HOW TO STYLE SWEATPANTS: IDEAS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Celebrities and style influencers have made one of the world’s most comfy clothing pieces acceptable for everyday wear. Once reserved for athletics and at-home lounging, sweatpants have moved beyond varsity logos, thick drawstrings, and ribbed ankles, now featuring silhouettes more appropriate for social settings. 

Although sweatpants still have a slight athleticism to their appearance, they’re no longer limited to sporty looks. Whether copping a pair of sweatpants with a blazer or repping street style with a bomber, there are numerous ways to elevate jogger-friendly fits.

Today’s designer brands understand the assignment, creating sweatpants made for wear beyond the living-room couch. There’s no denying the power of classic black sweatpants, but today’s punchy prints and bright colors make the quest for the perfect fit all the more exciting.

We’ll explain how to style sweatpants and explore original outfit combinations for men and women.

WHAT TO WEAR WITH SWEATPANTS

Knowing how to wear sweatpants in a fashion-forward way is more straightforward than it seems. This new era of joggers allows casual pants to pair seamlessly with sophisticated garments. Try these styling tips and tricks to dress up sweatpants:

The fit

With sweatpants, there’s no need to get caught up in the fit. Both fitted and baggy styles can work in their own way to complement particular garments. Generally speaking, sweatpants should be fitted at the waist and ankles and roomy at the thigh, allowing comfort and stability where it’s needed.

Experiment with footwear

When constructing a casual look, sneakers can feel like a no-brainer. But other footwear, such as heels, loafers, flats, and boots, leave a lot of room for creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and test various shoe options with your outfit to see what works.

Layering

Adding layers is an excellent way to make sweatpants appear put-together instead of last-minute. Each layer should be deliberate, fusing pieces with complementary color tones to create a cohesive look.

Accessorize wisely

Accessories can be the difference between a disheveled and debonair look. Sleek sunglasses and cross-body bags give outfits an edgy attitude, while hoop earrings and necklaces add a touch of femininity.

SWEATPANT OUTFITS FOR WOMEN

Sweatpants are a cozy foundation for casual outfits, embracing athleisure undertones for all-day comfort. It’s surprising how many garments work well with sweatpants now that they’ve become more socially acceptable. Explore these five outfit combinations that cast sweatpants in a new light:

Oversized blazer + turtleneck sweater + black sweatpants + boots

For this casual meets chic baggy sweatpant outfit, pair an oversized black blazer with roomy black sweatpants, then add a turtleneck in a fun textured fabric like cashmere or vibrantly colored mohair. Allow the sweater sleeves to peek out from beneath the blazer to add dimension, and winterize the ensemble with fluffy earmuffs, mittens, and boots.

Trench coat + crew neck + sweatpants + ballet flats

Whether heading to yoga or the grocery store, a trench coat makes a cozy fit more sophisticated. Create a coordinating sweatpants and crew-neck combo, adding a beige trench, bold rings, and ballet flats.

Bucket hat + white crop top + colorful joggers + sneakers

Give a nod to the ’90s with this nostalgic uniform. A crop top worn on its own with baggy joggers is cute enough, but everything comes more alive with the addition of a bucket hat and cross-body bag. Top off the look with a pair of high-top sneakers.

Bomber jacket + baggy sweatpants + heels 

The sky’s the limit when it comes to styling sweatpants. Create an elevated street-style look with layers of oversized garments and a pair of heels. Begin with a base layer of baggy sweatpants and a tank top, adding a button-down shirt and a bomber jacket over the top. The bomber jacket can be black or olive green, as long as it’s roomy and conceals the layers beneath. Add heels or ankle boots to add height and conviction to the outfit.

Wool coat + sweatpants + boots

This outfit merges refinement and sportiness, blending the sweatpants’ laid-back nature with the wool coat’s elegance. Choose a bold pattern or eclectic color for the wool coat to enhance the excitement. Then mix and match pieces like shoulder bags, baseball caps, and chunky boots, playing with pops of color to brighten up the look.

SWEATPANT OUTFITS FOR MEN

Imagination is essential when creating sweatpant outfits. Men have been donning this design for decades, but never as fashionably as they are today. Knowing a few inventive combinations can help bring the ease of at-home loungewear into stylish settings. Try these five looks to incorporate sweats into daily fits:

Vest + long sleeve + sweatpants + sneakers

Whether in plush fleece or a puffer, vests can enliven simple outfits. Start with a plain black long-sleeve shirt and a pair of sweatpants, and layer a coordinating vest over the top. Tie it all together with unassuming lace-up or velcro sneakers.

Trench coat + hoodie + sweatpants + sneakers 

This classic trench coat outfit is tried and true, ideal for weekend brunches, morning coffee, or walks in the park. Start this look with a coordinating cream or black ensemble, then add a beige trench coat. Or accent an all-gray look with a coat in a checkered pattern. Style logo socks over the cuff of the pants and step into a pair of chunky designer sneakers.

Graphic T-shirt + sweatpants + sneakers

A fun way to up the energy of a casual outfit is to find a new favorite graphic tee and match it to a pair of printed sweatpants or stick to classic solids. Finish the look with white sneakers and a tote bag.

Bomber jacket + sweatpants + combat boots

All-black monochrome outfits are a foolproof way to appear fashionable. Combine black sweatpants with a tank top, combat boots, and an oversized bomber jacket to achieve this look. Accessorize with sleek sunglasses, a silver chain necklace, and silver rings.

Corduroy jacket + sweatpants + boots

For this autumn-inspired ensemble, choose a fitted pair of sweatpants, styling them with a corduroy jacket in deep red, navy, or black. Wear the coat open to reveal a plain tee, or button it to the top, completing the look with shiny black boots, a cuffed beanie, and a cross-body bag.

STYLES FOR EVERY SEASON

No matter your personal style, Neiman Marcus has an extensive collection of men’s and women’s designer pants. Explore the range of activewear and find the perfect leggings and joggers, or book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a style advisor for help selecting and styling sweatpants that suit your taste.