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Sweatpants Chic

Friday 3 February 2012
Photo credit: Net-a-porter

Photo credit: Net-a-porter

Photo credit: Net-a-porter

Photo credit: Garance Dore

Photo credit: Isabel Marant S/S 2009


Ever thought of wearing sweatpants in public? My answer would've been a resounding no if you'd asked me last year. Well, ok, I'm not talking about the days when I was sucked into the Juicy Couture craze thanks to the photos of celebrities wearing them in every color under the sun. I never forgot the day when I bumped into a few friends who saw me in my pink JCs. One choked on his drink. The rest (who said men don't gossip) set up an email trail with the words "I saw the Pink Bunny today".

It has been well over a decade since my embarrassing encounter. Lately, I've been intrigued with the likes of IRO, Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant, to name a few. They know how to turn boring old sweats into something really chic. What's not to like about them? They're so comfortable, soft and no matter how much you stuff yourself, you can still fit into the sweats. ? They feel like sweatpants but are more tapered and have a slimmer fit.

I caved in and bought a pair of Alexander Wang sweatpants which came with lambskin trim along the pockets. How posh. I travel a lot but I detest wearing my jeans on long haul flights. No matter how comfortable they are, the waistband digs into my tummy.  I don't particularly want to turn up in my tattered and baggy sweatpants. These are the perfect solution to my travel dilemma. I've been wearing them for a couple of weeks now and I'm in love. I wore them out yesterday and many of my friends loved them but had no idea they were sweatpants until I fessed up.


30 comments:

  1. Your AW sweatpants with lambskin trim certainly sound chic and posh. If I can find something along those lines I might just break my no sweats except when working out rule.

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  2. Love it! Look so comfy and chic!

    Follow me & my bags, shoes, and all things dainty at:
    pjlattesbagbook.blogspot.com

    or on BLOGLOVIN' at pjlatte's bag book

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  3. How awesome is this post...it would be a fashion revolution if this thing took off and we could wear them in the office!!! You go girl, viva la sweatpant revolution! :)

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  4. They sound great!! J Crew had a lot of interesting options this past fall too
    S in NY

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  5. I'm all for them! Hey if it's good enough for the top designers to put them on the runway, they are good enough for me to wear and be super comfortable in!

    xx Mandi
    www.findmeamuse.com

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  6. I loved reading this!

    Initially I thought NO WAY! I hated JC sweatpants back when every WAG in the UK were wearing them But you make a good argument in favour. Tbh the mention of Alexander Wang had me sold! Would I put my money where my mouth is? perhaps if they went on sale lol :) x

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  7. I wear sweats at home and go out and bout in them but they're just your common garden variety. I have no qualms about looking like a down and out!

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  8. Yes, I agree with Parveen: here in London I think Essex when I see this ! In fact round here this look has already been collared by them . Sweatpants , heels and jewellery will always make me feel ill . But sure they feel great and will be perfect for a long flight or car journey , just no big hoop earrings please LOL

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    Replies
    1. Eeeek. No! Definitely no hook earrings. No heavy make up too. I used to wonder what the heck was this WAG or Essex look. After living here for 3 years, I finally figured it all out.

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  9. i bought sweatpants last month just you know thought i could manage to wear it just like the last pic of IM but at the end I feel so "at home".. maybe i have to try to wear it with boots or with heels????
    anyway have a nice weekend my dear. take care.. this lovely post :)
    xoxo, Haus of Gala

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    Replies
    1. I wear mine with ankle boots. I think sneakers will make them look as if I just got out of the gym. I haven't attempted heels yet because I'm still rubbish trying to walk in them.

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  10. Shoot. Now I want some! Can you post a picture of how your styled them? My fave is the shot from Garance's blog. Blazer - check. White loose tee - check. Dicker boots - check. Sweatpants -nope!
    Jcrew has gotten into this, too. But not with leather trim on the pockets...:)

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    Replies
    1. Will do a pairing shoot next week. Just for you!

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    2. Ooooh... i was about to ask for a styling post too! :))

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    3. YAY!! I had just asked for a style shot too! :)

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  11. Marlene - our brains must be on the same wavelength because you always seem to blog about what I've been thinking myself! I have also been watching these - esp the IM version.

    Like someone said, the key is not to treat them like sweatpants and thus eliminate the "frump factor". Dress them up instead of down. I ordered a Rag & Bone pair of "track pants" (track pants, sweat pants - what's the difference?) the other day and they run along the same lines - though these are a knit version. Love love how they style it with ultra high heels. See what I mean?


    http://www.theoutnet.com/product/98080

    I haven't recieved them yet but I think they'll be a winner.

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    Replies
    1. I must've been reading your mind :) You're absolutely right. As long as you treat them like normal pants and dress them up, no one would even think these are trackpants. There are more and more options now that no one would even blink at the sight of them if they're paired with blazers.

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  12. for long haul flights, you can always change into sweatpants/sweatsuit if you like. having said that, i am too lazy and will just wear the set before flying...

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  13. Very chic look! I am traveling with the family to Savannah next month and although it is not a long flight I still want to be comfy and I think this is the trick! Thanks for sharing!

    Have a great weekend my dear!

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  14. Wow...never thought sweatpants could be "glam".
    I'm still a little skeptical...perhaps the black one would be easier to dress up..?

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  15. i actually think this is so cool!! i want to try one but i'm scared! i'm pretty hippy so i don't know how this would look one me.

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  16. I do love the idea of chic sweatpants. I think I love your blog even more, for your purchasing of designer sweatpants.

    *Erin

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  17. You bought a pair!!! That's fab!!! I would love to see how you style it!! I have ALWAYS loved drapey and relaxed pants, which is why I have so many harem and genie type pants! Of course my family makes fun of me, but I think if you wear them correctly it looks very chic {like Garance's pic}! I do wear mine with heels though, but maybe I will also try ankle boots!

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  18. I can't remember the last time I wore sweatpants. Even from a young age I was so vain, even about gym clothes.- haha. But these are so chic. The Isabel Marant ones are styled perfectly in the new issue of Teen Vogue (don't judge;) ). I'm sure you'll make them look chic:)

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  19. I love sweatpants and I am so glad it's about time someone turn sweatpants into something chic and stylish. Thank god..haha. I need a pair or two or more. Thay are so crazy comfy I bet.

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  20. I love this idea! Your Alexander Wang's sound amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing how you style them.

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  21. Oh no never... Even when I'm on my way to ballet class I will wear a dress over my leggings. Not my style at all... Even for my running I use a black running skirt never pants. I'm too girlie I guess.

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  22. I do like this look, but I am desperately trying to avoid 'sportswear as daywear', it is a slippery slope to the dreaded Juicy and slankets!!

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  23. HAHA M! I never thought about it. These look really good :)I still can't get over yours had lambskin trim. Love it!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com

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