How to Wear Track Pants

How to Wear Track Pants

While tennis dresses were the summer trend du jour and athletic shorts ruled casual Friday this year, track pants are poised to become one of fall’s most-coveted styles. Thanks to a new crop of designer collaborations from labels like Wales Bonner and Adidas, plus a steady stream of influencers clad in the luxe, high-fashion staple, this sporty silhouette has been taking center stage as one of this season’s coolest, most versatile trends. The relaxed bottoms run the gamut from polished office-appropriate looks (think: a pair of soft lavender trousers paired with a fitted turtleneck and blazer, as seen on EmRata) to dressed-up femininity. Here, the best way to wear this cozy fashion-forward trend, courtesy of some style experts.

While the concept is similar to joggers and sweatpants, track pants offer a more sleek, modern look. They typically feature a slimmer fit than joggers and can have either a drawstring or elastic waistband, and they may come with zippered pockets and details like well-finished seams and buttons that elevate the design. In addition, the fabric used to make track pants is usually a blend of cotton with performance fabrics designed to wick moisture and provide breathability.

“You can expect to see a lot of track pants on the runways this season, especially those with an elevated designer slant,” explains Olivia Wayman, founder and creative director at StyleRight. “I’ve noticed the trend gaining traction because it offers the same laid-back comfort of traditional loungewear but with more of a fashion-forward aesthetic.”

For those who want to work the trend into their everyday wardrobe, Wayman recommends adding track pants to the mix by wearing them with classic, tailored basics and feminine accessories. For example, she loves the idea of pairing a pair of striped Adidas parachute pants with a fitted long-sleeve top that’s designed for women (like this J. Crew rollneck sweater) and an embroidered baseball cap to play up the athletic theme of the outfit. “This is a look that can easily be worn to the office or even for lunch with friends,” she says.

If you’re looking to elevate your track pants even further, consider wearing them with a classic trench coat like blogger Pernille Teisbaek did here. The tonal combo creates a collegiate look that’s perfect for leaf-peeping, apple-picking and any other autumnal activities. To keep the outfit from skewing too casual, she finished the look with a set of structured shoes (these suede Loewe boots) and a tote bag in varying shades of brown.