Sweat Style
Written by: Jane Morgan | Photography by: Annabel Kiley
Who says that comfort and style don’t go together? Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, loungewear being worn to work, school, and out, is IN! Fear not if you are unsure how to pull this style off; here are five different ways to style sweats that make it look like you’re trying way harder than you actually are.
While sweatpants and sweatshirts were once pieces that you only wore to bed or around the house to lounge in, recent years have shown that’s no longer the case. In 2020 following the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, clothing brands began pushing matching sweatsuits to consumers as a way for them to feel as though they put effort into their outfit while remaining comfortable working from home. Athleisure has only since gained popularity in the last two years, and wearing loungewear outside the home won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Styling sweats is very easy to do, and there are a variety of ways the pieces can be dressed up or down, depending on how you decide to rock them. Here are a few of my favorite ways to wear sweats.
1. Classic
A matching set may be the most basic way (in recent years) to wear sweats, but it remains the most put-together look with the least amount of effort. A solid-colored matching set is always the way to go when looking for an outfit to wear to the library to study, grabbing coffee with a friend, or running around town completing weekly errands. To spice up the set, add a pair of cool sneakers that brings out a pop of color from the set and some chunky gold jewelry to dress up the look even more. A sleek, slicked-back bun or a claw clip to pull back your hair will further make it seem as though a lot of thought was put into this look when in reality, it will have only taken five minutes to think it through.
2. Edgy
Who said you can’t wear a sweatshirt with jeans in 2022? This look can take a few different routes. My favorite is a light, solid colored sweatshirt, light wash jeans, an oversized leather jacket, and simple sneakers with gold jewelry. If your closet holds a darker range of clothes, a graphic sweatshirt with black jeans, a colored leather jacket, and black boots works as well. The leather jacket adds a heavier texture over the soft sweatshirt, proving layers make an outfit.
3. Business, but Casual
A blazer, much like a leather jacket, is a straightforward piece that can make any outfit look a lot more put together. Start with any solid colored or plaid blazer and pair it with a fun graphic tee or plain crop top. Moving on to sweats, depending on if you like a baggier or sleeker look, you can add either a pair of colored joggers or wide-leg sweats to add some funk to the look. Finish with sneakers or loafers, and you’ll be ready to hit the town!
4. Basic
There’s nothing wrong with going for a basic look, as long as you do it right! Layering is super important to make any outfit look fashionable. Adding a turtleneck, patterned or solid, under a graphic crewneck adds warmth and dimension to an outfit. Add a pair of flared yoga pants and fun sneakers for a comfier outfit. To spice up the look, throw on jeans and some combat boots. Another fun way to add texture to this look is by opting for a sheer turtleneck instead of a thicker solid.
5. High Fashion
The off-duty model look has only gained traction since sweat sets have become increasingly popular. The base of the outfit is the classic matching sweat set, but instead of leaving it plain, put on a long trench coat (black, nude, or leather is preferable). High heels give the obvious runway vibe, but you can take it a couple of different ways by switching these out for heeled booties, chunky sneakers, or slides. Add a ball cap and oversized sunglasses, and you will have people passing by wondering if you are a celebrity.
