The days of hobbling precariously on heels or squeezing into stiff fabrics to look put-together are truly over. You can look polished and even elegant while wearing genuinely comfortable clothes. And the secret isn’t in the price tag or the label. From smart colour choices to small styling tricks, here are a few small tweaks you can make to transform even the comfiest wardrobe staples like joggers or sweatshirts to look runway-ready without sacrificing ease.
Beige or navy: Neutrals never look sloppy
Don’t underestimate just how much guesswork a capsule wardrobe with tonal consistency takes out of getting ready. And those classic neutrals, such as beige, grey, navy and ivory, aren’t just a breeze to mix and match – they also convey calm, considered style. In these colours, even joggers or loose knits worn around the house or while doing errands will feel refined. Just choose base pieces in complementary shades, and you’ll always look pulled together, even when dressed down.
This doesn’t mean your outfits have to be bland or boring; there are many ways to still have personality in your outfits, or even to quickly add some in with accessories.
Touches of silver: The power of one good accessory
You want to jazz up your comfy clothes, but this doesn’t mean overdoing it on the accessories. They just need to be well chosen. For example, a belt made out of quality leather, a simple tote, or a classic loafer can add instant finesse to your look. And don’t assume that jewellery won’t go with a lazy-day outfit – silver tones in particular will add a subtle shine without being overwhelming. Just one or two pieces of silver jewellery, such as a thin bracelet or a layered chain necklace, can make even joggers and a t-shirt feel like a stylish ensemble.
Taking those extra couple of minutes to add these accessories to your outfit makes all the difference, going from a thrown-on outfit to a considered look.
Structured comfort: Loungewear that looks sharp
Loungewear is very in fashion at the moment, with almost every brand bringing out their take on the trend of loungewear for the everyday, but remember that all joggers are not created equal. Look for pieces with subtle shape-defining tailoring like tapered ankles, structured seams, or minimal silhouettes – you’ll get a more refined look without overly formal stiffness, and they will be much more flattering while still being very comfortable. Brands now offer loungewear with luxe fabrics and clever cuts that feel just as soft but look far more polished.
You’ll be surprised by how a well-fitted sweatshirt or trouser-style jogger can easily pass for streetwear, you may never want to go back to the fitted, tighter clothing you have been used to wearing for so long.
Silk against jersey: Texture and fabric mixing for impact
An outfit made of all cotton is comfortable, but can feel flat. But if you swap in a silky blouse or a textured knit, suddenly the look has dimension. Pair a slouchy jumper with leather-look leggings or a linen shirt with soft, flowy jersey trousers to create interest through deliberate contrast. The key is to creatively mix complementary materials so the overall effect feels intentional rather than random. This can take some getting used to, and you may find you have to play around for a little while to decide what does and doesn’t go together, but eventually it does become second nature.
Tuck, roll, layer: Easy styling tricks to boost your outfit
It’s often the little things that make a big difference – and that’s especially true of personal style. A front tuck of your jumper into your trousers (or a French tuck if you’re wearing a shirt), a slight cuff at the ankle, or the addition of a structured blazer will all instantly sharpen your silhouette in seconds. These tiny updates give your outfit shape and help you look more composed without having to change your clothes. They can take an outfit from looking a little like pyjamas to a comfy but elegant fit for the day.
Comfort and elegance can go hand in hand; this could be a modern take, but there is no need to spend the day in clothing you don’t feel comfortable in for one reason or another. You can look just as stylish as you always do while actually being comfortable.
You don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to look elegant. Just focus on colour, fabric, fit and thoughtful details to make even your most comfortable outfits feel styled and considered. It may feel a little strange at first to try and dress up casual and comfy clothes to an ‘elegant’ look, but follow these tips, and it doesn’t have to be difficult.
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