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It s no simple task to style sweatpants. And with the traditional 9 to 5 wardrobe—tailored blazers, pencil skirts, pleated trousers, and the like—having taken a backseat to more leisurely loungewear, especially for those who work remotely, even this once-forbidden-outside-the-house staple is fair game. But there are subtle differences between the athleisure look and actual sweatpants as a style component. The good news is, if you’re having trouble letting go of the threadbare sweatpants that are buried somewhere in your closet, you don t have to.
Although sweats are usually reserved for more casual outfits, they propose a particularly fun challenge to style for an outing. Because if you re going to wear a pair of sweats, whether for a quick coffee run or a bite with a friend, you might as well try your hand at accessorizing. When it comes to styling sweatpants with intention, celebrities are generally more practiced than the rest of us.
Before your mind skips to Adam Sandler wearing a baggy fit while playing basketball in Manhattan or Ben Affleck picking up his much-needed Dunkin in some track pants, tune in to the likes of Zendaya and Billie Eilish for outfit ideas that are both comfortable and cool. Also known for fashion-forward street style, Bella Hadid unveiled a particularly tricky-to-pull off sweatsuit on TikTok during the start of lockdown in 2020, wearing her hoodie backwards for a more conceptual fit. Never one to shy away from an ab-reveal, Emily Ratajkowski has been pairing the humble black sweatpant with a sexy crop top to walk her dog, Colombo. Then again, nothing compares to the reassuring heft of a cashmere knit. Make it a picture-perfect moment of domestic bliss like Selena Gomez and pair it with matching knit pants.
Below, some tips for how to style sweatpants from 9 stars who have elevated the classic, casual look.
1. Hailey Bieber: Tie-Dye Sweats
Go hippie-dippie with tie-dye sweats, then add a graphic edge with a colorful sporty jacket, chunky socks, and sneakers.
2. Selena Gomez: Knitted Sweats
For the minimalists, a knitted two-piece offers the comfort of a sweatsuit with added elegance.
3. Emily Ratajkowski: All-Black Sweats
Black sweatpants and a crop top with a denim jacket thrown in make for a quintessential downtown look. Finish with crisp white sneakers for a pop of color to break up the monochrome fit.
4. Bella Hadid: Classic Gray Sweats
Give the sweatsuit a supermodel spin by styling the hoodie as a bolero. Layer a pink sports bra underneath for that athletic aesthetic (even if you re not looking to break a sweat while wearing it).
5. Elsa Hosk: Color-Blocked Sweats
Try color-blocking your sweatpants and sweater for a high-impact look during a cozy hangout with friends.
6. Billie Eilish: Corset with Sweats
The pop star s baggy style is memorable for several iconic reasons, from her oversized button-downs to her chunky sneakers. But this sweatpant fit gets a fun twist with the addition of a structured corset top.
7. Zendaya: Sweats with a Trench
Zendaya is constantly feeding the public eye with impressive ensembles, even while wearing sweatpants. Pair your joggers with a graphic t-shirt and trench coat to complete the casual look.
8. Kendall Jenner: Knitted Top with Sweats
Keep it cozy while looking cute. A brightly colored sweater with dark sweatpants offers a refreshing contrast.
9. Gigi Hadid: Wide-Legged Sweats
Go for a matching set with wide-legged sweats and a comfy polo made from the same soft material for an especially stylish ensemble.
