Yes, it may sound odd to sport your trusty SweatGear gym leggings to the office.
BUT when dressed up with work-wear pieces, these sporty chic bottoms can be the secret to creating a polished-yet-comfortable look.
For anyone who thinks leggings are strictly for working out, take a look at Chanel and Prada’s Spring/Summer 2019 runways. Both featured leggings and bike shorts!
If there’s anything these designer examples have taught us, it’s that the comfortable staple is not only quite on point from a fashion-forward sense, but it has a proper place alongside your polished wardrobe pieces. And (when done right) can absolutely be styled for work.
So, when trend-setting local active wear label SweatGear launched their collaboration with Fashion Influencer Minnette Oliver of We Wear What (hands-down one of the most stylish women in Bloemfontein), we could not wait to get our hands on the collection!
The SweatGear designed by Minnette range of leggings is everything we love in a good legging – fabric, fit, great design and style.
And we couldn’t be MORE PROUD that such a quality product is produced locally right here in sunny South Africa!
Here are our TOP TIPS for styling your SweatGear Leggings to work (and beyond):
1. Fabric thickness REALLY counts
For office wear, the key is finding leggings that are made of a high quality fabric that’s thicker than your typical spandex leggings.
The last thing your want is to worry about your leggings being see-through or making you look like you just came from yoga class.
2. Wear leggings with tailored classics
When you want to take a typical sporty basic and zhoosh it up to create a work-appropriate ensemble, your best bet will always be styling with tailored classics.
Think tailored jackets, collared blouses and pieces that are a bit more formal and structured to pair with your leggings.
3. If the shoe fits
When styling leggings for work, lift your shoe game and rather stay away from trainers.
You could pull-off a chic leather white sneaker with leggings for work IF you pair it with a very stylish structured jacket. But we recommend you rather rock a heal or a more formal flat – for example a brogue – for that polished office look.
4. Balance proportions
Remember, your leggings are form-fitting. Therefore to create an office look, avoid pairing your leggings with a too tight top.
Instead, pair them with a flowing blouse, a longer tunic, or an oversized tailored jacket.
5. Have FUN
Even though a black legging will probably always be the safest choice for work, we recommend you step out of your comfort zone this season and have some fun with fashionable patterns and prints. Case in point, the very chic Sweat Gear designed by Minnette range featured in this post.
**VERY IMPORTANT THOUGH: If you’re going for an edgier legging design, remember it is crucial that the fabric is high quality, thick and absolutely NOT see-through.
Credits
Concept:
- SweatGear designed by Minnette for work by Jeani Meyer & Minnette Oliver for Hello Smart Blog
Styling:
- Jeani Meyer for Hello Smart Blog
Sweat Gear designed by Minnette:
- Tiffany is wearing Jafaar and Gaia – both Sweatgear designed by Minette
- Nelia is wearing Wild Sylvite and Saharan Sand – both Sweatgear designed by Minette
- Jeani is wearing Nagiini and Sultan – both Sweatgear designed by Minette
Accessories:
- Jeani sunglasses – Casper Bosman Eyewear
- Possum Black clutch, Issi Nairobi Sling clutch, Vicious Fish clutch – Missibaba
Photography:
- FJ Potgieter for Think Agency
Location:
- Bloemfontein Inner City
**Special Thanks:
THANK YOU to Minnette Oliver and SweatGear for this very special collaboration with Sweat Gear designed by Minnette and Hello Smart Blog –> shop Sweat Gear here!
