Stylish Ways to Wear Track Pants For Every Day
If you want to get the most out of your wardrobe, having pieces that can be styled multiple ways is key. Today I’m sharing a few ideas for incorporating active wear (which we love for comfort and practicality) into daily outfits, in this case with a pair of side-stripe track pants.
Active wear (or athleisure) has come a long way since the gym clothes of my younger days. I’ve never felt right wearing sweats or leggings as street wear, though many do and if that’s you, enjoy. If I do incorporate athleisure pieces in my outfits, they need to have some structure and refining details, like the side stripes on these pants. (Pants with a side stripe have been a micro-trend in recent seasons, and I’m continuing to see new styles in current collections.)
Sporty chic: how to style track pants for everyday wear
I recently tried these “Venice” track pants from Athleta. They are available in several colors in Regular, Tall, and Petite sizes. (I’m wearing Petite Small.) I’m quite pleased with these; they’re very comfortable (nice wide waistband) and would be good for travel. There are multiple functional pockets, and the stitched front pintuck crease and side stripes make them feel more polished than sweatpants. And yes, they’re machine washable!
Here are three easy outfits I was able to put together with items already in my wardrobe.
#1 Very Casual
For walking the dog, running quick errands, etc.
My sizes: Sweater – Med, Pants – Petite Small
A zipped hoodie and sneakers keep it relaxed and easy.
#2 Travel-friendly
Here’s an idea for a travel outfit that’s comfortable in transit, and will look neat and ready to go upon arrival. I’d also wear this for lunch with a friend, or casual meeting.
My sizes: Jacket – 6, Sweater – Med, Pants – Petite Small
(Sneakers are on sale!)
The jacket is as comfortable as a knit, wrinkle-resistant, and washable!
#3 Smart casual
The blazer and wingtip oxfords really smarten up the whole look! This could also work for a casual office or presentation.
This Ann Taylor double-breasted blazer is a few years old. Similar styles:
Ann Taylor | Sam Edelman | Eileen Fisher | GIBSONLOOK | Talbot’s | Everlane
Side-stripe track pants or trousers can add a modern and “sporty chic” element to your outfits. For a polished look, choose fabrics with some structure and and a relaxed but not too baggy fit. Here are a few more options:
Mango | ME+EM | Boden | Athleta | Lands’ End | J.Crew
Would you wear these? How would you style them?
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Those would be workout-only attire for me, or with a tank when at home at leisure. 🙂 My style archetype cringes at wearing them for any other reason.
Hi Carolyn, I probably would have said the same a few years ago, but my “eye” has shifted.
I would definitely incorporate track pants (once it warms up); one of my words is sporty. I already wear Athleta Endless pants to work when I want to sneak off to the gym at lunch. I would balance the fullness if the pants with a “third” piece such as a cashmere hoody, bomber jacket or denim jacket over a trim tshirt or tank. I love the travel idea with a blazer. I’d also love a matching jacket as track suits are making a comeback. I imagine this readership may not embrace this look but I commend you for keeping it modern (and comfy!)
Hi Shari, thanks! Those Endless pants are really good too.
I love these outfits, Susan! I bought the same pants and a matching top. The weather here in New England hasn’t allowed me to wear them yet, but I’m looking forward to wearing them soon.
Thanks so much, rachel! I wish they’d do a matching jacket…
Hi Susan: I’m so glad you’re giving these track pants a whirl! I’ve decided to try them as well. I’ve had my eye on track pants for a couple of years and these are pretty affordable. I’ve also been eyeing the JCrew stratus pants but feel like they’d duplicate the Tibi satiny cargos that I got. BTW the Ruti jacket looks way better on you than on their model! Very cute! Hope things are ok down your way….I’m sure there’s lots of disruption because of the devastating fires.
Hi Sally, thanks! The fires were so horrible. We’re getting some much-needed rain finally, but now those folks in the burn areas have to worry about mudslides.
Hi Susan,
I spent 2 weeks in France in the Athleta Brooklyn Pants. Comfy and they wash and dry so quickly.
Seeing your leopard print shoes…I just watched The Truth with Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche. Deneuve wears an leopard print coat and shoes and looks so chic. As she always has. I thought of you, Leopard print does add that je ne sais quoi! The film was good, but any film with those two ladies, listening to French and seeing a bit of Paris is always fun.
Salut,
Carol
Hi Carol, thanks. Ooh, I’m going to add that movie to my watch list!
I love the look, and I lean sporty in my everyday casual looks so I’d definitely incorporate smart looking track pants like these.
I would wear most of these pants with a shorter (hits at the waist) sweater and fun tennis shoes. Thankfully my lifestyle allows for these sporty pants. The ME&EM are my favorite.
Thanks, Katie!
I love track pants with side stripes! I have several great pairs from Me & Em. While they are more expensive, I get them and sale when I can and the quality is top notch. They are always the pants I wear when traveling.
Thanks, Linda! I love the Me+Em ones too, just wish they weren’t so long!
I highly recommend the ponte pants from Banana Republic. They come in several styles and colors, see here: https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=ponte%20pants
They have the comfort of athletic pants but look like work-worthy trousers. I normally take a size 10 but sized up to a large in these so they fit like normal pants and not a second skin.
Hi Cathy, I agree about the BR ponte pants, and featured a pair here: Traveling soon? Here are some alternatives to black leggings
Thanks for these looks. I have not tried the side stripe leisure wear pants but they look great styled by you.
I’m in Vancouver where we have snow, unusual for us! I have to go out today, walking there, so will be wearing practical flat snow boots with my jeans tucked inside. Although not in your climate, might you consider a post with some functional wintery outfits? I think some of us northern gals would appreciate those!
Thanks for posting, always enjoy them.
Suz from Vancouver
Thanks, Suz! I’ll see what I can put together.
I bought these in black a few months ago. I love them. So comfortable and many ways to style. They do not feel like track pants at all. Much more polished. So glad I added them to my closet.
Thanks, Sharon! I agree they feel more polished.
I would not wear these out of the house. I broke my ankle about 18 months ago and had to wear wide sweats to fit over the cast. Hated it. To me, you can try to disguise them, but at the end of the day, they’re still sweats — and I much prefer joggers, which are neater and don’t touch the ground. BTW I worked in a casual office, but sweatpants (even if dubbed athleisure) were not acceptable. I love the shoes and tops.
That’s OK, we each have our own style preferences. And thanks!
Three great looks on you, Susan, cleverly using the same sweater too (the colour of which is so inspired). I love this series, on how to get more mileage out of your wardrobe! Thanks for the inspiration xx
Thanks, Julie! I love a navy and mint green mix.
Love these pants – comfy with enough polish for my casual lifestyle. Just need to decide on color! Thank you for showcasing them, you look great!
Thanks, ck!
I own three pairs of these Athleta side-stripe pants and, for balance, wear them with a slim top or a top tied at the waist. For those who haven’t tried them — the fabric has some weight to it and is very smooth and rather refined.
Hi Dianne, thanks, and yes, I was also really impressed with the fabric!
Susan, I love your style!!!!! Always great to see what you have on.
Thanks so much, Julie!
I still struggle with them. I saw a nice black one with white stripes at the sides but it was long and wide so needed a bit of an elegant heel in my book. (Which is why I like your blazer styling the most.) The shop owner disagreed and said I needed to wear sneakers with them. Not being sure I left them in the shop.
Greetje
Susan, how often does Sezane introduce new colors? I would like to get. Betty cardigan but when I have tried I cant find anything in my size. Thanks, Arlene
Hi Arlene, I’m not sure. It depends on the style and how well it’s selling, probably. I did see a bunch of new Betty colors when I checked earlier this morning.
I am a big fan of Universal Standard’s ponte pants in other styles, though I’ve been eyeing this one in navy stripe
https://www.universalstandard.com/products/stephanie-wide-leg-stripe-ponte-pants-30-inch-navy-with-absinthe-navy-stripe
Like those track pants but wonder how wide they are. I got a pair from Athleta on sale but they’re super wide and couldn’t returned them.
I’d put them in between a straight and wide leg.
Hi, Susan! I love this look. Comfortable but polished. I already have the Venice pants, although in solid black. I ordered the Lands’ End pants and they are amazing! The petite is just a touch long for my height (5’2″) but should be fine with a light platform sneaker. I also ordered the bomber jacket shown with the champagne/ivory pants and it is a winner for sure. Thanks for the recommendations!