The athleisure style is trending this season and I’ve been intrigued by the idea of wearing track pants for pursuits other than running or going to the gym. I’d been looking for a pair with the requisite striping along the outer seam and as soon as I spied this pair, I knew that my search was over. As with most garments that I buy, I began to wonder on how adaptable they might be in my wardrobe and that led to them becoming the feature item for this month’s Up Down All-Around post.
Dressed Up For Work
In Up Down All-Around, I usually share my work look first so that is what you see below. When I first presented myself to my photographer, AKA The Husband, he thought I was nuts and predicted that I would lose some of my followers. I’ll admit that the idea of dressing up track pants into a work appropriate outfit is a bit out there if you’re not a millennial working for a sports related company but I was willing to take a swing at it.
Track pants – Who What Wear (exact)
Jacket – Loft Factory Store (similar look, another option)
Without the sheen that many real track pants have, mine would otherwise pass for regular trousers if not for the stripes. In an attempt to diminish some of the athleisure vibe, I paired the pants with my trusty black jacket and a white top that has a tie effect at the neckline. It’s my preference to wear my tops untucked and in doing so in this case, the drawstring and the elastic waistband that are the hallmark of track pants are hidden from view. I kept my jewelry simple, a bold silver chain, and for footwear, I chose my snakeskin sandals (definitely not athleisure).
Dressed For Play
Ideally, in a dressed down look, I’d be sporting sneakers but these pants are way too long and I haven’t figured out yet how to temporarily shorten them. The white eyelet top and cork wedge sandals in this outfit are the same ones that I shared in Does She Or Doesn’t She: A Modern Dilemma. My photographer was again a bit dismayed at my styling, especially with regard to the hat, and declared with absolute certainty that I was going to lose followers. Fine, whatever!
Eyelet top – Old Navy (exact)
Black cardigan – Loft Factory Store (similar)
Panama straw hat – Target (exact)
Dressed For Fun
I’d thought to try this boho style open-front kimono with the track pants because the colors of the stripes are also in the kimono’s floral pattern. Once I had the outfit on, I knew that I had a winner. Leaving the kimono open looked good but I wanted to try a “cinched at the waist’ look. A belt didn’t look quite right so then I tried tying in front like you might do with a blouse, and the outfit was instantly transformed.
Kimono – Mossimo Supply Co (exact)
Put a cigarette holder in my hand and I just might start saying “dahling, how gooooood of you to stop by”. Instead of track pants, I now see colorful tuxedos. A pair of black wedge sandals and a sparkly necklace finish off the rest of the details. I was so pleased with the look, I just had to twirl. You’ll be seeing more of this kimono soon.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from the last link up is Christina (and her daughter Amanda) from Amanda’s Books And More. Last week was the first time that this lovely lady posted in my weekly link up and I’m so delighted that she did. You must hop over to Christina’s blog and read about her family and her life.
What trends are tempting you this season? One train of thought says that athleisure is too casual of the workplace … do you agree or have I convinced you otherwise? How well does your wardrobe cross over from work to play to having fun?
Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin, stumble … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.
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26 Comments
Oh you wear the athleisure trend so well! Brilliant Rena! Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you, Nancy. I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend as well.
I have to say that I am not a fan of dressing up track pants, but you have definitely made this look work, Rena! And The Husband is incorrect…you will not lose followers for creatively stepping outside of the box and trying something bold. I really like the stripes on these track pants, too. And I agree that the third look with the kimono totally nailed the athleisure trend! And that kimono is absolutely fabulous! Well done, my friend, well done!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee, thank you. I appreciate the encouragements. I wasn’t sure that I could make it work but it was trying. And, I’m just giddy over the kimono. I’ve got another set of photos with it ready for an upcoming post.
I’m having a hard enough time with the athletic shoes—and I even had a reader suggest it for a series for me….so I caved. But I haven’t dipped my toe into the track pants…yet!! that’s one thing I’ve learned…to never say never.
I have to say, at least you don’t look like you’re going to the gym in any of these—and I think that’s why you did good, Rena!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, thanks for the “atta girl” and the vote of confidence. I like the idea of mixing up trends so that an outfit doesn’t look too matchy-matchy. I hope that I’ve changed your mind about trying the look.
Rena
I really like the Ahtleisure trend , like you said as long is it doesnt look like you are going to the gym, and I think you did a great job of showing how to dress up track pants.The look like a wide leg trouser! All 3 looks are lovely and I love the black and white dressy look as the yellow stripe stand out! I wanted to say before, love the highlights in your hair!
Have a nice weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thank you, Jess, for the lovely compliments and for the hair love. Track pants are a lot like wide leg trousers and so very comfortable. Too much so to just save them for the gym.
Funny. I was just eyeing up a pair of those trousers in a magazine! I think there great. Only followers to be gained here! xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Laurie, I appreciate your “thumbs up” and I’m so relieved by all of the positive feedback on this look. I hope to see you sporting track pants soon and I’m curious as to what your spin on them will be.
I love those pants!
I’m so delighted that you do. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Hi Rena! When we were in Arizona I was intrigued that very first evening by the outfit worn by the darling Diane C. It may have been the first time in this decade that I’d seen track pants and Diane’s look was so cute.
Your track pant stylings are terrific! You did such a great job of making these pants far more versatile than I’d imagined. My favorite is your work look. It’s fabulous!
I suggest that you consider finding some pieces that pick up on that yellow stripe. A yellow and white striped t-shirt under your jacket would be cute too.
You’ve definitely inspired me to search for some track pants of my very own Rena!!
Oh ya, I remember how great she looked. That may be when my interest in track pants was sparked. I’m so glad that you like my styling spins with them. I agree that picking up more on the yellow/gold accent would be great and I’ve been on the outlook for some options. Thanks for the feedback and the compliments.
Oops! I forgot to mention that I really like your new hair color. The highlights add that lovely texture and depth that they’re known for. Lookin good girl!!
Thank you. I’m loving the highlights too and I wish I had adding them sooner (although sometimes I think my hair just looks like a hot mess).
Those are great pants! I love how you dressed them up and made the work appropriate. I think since they basically look like wide legged trousers with fun stripes, it totally works! And the other looks you created are great, too! Fun and interesting, and you never look like you forgot to change out of your gym clothes by accident, which I think can be the downfall of the athleisure trend.
Your hair looks fabulous, too!
Thanks for the link up & have a wonderful Sunday!
Fun post! You really created some versatility with those track pants. I think Athleisure can get taken too far BUT I don’t think any of us are going back to pantyhouse and closed toe pumps all the time (unless our employers require it) having seen the awesome side of stretchy pants and breathable fabrics. I work from home so it’s always jarring when I have to (gasp!) put on real clothes but there are some inspiring ideas here in your post.
I am so glad you “took a swing at it” – I love these creative looks, and you’re a terrific stylist/model (your photographer is a good dude too : > ) Thanks for linking up, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I love every single one of these outfits Those pants are so much fun.
Welcome by and linkup with me tomorrow and every Thursday. Thanks Rena and Happy Easter!
Adorable pants on an adorable lady!!
great styling hun!
kisses from the sandpit ❤︎
http://www.mahryska.com
Thanks for attending the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty, I shared your post.
Love that hat!
I like the double stripe on the trousers. I recently bought some with a white stripe down the side,but I’m still not sure if I like them on me. I’m not keen on the fabric because they’re not stretchy. I tried them with my white Stan Smiths but I felt too casual. I’ll give them another try with sandals because I like how you’ve styled them, particularly the first look.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Loving this floral look so much <3