After a year of very laid-back outfits for many of us, I’ve been getting requests on how to transition some of our comfy favorites into more polished looks, whether it’s for heading into an office again or dinner with a friend. With a few intentional swaps and a change of accessories, you can take a casual piece up a notch and get more wears out of it. Below are three pairs of stretchy, comfy pants I’ve been reaching for often, and a few ways I’d dress them up!
You can view my styling video for this post below or on Instagram!
1. Sweater Joggers (reviewed here)
Casual Look Details
- Ann Taylor top xxs petite
- Banana Republic sweater pants xxs petite (similar fully stocked option in a summer fabric)
- For Canadian readers: sweater pants
- Gucci Princetown Mules 35.5 (also at Gucci)
- Goyard tote (my FAQ guide)
Dressy Look Details
- Vedern toggle necklace 15” (my review)
- Express quilted sandals (my review ; similar sandals)
- H&M straight cut jacket xxs (similar)
- Saint Laurent Kate chain bag
I paired these knit sweater joggers with my staple drapey front shell, and added a relaxed fit blazer to dress it up. The quilted sandals make it on trend, and a convertible clutch makes this an easy look for dinner or drinks.
2. Knit Wide Leg Crops (reviewed Here)
Casual Outfit Details
- Ann Taylor elastic waist pants xxs petite
- Theory top (similar)
- Veja sneakers 35
- 47Brand baseball cap
- Polene bag c/o (my review)
Dressy Outfit Details
- Ann Taylor pumps 5
- Theory drape trench (current version), sleeves shortened. Look for less: BR Factory petites, Everlane
- KJP pearl Cuff bracelet
- Hermes belt (similar)
- Hermes bag (find pre-owned at Fashionphile, Rebag)
On a petite frame, I like pairing wider legged cropped pants with either a mock or turtleneck top to help elongate the look. A draped midi jacket here also helps keep the outfit long and lean, and I finished with classic gold accents for some polish.
3. Faux Leather Pants (Reviewed Here)
Casual Outfit Details
- Ann Taylor faux leather pants xxs petite (similar in standard sizing)
- Everlane boxy tee xs
- Everlane sneakers 5 (my review)
- Chloe bag w/ convertible strap
Dressy Outfit Details
- Everlane mesh cotton sweater xs (similar)
- J.Crew white shirt 00 petite
- Ann Taylor pumps 5
- Goyard tote (my FAQ guide)
Swapping a white tee for a crisp white button down is one of the easiest ways to dress up a casual look, whether it’s denim or elastic waist pants like these. I added a sweater over the shoulders for some contrasting texture, and a printed tote bag since the rest of the outfit is pretty muted.
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Love the look of those BR sweater pants! They have a petite UV sweater jogger in stock, but not in that stone color – unless “White” is really an off white?
Hi Jean, thank you for including links for your Canadian readers 😊
the banana republic links dont work!
Hi Joanne – do you happen to live outside of the US? I’ve found that the BR links tend to only work for US residents. I was able to also add links within the post that should work for Canadian readers
I always shy away from the wide-legged cropped pants, but they look great on you. I’m 4’11”
Have you tried them with a mock-neck or turtleneck? I’m just a bit taller than you and have found that it helps balance out and elongate the wide legged cropped pants on a petite frame