10 Ways To Dress Up Your Favorite Sweatpants

Sweatpants are a girl’s best friend. They’re comfy, easy, and will save you tons of time in the morning when you’ve got to dash off to an early class. But now that you’re starting to brand yourself and keep an eye out for upcoming career opportunities, a little extra effort in your appearance never hurts. But don’t worry! You’ll still be able to keep your beloved joggers and make them look nice. Disclaimer: these looks work best with plain grey or black drawstring sweatpants, not the ones with writing on the rear. Having said that, are ten ways to dress up your favorite sweatpants.

1. Add A Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are like fairy godmothers who can make even the loungiest of outfits look dressy and adorable. If you don’t own one yet, we seriously recommend checking out your local GAP outlet or consignment store for a darker wash jacket with a crisp finish and a light acid wash, which makes for a vintage, yet timeless combination. Since this look is so preppy, try pairing your pants and white canvas shoes, a high ponytail, and a bold lip color.

2. Add A Textured Knitted Cardigan

The long cardigan and sweatpants look are one of the most wonderful marriages of cozy and put-together fashion we’ve seen. It’s especially great for rainy days when you plan to study for hours in the library. If you plan to copy a look similar to the one below, find a cardigan that grazes the back of your thighs, and one that preferably has lots of texture. Then, add some sport kicks like Adidas (which will add structure and just a bit of edge), some messy waves, and a slight V-neck top and you’re ready to hit the town!

3. Rock A Leather Jacket With Those Sweats

Sweatpants and leather are one of those pairs that we never thought would go together, but after seeing the effortlessly cool outfit below, we’re sold. The cropped style of the sweatpants below helps draw attention to the unique shoes (zebra print- who knew, right?), making the buckled, slightly cropped black leather jacket and the kicks the main event. If you’d like to put your own spin on it, try out a suede or caramel brown leather jacket with ankle boots or a cute pair of Vans. Now all you need is a brand new Vespa (just kidding)!

4. Fun Pumps And A Printed Tee

High heels with sweat pants- why haven’t we thought of that sooner (probably because it sounds a little oxymoronic). The look, though unconventional, works well because of the formality of the heel, which balances the casualty of the pants. Plus, adding a heeled show will straighten your posture and make you walk gracefully- which is great if you’re going out in the city and want to have a bit more poise. Top it all off with a well-fitting white tee with a bit of print (too little and it’s too formal, too much and too much and it’s…too much) and an accessory of choice.

5. Military Blazer And Irredescent Shoes

Everything about this look just screams French girl chic, and we couldn’t be more inspired. This model’s grey, slightly speckled sweatpants, and her comfy printed shirt are the informal parts of the ensemble, while her dark military blazer (with a popped collar and golden embellishments) adds a chic textured element. The shoes are great because their color and design draw the eye up to the model’s face.

6. Put On A Killer Coat

Is it freezing outside? Wear a large, slightly nicer coat over your dark sweatpants and a plain shirt. And don’t forget to add your beanie! We’re loving the way Victoria Beckham below (or else another woman who looks a lot like her) uses primary colors like white, black, grey, and a hint of gold in her watch to create a *posh* outfit that any girl would kill to wear. And don’t let us forget her shoes! Beckham’s sporty kicks look incredibly comfortable- and their informal design helps to break up the higher-end parts of the outfit.

7. (Almost) All Black

We’ll admit, it takes a certain kind of individual to rock a nearly monochromatic look like the one below. But if you’re willing to try it out, we’re sure you’ll impress! Keep an eye out for a turtleneck or other long-sleeved shirt to pair with some black sweatpants, and make sure to do the French tuck (tucking the front of your shirt in while leaving the rest out, creating a bit of shape)! For streetwear, we recommend adding a pop of color on the lips or eyes or having some lighter shoes to nicely contrast the pants and shirt.

8. Puffy Quilted Jacket

During the winter, we can’t let go of our puffy quilted jackets, and we’re thanking our lucky stars that there’s a way to style a comfy pair of sweatpants and a warm quilted jacket in a very classy way. If you can, try to make your trainers and coat the same color or at least part of the same color family-this will make accessorizing a breeze! Add some chunky cropped winter boots, a crocheted beanie, and some pretty white nails (Starbucks drink beneficial but not necessary).

9. Sporty Jacket And Flannel Shirt

This outfit may be modest, but it’s perfect for meeting your parents for brunch downtown! Keeping it simple with your pants and a warm top and adding a navy blue cropped jacket (the kind that counts as “athleisure wear”), while tying an old-school flannel shirt at your waist creates both a long, lean line and adds a bit of curve at the waist- plus it’s just a cute, classic look that any young woman can wear wonderfully.

10. Button-Down Shirt

Every artist knows that a masterpiece starts with an ideal canvas and a flouncy white button-down blouse paired with above-ankle sweatpants is a perfect blank slate to add colorful, bold accessories (such as stacked bracelets or a tomato red handbag). Get ready to turn heads!