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Elevate your sweatpants with these chic ideas.
Wearing sweatpants outside of the house is no longer a fashion faux pas. The loungewear garment has slowly become a staple of effortless, cool-girl fashion and can often be spotted on celebs like Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker. While jeans and maxi skirts are a go-to choice for most outings, sometimes you just need to wear a pair of soft, stretchy sweats. They’re comfortable, and despite their casual appearance, can be dressed up to channel your inner street-style star.
Styling sweats with everything from a long coat and mules to a crop top and platform sneakers will elevate your look to be equal parts relaxed and fashion-forward. Whether you’re headed out for a day date or running errands around town, there is a shoe option that will satisfy your tastes and transform your favorite pair of sweats.
Below, we’ve gathered 11 shoe styles you should consider when planning your next sweatpants look.
Stilettos
Sweatpants and stilettos aren’t an obvious coupling, but it’s a simple styling hack to take your ensemble from casual to chic. While any design from pointed-toe pumps to slingback sandals will do, we recommend color-matching your stilettos to your sweats for an effortlessly glam ensemble.
Mules
If stilettos feel too glamorous, you can achieve a similar look with a pair of mules. They still offer a luxe appearance but can be found in multiple designs, from pointed-toe flats to open-toe block heels. The key to pulling off this look is choosing mules you can pair with other bold accessories, such as a patterned coat, to elevate basic sweats.
Booties
You don’t have to compromise comfort for style when sporting booties with sweatpants. Booties pair best with joggers that you can hike up to show off your footwear but they would also look fantastic with wide-leg sweatpants. If you’re looking for a unique option, try a style with a sculptural heel or in an eye-catching print.
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Platform Sneakers
Embrace a sporty look by pairing your sweatpants with platform sneakers. They’re a classic choice that still gives your ensemble a unique twist thanks to the added height. Black platform sneakers are a timeless shoe that perfectly balances a bright pair of sweatpants, but if you gravitate towards bold footwear, look for a style with colorful accents.
Mary Janes
Give your sweatpants a preppy spin by styling them with Mary Janes. This versatile shoe comes in flat and heeled designs, so it’s easy to find a pair that suits your tastes. While neutral colors can be styled with all types of sweatpants, if you’re looking to make a statement reach for a patent leather pair or ones in a vibrant hue.
Combat Boots
If you love a grungy look, take note of this outfit combination. Pairing chunky combat boots with vibrant green sweatpants and a black blazer creates a bold ensemble that also feels effortless. Even if you opt for a monochromatic ensemble, combat boots will still add a hint of drama and edge to your look.
Western Boots
Channel your inner cowgirl and toss on some western-inspired boots with your sweatpants. A classic brown pair will suit neutral sweats, but for greater wear, consider beige or black cowboy boots. They have a more contemporary appearance and can easily be added to your weekly footwear rotation.
Strappy Sandals
There’s no need to shy away from open-toe shoes when rocking your favorite pair of sweats. In fact, strappy sandals (the more straps the better) are your ticket to the ultimate cool-girl look. Any style you choose, whether it be white flat sandals or green block heels, will elevate even your most casual sweatpants.
Loafers
If you’re looking for a shoe that balances casual with sophisticated, opt for a pair of loafers. These classic shoes are a wardrobe staple that makes your outfit feel put together from the moment you slip them on.
To fully lean into a sporty-chic aesthetic, accessorize patterned sweats with black loafers and a bomber jacket for a well-balanced look.
Cap-Toe Heels
Contrast the casual nature of sweatpants with a pair of cap-toe heels. The color-blocking design immediately catches the eye and will give an athleisure ensemble an elegant twist. Pairing a traditional beige-and-black style with a leather trench coat or oversized blazer will dress up your sweats to create a low-effort yet sleek look.
Lug-Sole Boots
Tucking your sweatpants into lug-sole boots isn’t just for rainy days. This edgy look will be your go-to for grabbing a quick brunch with the girls or running errands on a chilly day and is especially intriguing when your entire ensemble (right down to the boots) is in the same color palette. To adapt this look for warmer weather, consider pairing your sweats with a Chelsea boot.