Sweatpants as fashion

On normal days, I carefully pick out the clothes to wear to work. If I wore a black dress the previous day, it means no black on that day. But since I started working from home following the directive by the government and my employer to help fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, I realise that this has been the least of my recent concerns.

If I have an online meeting to attend, I pick up whatever official dress is within my reach. After the meeting, the clothes are out and I go back to my sweatpants.

Even Tim Gunn, a fashion mentor from Project Runaway and Making the Cut, says he is finding it hard to get out of his pajamas. Anna Wintour, Vogue's editor in chief who swore that she would never wear sweatpants, has changed her mind. And so have many people.

SWEATPANTS

If you asked me a couple of months ago if I would go into public with a pair of sweatpants, I would have blatantly said no. Those were times I considered them baggy, aesthetically unappealing and reeking of general apathy.

Now I tell a different story. They are comfortable. I could wear them anywhere; to the office and to that fancy restaurant. Dare me, I could even wear them to the red carpet!

It is interesting how these clothes, which were once considered by some fashion designers a sign of defeat and worn by people who have lost control of their lives ( yes, it was that bad), have become a trend even in their circles. On the streets, I have noted that hawkers are now selling more palazzo pants and culottes for women.

This poses a challenge to the fashion designers and stylists. The masses have a preference for clothing. They want articles that are fitting, comfortable yet liberating. Will the fashion mavericks catch up?

Talking of sweatpants and people wearing them in public, have you noticed how some people look cool on them while others border between unkempt and confusion? These articles of clothes are not just pick and wear. If you are planning to go out with them, you will definitely need to style with a touch more flamboyant.

Style sweatpants with Denim

For that stylish look, pair your sweatpants with a denim blazer. It automatically makes it appear more put together. If you down own a denim, a leather jacket or belted trench is an alternative.

Go for fitting instead of baggy sweats

Wearing baggy sweatpants might be cozy, but they are difficult to dress up. You want to be comfortable, but at the same time stylish. So go for shaped-up and slimed down sweats.

Pair them with heels

I have seen tens of people rock sweatpants with sneakers, and others pair them with heels. Sneakers are okay, but if you want an elevated and classy look, then heels or pumps should be the go-to shoes.

Stick to a monochrome palette

The best way to step out with sweatpants is to make the look streamlined and simple. You can go for an all-black sweats with a black top or gray pair with almost the same colour shade for the top.

Add some jewellery to the look

There is no longer no shame in wearing sweatpants in public. Therefore, you shouldn't be shy to make the outfit even more fancier by styling it with some accessories. You could opt for a necklace, statement earrings, a chunky watch or staked rings.

Take some time to style other parts of your look

The world is gradually coming to terms with this transformation in the fashion industry.

You don't want to the one affirming that Karl Lagerfed was right when he said that sweatpants are a sign of defeat. So as you dress up, think of your hair and face. Make those parts look the part — elegant.