In fashion, there are a few items that will never be considered stylish. At the top of that list are leggings. Sure, people in fashion wear them, but more so in a last-minute-errand, stay-at-home sort of way. That being said, this year sparked a lot of changes, including ones in fashion. We didn’t think celebrities would be caught dead wearing sweatpants with a blazer or tracksuits with heels, but, in 2020, it works. Same goes for leggings. Or rather, leggings with stirrups — a distinction that is of the utmost importance. With a potential second wave of COVID-19, comfort is likely to continue being a key trend throughout the remainder of the year and into 2021. And since there’s no sartorial item more comfortable than leggings, the recent uptick of stylish alternatives comes as a welcome surprise.
PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Hiandra Martinez walks the runway during the Isabel Marant show as part of Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2020/2021 on February 27, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 18: Adut Akech walks the runway during the Jacquemus Menswear Fall/Winter 2020-2021 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 18, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
We first saw stirrup leggings — originally created as pants for equestrians — at Jacquemus’ fall ‘20 menswear show, which occurred just a few weeks after the first cases of COVID-19 were reported. Of course, Simon Porte Jacquemus couldn’t have predicted that an alternative to leggings would be so practical in the coming months when he was designing the collection. But we’re glad he had the foresight to create them anyway. At the show, Jacquemus styled a pair of oatmeal-colored, ribbed stirrup leggings with a knit bra top (another fashion trend to come out of lockdown), an oversized, linen blazer, and strappy sandals. The model wore a bandana and two handbags: a white belt bag and a pistachio green mini bag. It was glorious. I wasn’t alone in thinking that: The leggings, named the Albi, sold out completely following their release earlier this fall. Later that fashion season, during Paris Fashion Week in February, another designer introduced a version of the stirrup legging for a covetable fall look: Isabel Marant’s show saw an ‘80s-inspired pair of leggings, which were black and paired with plain black pumps and a black leather jacket.
A season later, the style has only garnered more recognition, likely in part because of the sudden need for clothing that checks off the comfort box. In August, Courtney Trop, an L.A.-based blogger, styled a pair of black Simon Miller stirrup leggings with patent leather platforms and a crinkled coat. Later, during spring ‘21 fashion week in Paris, fellow blogger Camille Charriere wore a pair to dance on a pole at a Roger Vivier event, proving that moveable stretch fabric does indeed have a place in fashion. (For the occasion, she styled her leggings with loafers and an hourglass-shaped blazer.) Géraldine Boublil (Erin Off Duty) wore a pair for Miu Miu’s runway show, while Norwegian influencer Rikke Krefting styled hers with lug sole loafers and a long, camel coat.
But the resurgence of stirrup leggings in 2020 didn’t arrive completely out of the blue, nor can we give all the credit to the pandemic for its sudden popularity. In 2016, the trend experienced a minor spike due to Demna Gvasalia, creative director of Balenciaga. At the fall ‘16 show, the designer introduced a stirrup pant, which, too, soon became a favorite among street style stars. During fall ‘17 men’s fashion week a year later, the likes of Pernille Teisbaek and Tamu Mcpherson wore their leggings over their heels, rather than under it, while out on the streets in Milan and Paris — a look we now wouldn’t hesitate to recreate.
Among the front-runners in today’s stirrup legging market are pairs by Monse, Altuzarra, Low Classic, and The Marc Jacobs. Lourdes, Wardrobe.NYC., and Paco Rabanne are also offering fashion-forward iterations on this once-contentious fad. See them all by clicking through our favorite stirrup leggings for fall below.
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For a fashion exhibit whose theme is time, it’s ironic that the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s “About Time: Fashion and Duration” is, as a result of the pandemic, opening almost six months later than anticipated. Yet, during a year that feels both frozen in time and flying by faster than any before it, the show, which looks at the relationship between fashion and time through designer ensembles, feels perfectly punctual. “Fashion is indelibly connected to time. It not only reflects and represents the spirit of the times, but it also changes and develops with the times, serving as an especially sensitive and accurate timepiece,” said Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of The Costume Institute, in the press release. “The exhibition uses the concept of duration to analyze the temporal twists and turns of fashion history.”
Made up of two main rooms, that are designed as oversized clock faces, “About Time” explores this theme through two timelines: chronological — tracing 150 years of fashion, from 1870 to the present, in honor of the Met’s 150th anniversary — and cyclical — exploring the past and present by linking trends and styles in a more abstract way. Within each “minute” of the clock setup, two garments are featured side-by-side.
Featuring mostly black pieces — to “make the comparisons between the pairings immediately,” according to Bolton — the brands selected range from heritage (Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Givenchy) to avant-garde (Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Alexander McQueen, Martin Margiela) and unabashedly modern (Libertine, Off-White, Hood by Air, Rick Owens). The theme of time is further expanded using concepts from philosopher Henri Bergson and writing from Virginia Woolf. (The exhibit opens with a quote from Woolf’s Orlando, and quotations in the exhibit are read aloud by Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Julianne Moore, who all starred in the 2002 movie The Hours, based on the Michael Cunningham novel that was inspired by Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway.)
The first room sees 60 looks in a barely lit, round room with a black backdrop, with a swinging, ticking pendulum at its center. Pairings, arranged in chronological order, focus on the evolution of fashion and the influence of the past on modern designers. An 1895 double-breasted wool-twill coat is juxtaposed against a 2020 JW Anderson coat with an oversized leg-of-mutton sleeve that could be confused for its older counterpart; a 1902 Morin Blossier riding jacket, embroidered with gold silk-and-metal thread floral motif, is presented next to a waistcoat of jacquard woven silk that Nicolas Ghesquière, who looked to the Met’s fashion archives in the past for inspiration, created for Louis Vuitton in 2018; and a 1938 Elsa Schiaparelli evening jacket featuring mirror-like, Versailles-inspired designs on the front is shown next to Yves Saint Laurent’s 1978 “broken mirrors” jacket (latter is pictured below).
The second room — a winding, mirrored space that sends all senses into overdrive after the darker section — features an additional 60 ensembles that are matched up using less-clear parallels ranging from silhouettes and motifs to materials and techniques. As such, it sees the sculptural 2012 Iris van Herpen masterpiece that Solange wore to the 2018 Met Gala alongside an ivory 1951 Charles James silk satin ballgown (pictured below); a 1983 Karl Lagerfeld Chanel silk crepe dress, layered with trompe l’oeil necklaces and bracelets and belts of pearls, next to Sarah Burton’s 2019 Alexander McQueen crystal-embroidered tunic; and the 1994 Gianni Versace safety-pin embellished dress, famously worn by Elizabeth Hurley, with a 1977 Sandra Rhodes mini with safety pin detailing. While the museum notes refer to these less linear pairings as “disruptions,” today, they feel less like anomalies and more representative of the modern fashion industry — one that, at some point, abandoned looking at the outdated ideals of the past and has begun to find inspiration in the world and the people around them.
According to Vogue, having time to revisit the “About Time” exhibit, allowed Bolton to respond to the Black Lives Matter movement, and “include more Black, indigenous, people-of-color designers.” In a delightfully ironic pairing, Off-White’s dress, that reads “Little Black Dress,” stands next to, what else but, the Chanel dress that popularized the timeless fashion staple. A vest look from Shayne Oliver’s Hood By Air, the cult-favorite brand that just announced a comeback after a hiatus, likewise makes a clever pairing with a Helmut Lang (where Oliver was a designer in residence) harness ensemble. Patrick Kelly, Olivier Rousteing, Stephen Burrows, and Xuly.Bët’s Lamine Kouyaté round out the exhibit’s roster — starting what Bolton said will become Costume Institute’s “lifelong commitment” of featuring pieces informed by race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, rather than just aesthetics. (This may prompt many to say, “About time.”)
The exhibit tackles another topic that has become very timely as a result of COVID-19. With factories and warehouses forced to close down during lockdown in the spring, the pandemic has forced fashion to take a hard pause, as it was unable to complete collections. This prompted many brands to re-evaluate the constant churning of collections, that not only has a detrimental effect on the environment but also on the designers’ creativity, and look into other solutions, like upcycling. This seems to be the conclusion that “About Time” wants you to arrive at, with the exhibition ending with one of the few non-black looks in the exhibit: a white patchwork gown from Victor&Rolf’s spring/summer 2020 haute couture collection. Made from leftover fabric swatches, the strapless gown — shown suspended above ground in its own mini-room — is, according to the museum notes, a metaphor for the future of fashion, one that includes collaboration and sustainability.
This leaves viewers with a definitive conclusion, which isn’t always a given when it comes to art: The fashion industry needs to continue to embrace sustainability, as well as collaboration and diversity, if it wants to stay relevant and thrive. It’s easy to say that only time will tell if it will; many have over the years. It’s much harder to ignore the clock that has definitively started ticking.
The Costume Institute’s exhibition “About Time: Fashion and Duration” will be on view until February 7, 2021.
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Softwear with Stretch Ribbed Long Sleeve Henley Top in Charcoal Heather
$34.00
This super-soft henley top adds a layer of warmth without the bulk, making it ideal for leisurely outdoor activities. Its thumbholes, too, can double as gloves.
When you’ve spent a large majority of the year indoors, reacquainting yourself with your kitchen and creating a semi-permanent indent on your couch, it takes a bit more time and energy to piece together an outfit for when you do eventually venture outside (especially in the winter). The solution in this case: Get yourself a wardrobe that does both — a set of base layers that can seamlessly transition from your comfortable, everyday WFH uniform to a properly attired outfit for the world beyond the confines of your home.
Such incredible versatility is, coincidentally enough, what Cuddl Duds has staked its reputation on with its beloved repertoire of stretchy thermals, ribbed henleys, soft-to-the-touch turtlenecks, and fleece leggings. As proof, we took Cuddl Duds’ layers and, with a few key add-ons, transformed them to suit whatever activity your day might hold — whether that’s a leisurely bike ride, a dinner outdoors, a trip to the farmers’ market, or a walk with your dog. At the core, it’ll feel like you never left your couch — and if that’s not a bit of sartorial magic, then we don’t know what is.
For home: Coordinate fleece leggings with a soft crew in the same neutral shade — a less bulky version of sweats — for a streamlined look.
For outside: Break up the gray with a striped top (thumbholes make it even easier for layering) and shrug on a shearling-lined denim jacket for an extra layer against chilly breezes — necessary when you’re freezing because your dog is taking her sweet time sniffing trees.
For home: Black leggings are not only comfortable and stain-proof (in that you can’t actually see any stains), but they also work with just about any top, including a super-soft (and chic) black turtleneck.
For outside: Let’s say you lost track of time and you only have a few minutes before you’re meeting friends at an outdoor restaurant for dinner. Your outfit will take all of 30 seconds to put together: Slip on another layer (a teal for a pop of color) and a midi-length skirt, and throw on a coat and boots. Done.
For home: Enduring winter feels rather impossible without a stockpile of thermals, like these stretchy waffle-knit ones (aka keep you warm when your radiator has malfunctioned once again).
For outside: If you’re one of those who likes her pick of produce at the farmers’ market, it also means waking up at the break of dawn when it’s unbearably cold. Add a turtleneck underneath your thermal, slip on a pair of jeans, bring one more layer (just in case), and you’re set.
For home: A black pair of leggings + a soft crewneck long-sleeve tee = your standard work-from-home, lounge-on-the-couch uniform (and let’s be honest, pajamas, too).
For outside: A casual bike ride means not having to make the effort to change into actual workout wear, which makes this outfit the very definition of athleisure. Layer on a ribbed henley with thumbholes (which doubles as fingerless gloves) and a puffer vest, and finish your look with the softest pom beanie and sneakers.
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While many of 2020’s most-popular fashion trends don't feel quite right for a life of time spent at home and social distancing (I definitely won't be wearing a tailored vest anytime soon...), there is one in particular that I'm currently very grateful for: the matching sweatsuit.
As a freelance fashion writer, I’m already a big fan of sporting my pajamas while conducting phone interviews and writing stories from the comfort of my own abode. And, now that all my previously in-person meetings to events and coffee dates have been replaced by virtual Zoom calls, I’ve found myself reconsidering this sleepwear-only WFH wardrobe entirely. Luckily, the sweatsuit happens to be a comfy PJ-adjacent look that's appropriately conducive for wearing during a day full of important Zoom meetings — aka it's still just as comfy but more elevated than the aforementioned "I literally just rolled out of bed" attire.
Ahead, find 22 stylish sweatsuit sets that are so comfy you won’t want to (or really need to) take them off.
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Check out the brand new R&R collection sweatsuits from the sustainable activewear company we know and love. Made with 91% recycled polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles this is a purchase we know you'll feel good about.
These sweat sets are one of the newest additions to Everlane's collection of must-have basics. They're made in lightweight french terry and come in 3 neutral colors, making them perfect for layering in the fall and winters
Everlane The Lightweight French Terry Hoodie, $, available at Everlane
Everlane The Lightweight French Terry Jogger, $, available at Everlane
You might've forgotten about the California-cool retailer PacSun, so let us reintroduce you through its crop of comfy, cute sweatsuits that'll brighten up your at-home attire.
Desert Dreamer Bright Spiral Pastel Sweatpants, $, available at PacSun
Desert Dreamer Bright Spiral Pastel Sweatshirt, $, available at PacSun
For an investment set you won't regret, check out this 100% cashmere co-ord that is guaranteed to make you feel like you're being cuddled by 100 golden retriever puppies.
Naked Cashmere Aubrina 100% Pure Cashmere Jogger, $, available at Naked Cashmere
Naked Cashmere Campbell Sweater, $, available at Naked Cashmere
For an option landing comfortably below the $50 mark, look no further than Missguided's assortment of trendy sweat sets in both classic and vibrant hues.
Missguided Crop Sweatshirt And Drawstring Shorts Co Ord Set, $, available at Missguided
The brand we all know and love for its cozy sleepwear and quality undergarments unsurprisingly has a selection of sweatsuit sets that are made to be lived in.
We just know this Los Angeles based brand is about to take Instagram by storm and we’d expect nothing less from these seriously on-trend hand-dyed sets made out of 100% recycled cotton.
This marketplace of unbranded luxury goods offers sweatsuits that you'll never want to take off, especially knowing you've made a solid sustainable choice. The addictively soft terry fabric of this option, for example, is made entirely from reclaimed materials, including 15 recycled plastic water bottles.
Italic Recycled Terry Pullover Crew, $, available at Italic
Italic Recycled Terry Sweatpants, $, available at Italic
We couldn’t write a story about the best sweatsuits without including one of our very own! Our collection is filled with lounge essentials features joggers, hoodies, and softline tops in super cozy fabrics that are perfect for mixing and matching.
Refinery29 Double Knit High/Low Pullover, $, available at Nordstrom
Refinery29 Double Knit Jogger Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
We know H&M will always have our basics covered. Their selection of joggers and sweatshirts come in chic colors and classic styles at budget-friendly prices.
H&M Conscious Cotton Sweatpants, $, available at H&M
The brand you know and love for its slinky, patterned dresses has a much small but notable selection of cozy attire that's just waiting to get noticed.
Reformation Classic Hoodie, $, available at Reformation
Reformation Classic Sweatpant, $, available at Reformation
This is the ultimate sweatpant/sweatshirt combo, but with sustainability at the core of its design and production. What's not to love about a company that's committed to minimizing its environmental impact by using recycled materials and limiting waste? This purchase is one that feels good on the body and on the mind.
Frank & Oak The Hybrid Crewneck, $, available at Frank & Oak
Frank & Oak The Hybrid Pant, $, available at Frank & Oak
Even though EcoSmart® products from Hanes (one of the OGs of affordable sweats) keep the equivalent of nearly 50 million plastic bottles from landfills each year, they're comfy as ever (and tagless too!).
Hanes ComfortSoft EcoSmart® Open Bottom Leg Fleece Sweatpants, $, available at Hanes
Hanes ComfortSoft EcoSmart® Women's Crewneck Sweatshirt, $, available at Hanes
This NYC streetwear brand makes gender-neutral sweat sets dyed with eco-friendly pigments. You’ll also find socks and tees in coordinating colors to build the comfy monochrome outfit of your dreams.
