8 Anti-Sweatpant Loungewear Trends That Will Be Big This Spring
One of the biggest trends of 2020 were sweatpants, there’s no doubt about that. We actually saw sweatpants outfits bubbling up at the beginning of the year, but as we’ve been shifting into our new lifestyles they’ve become a defining fashion staple in many of our wardrobes. At least they have been in mine. While I’ve been making an effort to get dressed up, I’ve also been living in sweatpants when I want to be cozy. I haven’t reached a point of fatigue with them yet, but I’m certainly ready to add some more comfortable fashion trends into my closet.
So, which spring loungewear trends can we expect to see in 2021? Taking a look at the runways, there are plenty of cozy pieces on their way in that you can expect to see on the fashion set in the coming months. From elevated knit sets and house shoes to athletic shorts and oversize button-downs, designers have some fresh ideas of what to wear if you’re looking for something comfortable, but still fashion-forward. Ahead, see 8 spring loungewear trends that are set to be big in 2021.
Hoodies
If you're anything like me and still like the idea of wearing sweats but want to rethink how you're styling them, hoodies are the trend for you. Spotted in the S/S 21 collections from brands including Prada, Heron Preston, and Dries Van Noten, I'm expected to see oversized silhouettes styled over dresses or layered underneath blazers.
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Elevated Knit Sets
Sophisticated knit sets are one of the most fashion-forward ways to slip into loungewear for spring, as seen at Proenza Schouler and Nanushka. I especially love the matching ribbed sweaters and pants we saw in those collections.
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Shop the matching Daisy Pants ($180)
Shop the matching Ribbed Knit Pants ($50)
House Shoes
I've been living in the same pair of slippers I've had for years, but I'm definitely ready for a fun upgrade. With everything from furry logo slides at Balenciaga to knotted leather shoes at Rosetta Getty, there will be plenty of cool designs to add to your closet.
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Track Pants
Sports-inspired pieces were a huge trend across the board for spring 2021. One of the standout takes on sporty fashion? The return of track pants. This time around, we're seeing them styled in fresh ways, whether with bike shorts layered underneath or pairing them with a midriff-baring top.
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Oversize Button-Downs
One of my personal favorites? The oversize button-down tops that swept the runways. Valentino's bubblegum pink top that was styled with micro shorts made a huge impression on the style set, as did the billowy white top at The Row that was paired with a simple tee and baggy trousers.
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Knit Polos
We've seen the knit polo trend circulating for a few seasons now but it isn't slowing down, so you can feel confident about investing in them. The preppy piece is the ultimate top to feel cozy but Zoom-ready.
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Baggy Jeans
As a denim lover, I couldn't help but notice the baggy jeans that were everywhere on the runways at brands like Etro, Chanel, and Victoria Beckham. We've seen '90s denim on the rise but this time around they're extra slouchy and relaxed.
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Athletic Shorts
Athletic shorts are another take on sporty fashion that I'm expecting to really pop this spring. The long, loose shorts feel like a cozy take on the Bermuda shorts trend that was everywhere last year.
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Next, read about my favorite fashion staples after living in NYC, Paris, and L.A.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.