The late Karl Lagerfeld once said “sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”
Well, I’m sorry to say Karl, but we’re just going to have to agree to disagree (which I often do whenever I read one of your fashion mantras.)
Watch: How to wear track pants. Post continues below.
2024 is all about turning comfort into a fashion trend, which is exactly what the cool girls of the internet did when they decided that the next pair of ‘It’ trousers would be trackies.
Yes, the same trackies you once wore to the gym are now being seen at different fashion weeks around the world, except they aren’t paired with a sports bra and hoodie.
Instead, the fashion girlies are wearing them with ballet flats, chunky jewellery and blazers. Am I intimidated? Yes. But am I equally intrigued? Also, yes.
It’s a little sporty and little model-off-duty, and personally, I love that trackies are no longer considered “inside clothes”.
Now, I’m not saying it’s going to be for everyone. In fact, when I discussed the trend in the Mamamia office, almost everyone said, “We’re not cool enough to pull it off”.
But there’s a difference between not liking a trend and not having the confidence to wear it — and I think everyone should feel confident when approaching new fashion trends.
That’s why I’ve chosen to guide you on how to style track pants if you’re a normie like me and not a 6’1″ supermodel.
Let’s get into it.
Look #1: Track pants, trench coat, sneakers and chunky jewellery.
I’m about to state the obvious here, but here it goes: It’s cold. This means layering is a must if you’re planning on stepping outside. Grab your favourite pair of trackies and throw a trench coat on top to make it more dressy. You can either wear a graphic tee underneath or even a hoodie if you need extra warmth. My favourite sneakers are of course the Adidas Sambas, but the Onitsuka Tigers work too!
I recommend:
Look #2: Track pants, oversized knit and ballet flats.
If your style is more feminine and less street, then this is the perfect in-between option. Ballet flats make anything look dainty, and the same applies here. Pair your favourite knit with track pants and flats and not only will you be comfortable all day, but it’ll look like you put a lot more effort into your look than you actually did.
I recommend:
Look #3: Track pants, white tee and blazer.
My favourite outfit combo, especially because you can easily take this from winter to summer. It’s easy, and effortless and depending on how lenient your workplace is, you can probably get away with wearing it to the office. You can choose to further accessorise with either a baseball cap, a statement handbag and a cool pair of shoes, but that’s the beauty of this look: It’s so versatile, that you can go any direction you like.
I recommend:
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Feature Image: Instagram @___whatarethose/@_____ok.soon.