How jeans became dressed up....

[TableNiner]

I was in central London yesterday (it’s local to me) and realised that gym/exercise wear is not just being worn by people who can’t be bothered or haven’t time to change into ‘normal’ clothes, it’s also being worn as a style statement, by people with lots of money, and can look quite flattering. I saw a slim twenty something in leggings, trainers with a white sole and a fitted puffer jacket, all black. These outfits can actually be quite expensive. Taken with all the people who are wearing leisure wear as that’s all they can be bothered with, is this going to become the smart casual of the future?

It makes me laugh because ten or so years ago, ‘no jeans’ policies were common in offices, nightclubs and upmarket places, but now it feels like the rule would be ‘no athleisure’ and you can come right in if you’ve gone to the effort to do up some jeans.

I live very close to the beach and walk my dog there twice a day. There's usually lots of people walking along the promenade taking their permitted exercise. I'd say 80-85 % of women are wearing the look you describe! Long black puffa coat, gym leggings, trainers (their ankles must be freezing) and a bobble hat.
I notice now if I see someone not wearing that uniform, it just seems so ubiquitous.

So it wouldn't surprise me if it does become acceptable as smart casual.

What you're describing is my basic uniform at the moment.

It's due to lockdown surely? Many people have been dressed in lounge clothes for almost a year (and let's face it, many of us probably don't fit in our old clothes anymore )

I think lockdown has been responsible for this new fashion, and tbh I'm here for it. Dressy up clothes are so uncomfortable.

Leggings are just so comfy, it's hard to resist.
I predict in the summer we'll be sick of leisure wear and be desperately to wear floaty dresses.

Yep! All about the athleisure round me 🤣 sometimes I wear jeans to go out and take them off as soon as I go home and put leggings or joggers on.

Probably good news, though?

Tbh everyone getting into comfy clothes would be a weird thing to be sad about. If after the pandemic women can work in trainers, I honestly think that’s a huge step forward.

I am a lawyer and I really don’t expect to see ties again much. Except in court? Maybe not even in court.

I teach classes & have a dog so it is my uniform generally and it is comfortable - never found a single pair of jeans comfortable. I wouldn't wear it out for a meal but supermarket, dog walk, coffee out - yes would wear athleisure or as I call it, kit. I always wear nice trainers though - proper Nike ones.