In high school, I was known as the girl who never wore sweatpants. Whenever we had a pajama day or sport-themed day during spirit week (ahh, the nostalgia), I would find a way to avoid wearing sweatpants entirely. I always considered them “home” pants, so wearing them to class was just something I didn’t care to do. Even to this day, you’ll rarely catch me in sweats, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wear comfy pants. In fact, I’ve come to discover a style that’s basically as comfy as sweatpants but looks ultra elevated: loose-fitting trousers. 

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Trousers have been trending for a while now, and if you need any more proof of their popularity, Jennifer Lawrence just wore a pair that looks exactly like the ones I wear on repeat. The actress was photographed out and about in New York City, wearing a low-key refined look that certainly appears more business-y than casual. She wore beige trousers that were perfectly oversized, a loose-fitting button-down shirt, oversized wool coat, and black, glove-like flats from The Row. A black belt, pink-tinted sunglasses, and a small black shoulder bag rounded out her look with ease. Simple, stylish, and secretly comfy — the part I love the most. 

Spanx the Perfect Wide-Leg Pant

Spanx

Open Edit Relaxed-Waist Wide-Leg Trousers

Nordstrom

Sure, Lawrence didn’t wear real sweatpants per se, but I promise you she probably felt like she was. At least, I do whenever I wear my baggy trousers — especially those made from a super soft and stretchy twill material. I feel just like I do when I wear my house pants (aka, sweats): comfy! Much like the classic snuggly pants, baggy trousers à la Lawrence’s are roomy and thus, don’t feel constricting. Many also have a stretchy waistband that moves with you, just like sweats, and are designed from a comfy fabric that’s soft though durable. 

Here’s a funny secret: I often wear my trousers at home instead of sweats because they’re just as comfy, but I feel 10-times more put together — and when I feel more put together, I’m more productive. So, comfy trousers are basically the secret to getting more done in life without having to sacrifice comfort. 

While the pants certainly have had a bad rap — as in, they’ve long been considered stuffy office pants — the styles of 2023 aren’t that. As I mentioned before, the fabrics are soft, not stiff, and the waistbands are elastic, not constricting. So if you want to look put together without sacrificing comfort, you’ll want to shop the trousers below. You’re welcome.  

Get the Look:

Nordstrom High-Waist Wide-Leg Pants
Shop now: $99; nordstrom.com

Open Edit Wide-Leg Twill Trousers
Shop now: $69; nordstrom.com

Favorite Daughter the Shortie Favorite Pants
Shop now: $218; nordstrom.com

Vero Moda Troian Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers
Shop now: $59; nordstrom.com

Spanx the Perfect High-Rise Flare Pants
Shop now: $168; spanx.com

Good American Bonded Wide-Leg Pull-On Trousers
Shop now: $139; nordstrom.com