A few weeks ago, I shared something on Instagram that turned out to be a bit controversial. I stated that “leggings aren’t pants.” I got a lot of responses from people that agreed. And quite a few responses from people that didn’t. And to clarify – I’m talking about workout leggings and thin, knit leggings (that are basically footless tights).
The reason I brought this up is because I work with many clients who feel stuck. They put on leggings in the morning to workout (or walk the dog or take the kids to school). And then 4 o’clock rolls around and they realize they’ve never changed out of them. On certain super busy days, it just happens. But you might stay in leggings because you don’t know what to change into. You don’t have (or can’t think of) easy outfits that are casual enough for working from home or running errands or going to/from kids’ sports practices. And it just feels like too much effort to figure out something else that works.
The good news is that there are many outfits that feel comfortable and perfectly appropriate for your work from home, running around with the kids casual lifestyle. And they’re just as easy to put together as leggings, a t-shirt and hoodie (some are even easier!). So, check out a bunch of everyday outfits I created for my virtual clients (without a legging in sight) - with formulas that you can copy with what’s in your closet.
NOTE: These are the actual outfits that I send to my virtual clients – including the little notes on the right of each outfit. So, if any of these notes don’t make sense to you, don’t worry (they just need to make sense to my clients). And some of the pictures aren’t the best quality because they’re actual items from my virtual clients’ closets.
JOGGERS + CARDIGAN
When I talk to people who like to wear athleisure, they say that other outfits are harder to figure out. But here’s the deal – if you’re used to putting on leggings, a t-shirt, hoodie and workout sneakers, all you need to do is upgrade each piece to create a more intentional outfit.
The perfect example of this is a pair of knit joggers, a graphic t and cardigan. It’s all soft fabrics – so it feels just as comfortable as athleisure. But the joggers are a step up from leggings. A graphic t has a bit more interest than a workout top. A cute cardigan is a clear elevation from a hoodie. And non-workout sneakers feel a bit more intentional. It’s a simple switch, but instead of your outfit saying, “I just came from the gym” – it says, “I’m cute and sporty on purpose.” Check this out for another outfit that’s an easy upgrade from leggings and a hoodie.
DRAWSTRING PANTS + DENIM JACKET
As another step up from leggings, drawstring (or elastic waist) pants are a great choice for everyday running around. And there are tons of options – you can find knit or woven fabrics. You can try slim, straight or wide leg silhouettes. You can go for cropped or full-length styles. If your pants are solid, pair them with a printed t. If they’re printed, pair them with a solid t. And then add your goes-with-anything denim jacket. Read this for why I love a white denim jacket as the ideal ‘I don’t know what jacket to wear’ layer in summer.
Drawstring pants aren’t just for running around (if you don’t want them to be). A simple way to elevate your look is with purposeful accessories - like cute sandals and layered necklaces.
When it’s hot (but you don’t want to wear shorts), lightweight drawstring pants are the perfect option.
KHAKIS/CARGO PANTS + PRINT T
When it comes to easy-peasy outfits, don’t discount a pair of khakis or cargo pants. Yes, some people might call them ‘hard pants’ – but you can find perfectly comfortable options that feel great. And they’re much more pulled together than leggings. Just add a cute t-shirt and easy third piece.
I love cargo pants as a non-jeans everyday pant - but with a little attitude. And you can dress them up just as easily as you can dress them down - check this out for a couple of dressier outfits.
I’ve said this before (and I’ll probably say it again) - it doesn’t take any more effort to create these outfits than it does to pick out a pair of leggings, t-shirt & hoodie. So, if you want to feel more pulled together on a daily basis, this is how to do it.
JEANS + STRIPED T
Just like khakis, you can find jeans that feel great. Go for a looser fit and styles with stretch - and they’ll become your go-to at least a few days a week. Pair them with a striped t and solid third piece and you’re ready to tackle the day.
When my clients have no idea where to get started with easy, casual outfits - this one is the one I go for. And it’s perfect when you want to run quickly to the store, but you don’t want to wear a ‘I hope I don’t see anyone I know’ outfit!
DENIM SKIRT + DETAILED TOP
Some of my clients love skirts – and some of them don’t. If you do, a denim skirt is a no-brainer option that isn’t a pair of jeans – but it’s just as easy to outfit. And when it’s summer and you don’t want to wear a third piece, go for a detailed top. Pick something with color or print or texture or details that take it beyond the ordinary – it will add significant style points to your everyday outfit. A great example of this is what I call ‘elevated t-shirts’ – click here to see what I mean.
KNIT DRESS
Like I said – some of my clients love skirts and some don’t. So, if you’re not into figuring out what top to wear with a skirt, go for a dress. And I don’t mean a flirty sundress or the dress you’re wearing to a summer wedding. I mean a simple knit dress – it’s basically the t-shirt of the dress world. Just throw one on, add a cute sandal or sneaker (and a layer if you like) and you’re ready for whatever is on your daily agenda.
I love simple dresses like this, because they’re basically wardrobe chameleons. Wear them with sneakers for a Target run, or add jewelry and cute shoes to meet friends for lunch. Read this to see how I outfitted a knit dress for work, date night and errands.
Which of these easy, everyday outfits will you try instead of leggings? Drop a comment to let me know.
As I mentioned, all these examples are actual outfits I created for my virtual clients. Because they wanted to feel great on a daily basis – even when they’re super casual. If you’re curious about the process I use with my clients to build a wardrobe that works for their everyday lives, click here.