Sweats Starting to Feel Sloppy? 4 Comfortable Alternatives
The following is a guest post by Brianne, who writes at SavvyStudent, a blog about accredited online universities and student life. Brianne is currently a pre-law student at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA.
Your alarm just went off 5 hours earlier than you would have liked.
You roll out of bed, open your closet, and groan… what to wear today? Groggy mornings call for something easy and comfortable, so sweats are typically the default answer. But it seems that in college we have mornings like this WAY too often… So what do you do when your sweats start to feel sloppy?
It just so happens that there are items out there that are just as cozy as your sweats and sweatshirts but look decisively more put-together. Sweats in fashionable disguise, if you will. Don’t believe me? Keep reading.
Time to give your wardrobe a face-lift.
Pair these comfortable items with your favorite pair of worn-in jeans and you’re good to go, in style:
- Flannel Shirt: At my school, ‘Flannel Friday’ is one of my favorite days. A flannel button-up has “cozy autumn day” written all over it, and the flannel material only gets softer the more times you wear and wash it. A bonus? Flannel shirts are a current trend but also a classic, so anyone can pull them off. Plus, they come in all different colors to suit your personal style. Layer one with a bright colored hoodie for some extra warmth and style. If you like this idea, be sure and check out Mya’s post on flannels for some other ways to wear this look.
- Plain Tee + Vest: The t-shirt and jeans combo is a comfortable fall-back option that requires no thought at all in the morning. Mix it up simply by adding a vest– menswear suit-style, colored knit, crocheted, suede, leather, or sequin (if you’re feeling bold). There are infinite possibilities, and this one item adds a laid-back cool vibe to the outfit without much extra effort.
My new favorite trend is wearing thick dark colored leggings instead of skinny jeans. They’re pretty comfortable, and there are plenty of ways to make a fashionable outfit with them. Try these pieces to wear with leggings:
- Knit Pullover: Have fun with this one. It’s easy to find inexpensive and cute knit pullover sweaters– go for the wild colors and intricate designs to attain this youthful urban look. Buy one a little too big for that cozy effect, which will also make it look better with the leggings. Also, make sure it’s long enough to cover you up! For that perfect fit, try shopping in the boy’s section… It may sound funny, but seriously, they usually have the cutest pullovers hiding in the guy’s section. It’s a sneaky way to get the I’m-wearing-my-boyfriend’s-clothes look. My favorite place to scope out the guy’s side is H&M. And if you’re not in to eccentric sweaters, even a black, grey, or white knit pullover looks more put-together than a boring sweatshirt. Trust me, there’s nothing better than the homey holiday-season feel of an oversized sweater.
- Grandpa Cardigan: This style of cardigan is loose-fitting so it’s extra comfy. It looks great with just a plain tank top underneath, so you can just throw it on in the morning and it’s a sure way to attain that effortless retro-chic look. This is another item you can raid your boyfriend’s closet for, or just try my tip from the knit pullover option and slip over to the boy’s side of the store.
Note: All the above items can easily be found at thrift stores, so revamping your wardrobe is easier and cheaper than you think! Also, bargain hunting with your friends makes for a fun weekend activity. Need tips on where to shop? Try Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet for quality unique clothing that’s still well-priced. Try using citysearch to look up cool vintage thrift stores in your area, also.
Want to add a little more style?
If you have a some more time in the morning and want to change these looks up, here are a few more tips.
- Try the “pair with jeans” looks with colored corduroys instead– I could wear my favorite pair as pajamas; they’re the best!
- Play with balancing proportions (i.e. loose-fitting on top and tighter on bottom, such as the leggings with the oversized sweater/cardigan) to make the outfit more flattering and up the chic factor. A way to inversely do this is by pairing a tighter t-shirt/vest combo with loose boyfriend style jeans– the baggy fit is so much more comfortable than constricting tight jeans. Pull it together with a leather-weave belt.
- To kick up the “pair with leggings” outfits, add slouchy leather boots. For all the outfits, ballet flats are the new fashion-forward slipper. Just say no to your UGGs, please. Great for lounging in your dorm, but overly abused by college students world wide as an excuse for shoes.
- Accessorize! Adding a headband, some bangle bracelets, or cool earrings doesn’t compromise any comfort and makes a huge difference in your look. And they only take mere seconds to throw on, so why not?
Your thoughts?
How about you? Do you have a stylish, put-together alternative to sweats that’s worked well for you? Would you give up your sweats for these looks? Let me know with a comment!
Posted on on December 2, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Class, Classes, Comfort, Shopping, Sweaters, Sweats, Tips
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Fen
Cool post – some really nice ideas (especially love the vest over a plain tee, I have been hoping that someone else was loving that style). I really have to check out this Urban Outfitters shop – hope we have it here in Canada!!
As for pulling things together with belts, I always have so much trouble finding belts that actually fit around my waist. I found that the best waist cinching belts for someone with a petite figure can be found in the kids section at local thrift shops. I managed to get 3 fabulous, genuine leather belts for under 2$! They are an easy way to dress up a plain shirt or dress.
Erinn
Very good advice! I really like the idea of supplanting UGGs with slouchy boots.
I DON’T understand how people go into public with those. They are the modern equivalent of bunny slippers– which no one in their right mind would wear anywhere beyond their front door.
And while it isn’t really an alternative to sweatpants, I find a good way to PREVENT wearing sweatpants is to have your outfit picked out the night before. Or better yet, pick a day to plan your outfits for several days in advance. I do it every week; it only takes a few minutes to do, it saves you any worry later and keeps you looking put together. (And head-to-toe Lululemon gymwear does NOT count as an “outfit.” Thought I’d throw that in there, seeing as it’s currently the biggest fashion catastrophe on my campus right now. )
avory
love this post :) these are much cuter alternatives to the sweatshirts+sweatpants+uggs combo.
do u know where that slouchy dark gray shirt is from?
i would also love to see a post on how to wear cable-knit sweaters and where i could find them for cheap?
Paula ?
Love it! Plain and simple =D
Erin
where would i go to get a good vest? i used to own one but it kind of died. i can’t do thift store because all i find there are schoolteacher and grandma vests. i am also kind of against the leggings. I am big in the hips and thighs and by where things like that it shows part i am not pround of… any alteratives?
Natalie
Thank you so much for this post!
I might be a tad high maintenance but I can’t even leave my dorm room wearing sweatpants. It takes just as much effort to pull on a pair of jeans and flats as sweatpants and UGGs, but you looks so much more put together and awake!
Kimberly
I miss posts from the creator =/
I believe that sweats should never be worn in public and these are some great alternatives to choose from.
Christie
Honestly I don’t get what you people have against UGGs. I don’t wear mine with gym shorts, or skirts. I wear my jeans tucked into them because they are warm. And duh, flats aren’t. I don’t want to freeze while wearing those with skinny jeans Not to mention how uncomfortable flats are! I walk all day, and because they’re flimsy, I can feel the concrete below my feet.
Other than that, I agree with everything posted here. I just find it hilarious when girls walking around with cameltoes because they wear tee shirts and leggings as pants when it is 30 degrees outside tell me that I shouldn’t wear UGGs in public.
Ashley
I love flannels, but I love the oversized, old, grungy, men’s ones, so I guess it would still be sloppy.
Anyway, if I feel like slumming it in old jeans and a tee, I’ll throw on my favorite blazer and ballet flats, so it still feels sort of put together. Also, I wear rings and bracelets everyday, so I usually keep them in my purse so I can rush out the door and put them on as I’m walking to class.
Chelsey
I really really hate seeing people pair sweats and uggs together. They’re bad enough separately. Comfortable clothes are so cute now, there really isn’t a reason to break out the sweats in public anymore.
Jojo
This post definitely describes my school style! I love it!
I loathe seeing girls wearing uggs and sweatpants/yoga pants on a regular basis!
Also, my slouchy boots were the best investment I’ve made for the fall/winter season! They are SO comfortable, easy to coordinate outfits with, and they are still chic.
It’s just as comfy as wearing yoga pants/sweatpants, but you don’t look ridiculous!
Kate
Nice post! Some good ideas for more comfortable outfits, however, I do have to agree with christie. I love wearing my uggs. They are so much more practical to wear around campus in the freezing weather. Just because I wear uggs does not mean my look is not put together. As long as you dont wear them with sweatpants I think it is perfectly acceptable. I have the classic gray cardy uggs and if I wear them with my jeans tucked in and a cute sweater it is the perfect look for class on a day where I am in the mood for comfortable clothes. But sweatpants to class are definitely not ok with me.
Sonya
Hey.
Anyone have any idea where the absolutely beautiful gray and black knit sweater that is in the picture is from?
I fell in love at first sight. :)
Thanks
Natalie
I needed this post! I’ve been trying to come up with a few ways to look cute while being super comfy.
I will however, say that I own a pair of chocolate brown Uggs, but I don’t wear them with sweatpants or denim skirts. Dark jeans or dresses and tights? Absolutely. They’re warm! I’m willing to sacrifice my fashionista to be warm when it’s 25 degrees outside.
Jess
I love your ideas. I actually do some without thinking lol. I don’t like wearing sweat pants, so these are very good tips for me.
thanks :)
Nina
Where I’m from, the UGG trend has just started! They haven’t been around so much before this winter and i see a lot of people wearing UGG knock offs. I’m still indecisive about them, though. Sometimes they look super cozy and comfortable, but sometimes they look like something that I’d regret buying after a while.
Iris
I honestly disagree with the leggings advice – past 40 degrees, it’s way too cold to wear them, and it actually contributes to arthritis and aches in your knee joints when you age past 30. If you wear leggings and tights all the time, without a long john or any other protection underneath, don’t be surprised when your knees suddenly swell to pieces.
That being said, I find a pair of really nice socks to be more comfortable and fashionable than uggs – just get a black pair so it’ll go with all of your flats.
All Women Stalker
This is very good advice :) It made me realize that it’s really time to change some of the stuff in my closet….. but I’m loyal to my Uggs forever. :)
Zephyr - CF Editor
The charcoal top is this one, which is linked under the section that says “Knit Pullover”. Hope it helps!
Madeleine Fahlbusch
I tend to not really have to worry about dressing sloppily because my go to outfits are a dress over tights with ankle boots and a necklace. I think leggings are a beautiful alternative for sweat pants because they’re stylish and they’re just as comfortable. I don’t even need sweatpants in my life, I hardly ever wear them so I would gladly trade them in for these styles.
Sam
Great post! I like that a lot of the clothes in this article can be found in thrift stores! I have to disagree with a few things though. I’d much, much, much rather see people in yoga pants than leggings! Leggings, in my opinion, only work under skirts or dresses! They look way worse than yoga pants do. I agree that regular sweats are ugly though, especially with ugg boots. I do love my uggs though. I wear them all winter long because they are so much warmer than any other shoe I own. But they do look bad with sweat pants. Or mini skirts. Or with bare legs.
Reneé
This is so me! Even I don’t always wear like this sometimes to feel comfy and cozy is great! However a lot of girls don’t like I love sweatpants wore wiith different patterned tshirt andsimple cozy cardigans :D If it looks good on you there’s no problem to me for what you wear with what :)
vanessa
THANK YOU for the just say no to your uggs comment!!! seriously, uggs have been worn to death by lazy college students. i don’t own a pair of uggs and dont think i ever will..and i absolutely agree with you that uggs are good for around the dorms but DEFINITELY NOT outdoors!!!!!!! PEOPLE, TAKE NOTE! just cuz britney spears wears them with shorts/short skirts does not make it ok for you to do that!!!
EmilythePanda
I’m going to have to agree with Christie and Kate. Uggs are not the most chic footwear one can wear, but honestly, when you live in a place where its often below freezing and the wind chill is below zero, you need to wear something that will keep you warm. I do not advocate wearing Uggs with sweat pants and just whatever you found on your floor out the door. No don’t be sloppy, and yes there are lazy people out there who don’t care what they look like in the winter. That’s not me, I like to wear my Uggs with jeans tucked in our over my jeans, leggings etc. I love wearing flats but honestly it is so cold out, it doesn’t make sense to let your toes freeze when you can be just as cozy wearing a pair of Ugg boots.
Moving on from there, I think that it is important to find alternative outfits that are comfortable but aren’t sweats to wear out. Typically my favorite jeans, a white t and a sweater is my combination. For everyone who is a fashion lover, would you wear sweats in public anyways?
Ambergina
Something I love is tights or leggings, with a shirt/dress and flats. Maybe a scarf. It’s comfy, casual, and easy to throw on in a hurry.
Loved this post :)
kels
Obviously the UGG haters live in warm places. Last week it was -12 degrees here. NEGATIVE. and in a foot and a half of snow, there is no wearing flats! I do agree that they are ugly, but they are neccessary