Would You Wear… Dressed-Up Track Pants?
If you’re not used to seeing racing stripes off the track, you’re not alone. Many people, namely – me, were surprised when this style became something more than a blip on the trend radar. Track pants are now the hot new thing this season, according to designers, magazines, and the rest of the fashion world.
To clarify, dressing up track pants is a very hot look right now – there’s a huge difference between styling them up like the ladies above and throwing them on to run to the corner store for a coconut water. The latter is not what we’re referring to here.
Track pants and sweatpants have always gone hand in hand in my mind: great for lounging, not for wearing out. But when I see celebs and fashion icons rocking them with heels and a tailored blazer, I am… interested. That’s not to say I’m ready to add the look to my rotation, but the juxtaposition of casualwear and dressiness is intriguing – and I may have to try it eventually.
Rock track pants with a sweater and cuffs…
Product Information: Sweater – H&M, Tank – Dorothy Perkins, Pants – Topshop, Shoes – Zara, Cuffs – ASOS
Would you dress up track pants?
Is the casual-meets-dressy style of heels and athleticwear something you’re willing to try out? Do you think this look is best reserved for the magazines? Which look above is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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Posted on on April 10, 2012 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: casual wear, Designers, dressed up track pants, Pants, Spring 2012, Topshop, track pants, Zara
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Shannon - Boston University
I have nothing against the look, but I also don’t feel inclined to spend money on these, since I doubt they’ll stay popular. The “dressed-up” track pants I’ve seen are usually just normal trousers wth a stripe down the side, so I don’t feel like it adds to the outfit. Like, the set you put together is really cute, but it would be just as cute with normal pants.
jacquie
i am against this fred 100%. track pants are made for getting sweaty! i don’t understand what these designers are thinking incorporating something anybody can stitch together to be the new “it” item of the season. What happened to the classic cuts and tailors inspired by Chanel and other reputable fashion houses? Track pans this season are the pure definition of trend, in one day out the other. If I see someone wearing track pants with a pair of heels on my college campus i will laugh!
Rose
No thank you…
Leira Zetroc
I am the minority but absolutely yes. The fit of the trousers is everything. it can’t be too baggy like an actual sweatpant, but not skin-tight like leggings.
And I think the reason why people are so aghast to wearing “fancy” sweatpants is because you’re drawing inspiration from an extremely casual piece that boders “fashion faux pas.” They can’t see how you can make sweatpants look “nice.”
However, I think people should think of it this way…the Tuxedo pant. Sounds nicer than dressed-up track pant, huh?
Phidias
The ones in the top pictures kind of look like harem/genie pants, but the ones in the outfit are more like tights/skinny jeans.
Meh, i guess you could just buy the leggings or tights with a stripe on the side and then ta-dah – it would look like the one in the outfit picture. You’d just have to make sure they’re opaque.
Overall, I agree with the people above.
Katie
I actually like the idea of this look, but I would probably pair boots with pants that skinny, or maybe flat platforms, instead of stilettos.
cassandra
I agree with Leira! If it was called the Tuxedo pants/slacks, it probably would be and stay more fashionable. I like the tuxedo slacks style!
Emma
Yes. The styles shown above aren’t what I would wear, but yes. I’d go for straight leg and wear it with some swagged out sneaker wedges and a bright blazer or leather jacket. Casual street fashion is the best.
C
These do look good the way they’ve been styled but I’m not sure about this. I think I’ll just save mine for running and sick days. But great post!
Nora
I like them! I probably wouldn’t wear them with heels, in more of a casual street outfit. But I’m all about the dressed up “sweatpants” style!
Alyssa Nicole
I would try that!
Jenny in Jacquard
Hmmm I ‘m a little on the fence with this look. I like the examples on the left and right because it the track pants pair better with something slim and structured on top. I agree with Shannon though that this more like a quick trend than an investment piece.
KP
Ooof, ok. Well, I think everything is doable. The strip on the side can be a really nice surprise and can look really chic, BUT the pants must be tailored so they are straight leg or wide leg, with really nice fabric hangs smoothly and moves with you, so it’s clear they are inspired by track pants, but are not in fact track pants and you have not lost your mind. I also think the lines must stay thin (that thick white line that poor lady is wearing on her leg, at the top of article is really just cruel).