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How To Wear Your Sweats To Work & Not Look Like A Slob

Unless you're one of those people who "work for themselves" (a.k.a. lounge around in your pajamas all day, because that's what those people do, right?), you actually have to go into the office and look presentable. Don't get me wrong, I love dressing up for work — planning out my outfits the night before has been a guilty pleasure of mine since middle school. But some days, you can't help but wish that sweatpants were acceptable professional attire. Guess what? They can be. An on-trend pair of joggers is kind of a godsend. They feel like pajamas, but are surprisingly easy to build a sophisticated, stylish ensemble around. Like any other well-styled outfit, it's all about balance. Offset the casual vibe of a jogger pant with a more structured top, a professional shoe, and a ladylike bag, and no one will ever think you look sloppy. For those gloomy, hungover, my-cramps-are-killing-me days, read on for the inspiration you need to wear joggers to work and still look put together. The Pastel Palette
Instead of looking like you woke up with a severe case of the blahs, give your sweatpants outfit have an intentional, cohesive color palette, instead of typical heather grays and blacks. Start with a pair of joggers in a pretty pink hue and pair them with a textured, boxy blouse that dresses them up a bit. With a contrasting, structured tote bag and a metallic loafer, none of your coworkers will know how many times you hit snooze. And to finish it off, add some minimal, yet bold, jewelry, like this chunky matte gold cuff by Miansai.
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Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
The Faux Leather Look
If you're going to wear joggers, you might as well run with the athleisure vibe. But it still needs to feel stylish and sophisticated enough for the workplace. If your office is fairly casual, pair a faux leather pair with your favorite statement sneaker. And to dress them up them a little, go for an off-the-shoulder top as opposed to a cotton pullover or plain white tee. It has more detail and structure, plus it looks way more unexpected. Match your silver cuff to your carryall and boom, you're set for whatever the workday has in store.
The Bustier Statement
A surefire way to distract from the fact that you're wearing sweatpants is to make the top of the outfit the focal point. Make double the impact up top by layering a cute bustier over a menswear-inspired button-up. A colorblocked crossbody bag ties the look together and a slip-on loafer emphasizes that quirky, professional-with-a-twist vibe you have going. Plus, the skinny ankle of the joggers offsets the more oversized shirt on top. Balance, people.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
The Chambray Shirt Ensemble
Just like the first look, adding an interesting and unexpected fabric or texture is a great way to make an outfit out of sweatpants. This particular pair of joggers has a snakeskin stripe detail down the sides, so opt for a sleek, dark-wash chambray shirt that doesn't feel like too much in combination with the added embellishment. A classic navy bag has a monochromatic effect against the denim shirt and an open-toed flat feels sophisticated, yet casual. Plus, you can't go wrong with a simple gold choker, one of the best office-ready accessories out there.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

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