Elevated Athleisure Wear: Sporty Pants That Don't Belong In the Gym

By Alexandra DeRosa

Updated Oct 10, 2014 @ 9:45 am

Credit: Time Inc Photo Studio

A sporty pant is a must for fall. The athleisure wear trend is a force to reckon with and if trainers and neoprene/mesh pieces feel too sporty for your taste, this trend is a less direct tie to the athletic wear movement. Plus, the silhouette is a refreshing departure from traditional trousers. It brings a youthful and sophisticated attitude to any look. The loose and slouchy fit allows them to feel like easy-to-wear athletic wear even though they are far more polished.

How To Wear It:To make this look office-appropriate, choose dressier fabrics like silk, cashmere, or leather (and don't forget your heels). Counter the pants' slouchiness with a more structured top (think blazer, boxy blouse, or fitted cashmere sweater). Pick a style with a cinched ankle—it reins in the volume, streamlining the look.

PHOTOS: Shop 10 stylish, sporty pants.

Runway photos (at top, from left): Ralph Lauren, Nina Ricci, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang

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Reasons To Love It

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Say hello to your new #athleisure staple. Combining the comfort of sweats with the polish of trousers, these chic drawstring pants fit in as comfortably with the dress code at a creative office as they do at an endless weekend brunch. And let's face it: Who can resist the siren call of pants that don't pinch your waist—or force you to suck in your stomach? Pass the truffle fries again, please.

HOW TO WEAR IT
To make this look office-appropriate, choose dressier fabrics like silk, cashmere, or leather (and don't forget your heels). Counter the pants' slouchiness with a more structured top (think blazer, boxy blouse, or fitted cashmere sweater). Pick a style with a cinched ankle—it reins in the volume, streamlining the look.

Runway photos: (left to right) Ralph Lauren, Nina Ricci, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang