Are Sweatpants Acceptable?

So the other night Cocktails with Patrick was talking about whether or not it was acceptable to wear sweatpants in public. I was all set to call in and voice my two cents (which I never do) but I had a meeting to get to... so no calls for me. But that is why I have a blog. I can talk my two cents as much as I want!

So the jest of the conversation was - is it acceptable to wander around town wearing regular old sweats. My thought - unless you are going to the gym - NO.

I don't like looking sloppy and there are plenty of comfy alternatives to sweats.

1. Loose jeans - you don't have to wear your favorite skinnies to go running about town (although they are practically as comfy so I don't know why you wouldn't)... but you could wear a loose fit jean and a nice top.

2. Leggings - I was so anti-legging for awhile but they combine the comfort of a nice pair of tights or exercise pants with fashion. Throw on a longer top or a sweater and a pair of flats - very Audrey.

3. A dress. So overlooked but I think there is nothing more comfortable than a great fitting dress. I often fly in a black sundress - throw a sweater on in the winter (and summer actually if the plane is cold) - and flats. Its effortlessly chic and super comfortable.

Now some don'ts....

1. Sweats - Lets throw out the matching sweat suits and any pants with the ankle band. Ok to wear to the gym but not anywhere else.

2. Cocktails was talking about people wearing PJ's in public. Gross. It makes me think you didn't shower.

3. Big unflattering t-shirts. I'm ok with wearing these to the gym or to sleep in but not out in public under any circumstance.

4. Anything too tight, too short, too young, too old, etc. Look in the mirror before you leave. Did you comb your hair? Is your outfit a bit too Jersey Shore (ie too tight, too trashy, too short) then maybe you should think about giving that outfit away and changing. My biggest advice is to buy something in your size - whether you're an xsmall or an xxlarge. No one is looking at that tag but you! If it bugs you cut the tag out. Hoping you're a size 2 and you're really an 8 will only make you look bigger.

What are you pet peeves? Let's talk comfy clothes for now... we'll do another post on dress/work.