[Featured above: 3.1 phillip lim Sequin Sweatpants, available at shopbop.com.]
At one time, sweatpants in of themselves were pretty ridiculous, giving wearers a saggy tush and adding about 20 pounds to one’s figure. Then Juicy Couture came along, and while making the shape much more flattering, the fact that soccer moms everywhere were running around with the word “JUICY” stamped across their ass was also pretty ridiculous.
But now in 2013, designers and brands are taking what they’ve learned from harem pants and leggings and applying the aesthetics to sweatpants. And some of them are coming out super cute.
However, having said that… $1,500 for the pair of 3.1 Phillip Lim sweatpants featured above is beyond ridiculous. I think it’s just plain stupid. Even if you have Warren Buffett money, spending $1,500 on sweatpants puts the purchaser in fashion victim status – sequin-covered or not.
I have to admit, the pants are freakin’ fabulous-looking, and I can’t help but wonder if I will be able to get the Forever21 look-a-like version at some point. I did, however, manage to find some ultra stylish sweatpants that are just as modern and flattering as the Lim ones, ranging in price from $48 to $125, which is much more affordable and anything but ridiculous. See below.
And just how do you wear these? Well, if you want the same sequin-wow-factor that the Lim pants have, I’d pair them with a sequin blazer. But otherwise, you can also wear the sweatpant chic look with a sporty blazer or a denim or leather jacket. Add a flowy T-shirt and some cute wedges, moto boots, smoking slippers or pointy-toed oxfords. Keep it casual, but keep it classy, too.
Bite this style: