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Wear sweatpants out? The comfy style gets a makeover

By Merisa FinkSweatpants have taken some hits below the elastic belt, recently. The comfy loungewear has been the victim of a smear campaign that ranges from actresses to fashion designers to billboards.  Actress and NYU freshman Dakota Fanning recently told People magazine, "If you ever catch me in sweatpants in class, that's not good. I've tried not to dress like that." Supermodel Coco Rocha
Sweatpants can be cool! Heathered slouch sweatpants, Madewell.com, $49.50.
Sweatpants can be cool! Heathered slouch sweatpants, Madewell.com, $49.50.Madewell.com
Worth $395? 3.1 Phillip Lim Marled High-Wasited Sweatpant, La Garconne.
Worth $395? 3.1 Phillip Lim Marled High-Wasited Sweatpant, La Garconne.lagarconne.com

By Merisa Fink

Sweatpants have taken some hits below the elastic belt, recently. The comfy loungewear has been the victim of a smear campaign that ranges from actresses to fashion designers to billboards.  

Actress and NYU freshman Dakota Fanning recently told People magazine, "If you ever catch me in sweatpants in class, that's not good. I've tried not to dress like that." Supermodel Coco Rocha swore she'd never wear them in public. And Karl Lagerfeld has been quoted as saying, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants."  Even billboard ads for Whitney Cummings' new sitcom "Whitney" make fun of the garment.

To sweatpants haters, we say: suck it up. You'll need to — literally — to fit into those skinny jeans, anyhow. Sweatpants have gotten a makeover this year, with numerous brands and even high-end designers refashioning the loungewear. (3.1 Phillip Lim sells a high-waisted style for a whopping $395!)

We, on the other hand, will be perfectly snug in some of these options: 

Da-Nang Cuff Sweatpant, $51, Revolve Clothing.
Da-Nang Cuff Sweatpant, $51, Revolve Clothing.revolveclothing.com
Sweatpants can be cool! Heathered slouch sweatpants, Madewell.com, $49.50.
Sweatpants can be cool! Heathered slouch sweatpants, Madewell.com, $49.50.Madewell.com
No need to abandon your prep when you're pooped: Ultra-knit effortless sweatpant, JCrew, $45.
No need to abandon your prep when you're pooped: Ultra-knit effortless sweatpant, JCrew, $45.JCrew.com

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