Is it possible to look stylish in leggings and sweatshirt/t-shirt?

[ClockwatchingClara]

I've tried upgrading my style and wearing smarter jeans with nicer shirts etc but the truth is that they make my feel uncomfortable.

However, I would like to look a little more stylish but leggings and sweatshirts/T shirts are my go to. I am 52 and in perimenopause, I also suffer from endometriosis, adenomyosis and daily IBS symptoms so I am often uncomfortable around my stomach area, leggings are perfect for this.

I don't work atm due to my health issues and I also help care for my elderly mother but I would still like to smarten myself up a bit.

I'm a size 10 (but often wear oversized tops for comfort due to my bloating). How can I upgrade this look to feel and look a bit smarter?

Hey Clara, just jumping in. I really get where you're coming from. Comfort is so important, especially with health issues, but it's nice to feel a bit more put-together, too.
I’ve found that pairing leggings with a longer cotton shirt or tunic helps. It still feels comfy but looks a bit more stylish. Little touches like a collar or cuff can make a big difference.
Capri pants are a great shout, classic and easy. And Claudia Winkleman’s style is fab! Maybe stick to a simple palette and add one or two statement pieces to elevate things without much effort.

I have similar issues.

ibs and endometriosis.

i only really wear leggings for actual gym classes or physio (I’m much fatter than you as well).

definite second for drawstring or elastic surf waist trousers.

in the summer I tend to wear linen or linen mix and I have loads in navy. I also like Uniqlo dresses and will often put leggings underneath them if it’s not really warm enough for bare legs.

Trousers like this:

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su381383/ag3654

M&S drawstring elasticated waist linen trousers - they do them in every neutral colour every summer, and different lengths if you need short or tall. I lived in them last summer, so easy to pull on but felt way better than joggers or leggings.

There are lots of versions of these tops coming out for summer, which I think look classy but easy to wear and comfortable: https://www.hush-uk.com/vera-linen-blend-shell-top-dark-brown/013339-0450.html

Or pair with a light-weight chambray denim shirt, boxy t-shirt or cashmere jumper (absolutely loads on vinted).

Yes, you can, it's a matter of making sure the items are all clean, perfectly pressed and made from good materials. At the weekend, I saw a woman in her early 50s wearing an oversized pale grey marl sweatshirt, white long-sleeve tshirt underneath, slightly darker grey, slimmer fit tracksuit bottoms, lovely thick knitted socks, Birkenstock wool clogs. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and her jewellery was simple and chic - assorted gold earrings, a slim gold chain and a strand of pearls. It was the attention to detail and care that made her look not only stylish but incredibly polished too.

What I will also add that as someone who is already post-menopause, I find many waist band, particularly ones with elastic, hugely problematic and/or uncomfortable to wear. However, wearing a cotton bodysuit usually acts as enough of a buffer. (And as anyone in perimenopause knows, layers are fundamental during this time!) I also avoid linen because no matter the weight, it always looks like a dish rag within minutes of wear.

Magic pants might work well. They’re really stretchy. Loads on Vinted for very little money if you want to give them a go.

I was going to suggest these op or otherwise tie waist linen are lovely in the summer.

I think leggings are just too hard to smarten up. I also see lots of women round here wearing gym kit leggings and I know they probably think they look fantastic in them from the side and front but the back view is seldom a pretty sight. I’m never sure if they don’t realise or are just too comfortable to care. But I honestly find it TMI.

A looser leg helps keep the focus on the swing of the trousers etc and provided they are soft round the waist, they are still just as comfy.

You can also get washed silk jogger type things which can look quite elegant.

Thanks everyone.
I've ordered a few bits online and will try at home to see if they feel comfy or not.