip the vibe completely for a night out with just a few styling switches.

Swap out your joggers for black jeans or leather trousers. Add a plain tee, layered jewelry, and cleaner sneakers. If you’re heading to an event, club, or rooftop gathering, this outfit stands out without looking overdone.

And because the jacket carries so much visual energy, you don’t need to layer too many pieces. In fact, the fewer, the better. Clean silhouettes + bold outerwear = perfect formula.

Confidence Is the Key Accessory

Let’s not forget: style isn't just about what you wear—it’s how you wear it. And with a piece as commanding as the Vetements x Alpha Industries racing jacket, confidence is everything.

Celebrities don’t shy away from wearing pieces that stand out. They lean into it. That’s the difference between looking like you’re wearing a costume and looking like you own the moment. Back-to-school fashion is your chance to define or evolve your personal style. So wear that jacket like it’s made for you.

Stand tall. Walk with purpose. Don’t second-guess the oversized sleeves or loud prints. That’s the point. This isn’t just a fashion choice it’s a statement about your presence, your awareness of culture, and your willingness to take up space.

Final Thoughts: Make It Yours

The Vetements x Alpha Industries racing jacket is more than just an outerwear piece it’s a movement. It’s fashion that nods to motorsport nostalgia, high fashion irony, streetwear energy, and utilitarian function all in one.

Back-to-school style is the perfect context to show how versatile and powerful this jacket can be. Whether you’re dressing it up with clean lines and smart layers or dressing it down with comfort-driven streetwear, the jacket responds to your mood.

And that’s what real style is about wearing pieces that move with you, express you, and evolve as you do. Don’t just copy celebrity looks use them as fuel. Let them inspire your own unique take, because the best fashion statements come from the confidence of being yourself.