The Elements of Our "New" Style: 6 Relaxed Items That Define a Modern Wardrobe

Our team has been fortunate enough to be working from home during these uncertain times. As a result, our day-to-day style has shifted slightly with a particular focus on comfort. While we recently highlighted some of those cozy yet chic outfits we’re turning to on the regular, we wanted to break down even further the key comfy elements that make up our "new” sense of style.

Here, we’re talking about staples that are more relaxed but are still trend-forward in nature to bring a current-feeling twist to our ensembles. Below, we rounded up a few images featuring those pieces that are defining our daily modern wardrobes. Think slouchy tailoring, breezy dresses, and the like. And just in case one of the items in question does catch your eye, we’re also highlighting inspired products if you’re shopping at the moment as well.

Leggings

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Leggings are undoubtedly one of the most comfortable pant choices out there. And while they certainly hold strong in activewear and super-casual wardrobes, that perfect pair can also be dressed up for Zoom meetings and the like with comfortable pieces like tees and oversize blazers.

Relaxed Dress

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(Image credit: @anna_laplaca)

When it’s a cute and easy look we’re going for, a breezy throw-on dress that’s simple yet features on-trend details like puff sleeves is a go-to. One and done.

Slouchy Blazer

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

For the more dressed-up vibes, slouchy blazers (or even blazer dresses) are a great option to toss on for a professional look without sacrificing comfort thanks to the loose silhouette.

Sweatpants

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Similar to leggings, sweatpants—either printed like this or in a neutral jogger silhouette—would definitely take the cake as a trendy yet practical (aka comfortable) staple in our modern wardrobes.

Cardigan

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(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Cardigans of all varieties (from cropped to extra-long) have been trending for a few months as a cozy, fashion-forward layering piece. Our team has been relying on chic silhouettes like this to complete our looks.

Loose Pullover

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

A cushy pullover—particularly a forward polo or cropped style—is making the rounds in many of our weekly rotations paired with leggings, stretchy jeans, or sweatpants. 

Next, check out some of the best sweatpant brands you can buy.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.