How to Look Chic While Wearing Sweatpants (No, Really)

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Published Apr 17, 2017

New Yorkers may have a reputation for dressing to the nines, but that doesn’t mean we don’t crave the sartorial equivalent of a really good nap now and again. But there’s a fine line between “off-duty cool” and “laundry day.” Here’s how to style sweats and still look totally put together.

@splendidla/Instagram

Go All-out Sporty

If you’d told us ten years ago that baseball caps and workout shoes were going to be the height of fashion, we would’ve laughed in your face. But our feet and our third-day hair are eternally grateful.

Get the look: Splendid top ($138) and joggers ($118)

@figtny/Instagram

Look For Luxe Fabrics

Sorry, but that bagged-out pair with your alma mater printed across the butt isn’t gonna cut it. Your outside-world sweats will feel extra polished in supersoft materials like lyocell or even cashmere.

Get the look: Naked Cashmere ($160)

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Go (slightly) Color-coordinated

If you’re worried about looking like you overslept and just threw on the nearest clothes, unify the look by tying similar colors into the rest of your outfit. (In our case, that usually means black, black and more black.)

Get the look: H&M ($25)

@joie/Instagram

Try Track Pants

Not into elasticized hems? Try a straight-leg silhouette with stripes down the sides: They’ll lengthen your legs and add athletic edge to an otherwise simple outfit.

Get the look: Joie ($75)

@sincerelyjules/Instagram

Make A Faux Jumpsuit

All the style of a one-piece wonder, none of the bathroom anxiety. Win-win.

Get the look: Sincerely Jules top ($75) and joggers ($95)

Carolyn Kuang-chen Stanley

Editor

From 2016-2019 Carolyn Kuang-chen Stanley held the role of Editor covering food, travel and all things nyc.

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