Sometimes, it’s just not worth it to put style over comfort. Comfortable fashion has made a major comeback in recent years, and I, for one, am very grateful for this trend shift.
There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t wear athletic clothes, whether that means leggings and a sweatshirt or an athletic top with a pair of trendy sneakers. Fashion has evolved to the point where workout clothes and loungewear have branched into their own style. Beyond that, this evolution has normalized comfy pieces in everyday styles—without the label of a “slob.”
Here are some of my favorite ways to dress to impress without sacrificing any comfort.
- Leggings (when paired correctly!)
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Leggings, especially black ones, are a staple in any wardrobe. You can hardly tell the difference between someone wearing jeans vs. someone wearing leggings, as long as they’re paired with a nice top and nice shoes. Leggings serve to complement other statement pieces and bring outfits together. To finish it off, you can never go wrong with white sneakers—they’re comfy, chic, and add flair to any outfit.
- Sneakers
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Shoes can change the vibe of any outfit. If you’re wearing loungewear that might look a little frumpy on its own, sneakers can elevate any outfit to become more stylish and put–together—even though you just added sneakers to an outfit you could wear to bed!
If you’re feeling lazy or don’t know what to wear, you can always arrange your look around your shoe selection. Some of my favorite sneakers are Air Force One’s, Converse, and Vejas—basically any white sneaker. They can be paired with jeans, leggings, dresses, or skirts, making them the perfect comfy investment.
- Sweaters
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While sweaters have the reputation of being itchy, if you find the right one, the comfort and style it provides is well worth the price. Many of the sweaters I like to wear tend to feel like sweatshirts, soft and cozy. You’ll never have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions because sweaters cover everything. Sweatshirts are san exciting and unique clothing item, because they vary in material and color, and look fabulous on any body type. They can be dressed up or down, depending on whether you pair them with more casual bottoms or a nice skirt.
- Cropped T–shirts
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Plain cotton cropped tank tops or T–shirts are so easy to dress up, especially with high–waisted pants. They’re just a step up from a comfy workout T–shirt, but they provide a lot more versatility and style. Any semi–cropped tank or t–shirt goes great with jeans and sneakers, but can also be paired with fancier skirts, shoes, or jackets to make a dressier outfit. They serve as a great base for any kind of look, and are worth the investment because they’ll get lots of use.
- Matching Sets
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Workout clothes and streetwear are in! Matching workout sets, sweat sets, and loungewear sets are great for a day out, as they’re both stylish and comfy. There are so many different sets out there to choose from, so it’s a great way to add a statement piece to your wardrobe. As a college student, rocking a comfortable and cute matching set is the ultimate way to dress for a walk through campus on any day.
- The Importance of Accessories!
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Accessories such as necklaces, earrings, or fun rings are essential to spice up a basic outfit. My personal favorite is gold jewelry—my gold hoops are an everyday staple. Chunky, colorful rings specifically are trending, and they’re absolutely perfect for a vibrant summer look.
When you don’t want to put effort into your outfit, put it into jewelry! It’s a great way to switch things up and experiment with your style with little commitment.
As a teenager with a busy schedule, all of the items I’ve listed above have saved me time and time again from looking like a sleep–deprived college student. Though it’s always fun to dress up and go out of your comfort zone, your comfort zone is probably where you thrive. Being comfortable and being fashionable don’t have to cancel each other out!