Can You Wear Gym Clothes and Not Work Out?

Admit it: you’ve worn so-called “workout” clothes out in public places outside the gym.

I’m not judging–I’m right here with you. After work, the first thing I want to do is change into a comfy pair of leggings and an oversize sweatshirt and continue my binge-watching of Scandal. It’s easy, quick and makes our bods look fab–what’s not to love?

Great news: According to The Man Repeller, workout wear is actually becoming more 24/7 chic, thanks in part to the sporty trends from Fall 2014 Fashion Week back in February. And if she swears by it, you can too.

I do realize that wearing leggings on the reg makes me what some would call a “basic white girl”, but you know what? I know what looks good on me, and that’s all that should matter. I only wear leggings to work when paired with a top that hits mid-thigh or lower (I learned early on that leggings are in fact NOT pants), but sometimes, I choose comfort over chic. And with this new emerging trend, I can be both.

Sure, we had the staple of off-the-shoulder sweatshirts-and-leggings look that helped us survive in college (and maybe a few not-so-secret walk of shames…) but now that we’re twenty-somethings who still thrive on comfort, these little tweaks can slightly improve your fashion game–whether you actually make it to the gym is up to you.

Adidas by Stella McCartney is an amazing line that mixes sporty chic, and while these pieces are a little more pricier than a racerback tank and Nike shorts, if you think about it, you can wear it for work and play, so the cost per wear evens out.

A tennis dress is an “ace” of an outfit. Wear with a black moto jacket and cute slip-on sneakers (we recommend these) to get the idea. Adidas Stella McCartney Barricade Dress, $120, Adidas.com

If you’re looking for more affordable options, Kate Spade Saturday (the genius collection that was MADE for weekend lounging) and American Apparel fit the bill. I’d recommend staying away from the gold metallic leggings unless you’re going to a costume party.

A gray crewneck sweatshirt is anything but basic when paired with a printed pencil skirt and ankle boots. Kate Spade Saturday, $90, Saturday.com

While Man Repeller recommends you wear gym attire with heels to balance out the look, if you simply can’t part with your Nikes, the brand is also stepping up the fashion game with brightly-colored footwear in tons of prints for weekend errands.

Nike Free Flyknit ID Running Shoe, $160, Nike.com

And J.Crew tells us sweatpants are also on our radar–just choose a skinny-leg style and not those comfy Victoria’s Secret PINK ones from our college heydays (those are for Scandal binge-watches), and pair with a fancy item like a sequin top and pumps.

J. Crew Weekend Skinny Sweatpants, $62.50, Jeweled Painter Tee, $39.99, Jcrew.com

 Tell us your thoughts: Will you wear leggings in public now that it’s considered part of the “normcore” trend?