Pants that Are Dressier than Sweats, But Just as Comfy

When we learned that most of us will be working and studying from home in 2020, we were not mad at the notion of being able to wear sweats and pajamas all day

Photo: Unsplash

Photo: Unsplash

When we learned that most of us will be working and studying from home in 2020, we were not mad at the notion of being able to wear sweats and pajamas all day. Shoes, why? Buttons, nah. Constricting professional wear? We’ll pass. The comfort of soft, relaxed clothing helped us to feel more calm and safe in an unsafe world.

The down side to getting too lax with your style, however, is that it can make you feel sloppy, not in proper work or school mode, and even sad. Imagine how many of us feel wearing whatever for months on end now. At the tail end of 2020, we still want that luxe comfort and cozy feeling, but make it fashion, no?! We want to get back into our signature style, feel great, and yet not feel restricted–at all.

This is where relaxed, button-less pants, that straddle the divide between sweats and leggings, and full-on dress pants come in. They’re as comfortable as any pull-on pant, but they have a more fancy cut, chic colors, and/or rich patterns and fabrics. You’ll live in them now, and feel great wearing them to work or school once everything gets back to normal. The following pants are investment pieces your wardrobe–and your mood–will thank you for.

Crepe Jersey Pants, from Uniqlo

Uniqlo is known for offering elevated basics that are comfortable, but chic. Their crepe jersey pants have a more slack-y feel, but they are roomy, pull-on, and feature flattering pleats. It’s the best of both worlds in one pant.

Available at uniqlo.com, $9.90

Crop Top & Flare Pants Set, from Forever 21

Photo: Forever 21

You can always count on Forever 21 to deliver stylish, on-trend, and inexpensive pants. This comfy set features a flared pull-on pant, along with a cropped matching shirt. Two pieces that you can mix and match with other closet separates– all for under $25.

Available at forever21.com, $25

A New Day™ Women’s Pinstripe High-Rise Ankle Length Knit Pants, from Target

Over at Target, they’re continuing to make pants that are comfortable enough for staying at home, but will be just as stylish at the office or on a date. We are loving these pinstripe (also available in black), ankle-length, drawstring knit pants by A New Day. They would look great with everything from a simple tee, to a chunky fall sweater, to a smart button-up shirt.

Available at target.com, $20

Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pull-On Pants for Women, from Old Navy

Photo: Old Navy

Old Navy is another source for timeless basics. If you want a comfortable, breathable, and cute pair of pants, we recommend their wide-leg, linen-blend pull-on pants. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including this chambray that gives you the coolness of denim without the uncomfortable feeling.

Available at oldnavy.com, $19.97-$30

Ultra Stretch Skinny Leggings, by Uniqlo

Want the sleekness of leggings, but a little more dressed up, like jeans? These Uniqlo ultra strech skinny leggings gives you the best of both. And, they just released them in fall-worthy hues, including olive green and mustard yellow.

Available at uniqlo.com, $29.90

The Dream Pant, by Everlane

It’s been a while since we’ve seen pants with extra seams for style. Everlane’s Dream Pant is described as having a “tailored look. sweatpant feel.” Also available in black, these double-knit, wrinkle-resistant pull-on pants give us the dressier look we’re craving, but with all the comfort of a sweatpant.

Available at everlane.com, $68

Skyline Plaid Pant II, by Athleta

Athleta is another brand that makes pants that work great for a lifestyle that sees us going from working to lounging to running errands. Their pants look stylish and feel comfortable, through all this and more. Athleta’s skyline plaid pant II feature a fashionable paper bag waist, that you can adjust with the included belt. It’s a great option for instantly dressing up all your classic tanks and T-shirts.

Added bonus? They’re made from recycled polyester!

Available at athleta.com, $98

Dress Pants Yoga Pants, by Betabrand

https://www.instagram.com/p/CG_EMyGBpvL/

Yoga pants are everywhere, but what if they made a pant that is as comfortable as the everyday version, but with a little more style? Betabrand heeded the call, creating their dress pant yoga pants. You get a comfy fit, fun colors, and a two-pocket bootcut style that adds some oomph to your daily relaxed outfits.

Available at betabrand.com, prices vary

Coco Luxe Fleece Pants, by Amour Vert

Dressy fleece pants?! Sign us up! These organic cotton, modal, and spandex coco pants from Amour Vert will keep you warm as the temperatures drop, but with style. We are digging the cropped wide leg, the pretty option in tempest blue, and the tie-waist feature.

Available at amourvert.com, $108

Easy Straight Leg Chino, by Everlane

Everlane humorously declares that their easy straight leg chino will make your sweatpants jealous. And we totally see why. The cotton and elastane twill pants have a sleek look, but with the comfort of much more casual option. And it comes in such classic hues as navy, stone, and ochre.

Available at everlane.com, $58

Women’s Millennium Pull-On Pants from Time and Tru, from Walmart

Plaid is always a stylish fashion option for fall, and it’s also having a trending moment in 2020. One way to incorporate this timeless pattern into your existing wardrobe is by getting these comfy pull-on pants from Time and Tru (at Walmart). It’s a great swap out for your black leggings, joggers, and sweats.

Available at walmart.com, $15.86

Journey Pant, by Betabrand

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGjCE-rhBfd/

Another cozy pant from Betabrand that will zhuzh up your quarantine looks is their journey pant. Shown here in autumn-perfect chai, the wrinkle-resistant pull-on pants have a four-way stretch, are machine washable, and include plenty of pockets for all your stuff.

Available at betabrand.com, $68-$88 (with zippers)

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