Is it high time for comfort fashion? Jogging bottoms are making a comeback and this time they’re chic. And not called jogging bottoms. LIFE
FASHION & BEAUTY
18 APR 2016, 12:44 GMT REPORT
Wendy Woodhead
FOLLOW
UNITED KINGDOM
The new allnew 'track pants' made their debut on BBC2's Newsnight when Kirsty Wark wore them to present the show last week. No, she hadn’t suffered some minor wardrobe lapse. Instead, she was showing off her sense of style. Track pants are officially ontrend as athleisure sweeps the runways, magazines and highstreets. And they’ve even got the gofaster stripes. The fashion value of track pants is their ability to let women go about their busy lives without being corseted by traditional female fashion. The new hybrid styles borrow from traditional sweatpants as well as highwaisted tapered slacks for a choice of sports luxe or 20s chic. EDIT
But there’s a catch. Track pants aren’t intended to be paired with your fave scruffy lowtops and spaghettistrap vest top a la Mel C back in the day. No, these are the highend woman’s alternative to business suits. As such, they are intended to be ‘dressed up’ to stay smart. The key to trackpant success is all about choosing the right fabrics and matching garments. Quality fabrics or a jersey drape will radiate luxury, especially when paired with loosefit sheer shirts and satin camis. In the vogue of Ms Wark, a tailored jacket and high heels add structure for workplace sophistication. For a weekend look, opentoe mules or metallic sandals help keep the balance of casual and classy, while trainers have been spotted poking out from under the hemline but they're usually always in pristine condition. Of course, the real value of fashion’s track pants fad lies in their price tag. Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley was recently photographed in a pair of Chloé track pants at £725. Meanwhile, Kirtsy Wark’s cost a notsomodest £118 from Me + Em. But the good news for fashion lovers is that budget versions are already hitting the high streets for SS16. Even still. While luxe athleisure makes us a little more comfortable behind the desk, it looks like business women aren’t getting out of those high heels just yet…