After a year of working from home and holding kitchen-table school for the kids, it’s time to put fashion back into our lives. Nobody wants to give up the comfort of elasticized waists, but the look is growing stale. If you’re ready to dress up your sweats, think subtraction and addition.
Subtract the baggy pants and add more fitted joggers to your wardrobe. Multiply your fashion options by swapping out hoodies for blazers and upgrading pants from fleece-lined fabric to velvet. Turn up the glam factor with a stylish bag or statement jewelry. Dressing up sweatpants doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort.
Top sweats with a sweater or a button-down top.
Pairing sweatpants with a crisp sweater or button-down shirt may feel a little strange at first, but you’ll get used to the elevated look in no time.
Our Pick: Express Cozy Mock Neck Sweater, $40, (click here)
This structured, glam sweater brings an organized feel to your routine. This sweater is better paired with form fitting sweats!
Reach for a trendy jacket or blazer.
Leave the hoodie at home. Team your sweatpants with a blazer or coat for a look that’s more dressed up. A statement overshirt, a belted trench, or a leather jacket instantly make sweatpants look more put together.
Our Pick: Zara Wood Blend Waffle Knit Overshirt, $69.90 (click here)
This overshirt is made of wool blend fabric with a lapel collar and long sleeves with buttoned cuffs.
Indulge in sweatpants made from a luxe fabric.
Elevate your sweatpants game in a fabric that’s more luxurious than cotton. Faux silk is a fun choice all year, while velvet is cozy during the winter months.
Our Pick: Zara Velvet Jogging Pants, $35.90 (click here)
These black high-waisted pants are ultra-comfy with an elastic waistband and cuffed hems. They exude the luxury of velvet.
Try boots for a comfortable height.
Wearing boots will dress up your sweatpants even if you aren’t quite ready for stilettos. Your feet will thank you for the lower heel.
Our Pick: 3.1 Phillip Lim Kate leather Chelsea Combat Boots, $595 (click here)
These black boots are right on trend with their riff on combat style and heavy silhouette. They’re made from leather and set on a chunky lug sole for plenty of grip.
Add some bling to your look.
Just one standout piece of jewelry, such as a chunky watch or big necklace, can instantly up the elegance of your outfit. Or layer on lots of jewelry by adding a few necklaces on top of each other, stacking rings, or opting for a pair of statement earrings.
Our Pick: Laura Lombardi + NET SUSTAIN Franca Gold-plated Necklace, $145 (click here)
Laura Lombardi’s design process is all about sustainability, and she uses recycled materials when possible. This chain necklace is linked by hand and made of gold-plated brass.
Throw on an accessory.
One glam piece can instantly elevate an outfit that is fairly simple and casual. A nice handbag slung over your shoulder can make sweatpants look chic.
Our Pick: Zara Quilted Velvet Maxi Crossbody Bag, $49.90 (click here)
This blue crossbody bag features a quilted velvet exterior and chain shoulder strap.