Fashion trends are cyclical.
What was in style 10 years ago may be creeping back into closets tomorrow, and what was trendy two months ago may be thrown into the donation pile today.
“Joggers” is a men and women’s trend that is a reincarnation of the M.C. Hammer pant or ’90s chino — with an adjustment.
Joggers are pants that start with a fitted waist, move down to a loose fitted thigh and then become tight again at the ankle with an elastic band. The pants come in a variety of fabrics from denim to cotton to knit. There’s also different options of colors, patterns and hardwares.
This trend is one that shouldn’t be bought in bulk, maybe two to three pairs, and style them carefully because they can go from fashionable to frumpy in minutes.
For women, you can take almost any material and dress it up or down.
With a burgundy, cotton pair of joggers from Forever 21, keeping the rest of the outfit neutral is important. The silhouette and color of the pants is loud enough without competition from other aspects of the outfit.
Pair the pants with a basic tank top or camisole in black, white or gray. Add a decorative scarf in a neutral print or color. If it’s colder, add a piece of fitted outerwear like a motorcycle or denim jacket. Finish with simple jewelry and ankle boots, flats or heels.
These same techniques can be applied to women’s pairs in denim, knit or a neutral color. The more elements added, the dressier the outfit becomes.
For men, styling joggers can be a bit more casual.
A gray, knit pair from American Eagle can be styled simply with basic v-neck T-shirt and a knit hoodie.
Finishing the outfit with a pair of sneakers, like Vans or Converse, keeps it casual.
A more structured pair of men’s joggers in fabrics like denim or cotton can be styled with a T-shirt and sneakers. If you feel the need to dress it up, change out the hoodie for a denim or leather jacket.
Joggers are a daring and complex trend, but styled properly they can be a standout look among the usual jeans, khakis and leggings.
Just a few things to remember — add flair to your outfit with accessories but make sure the pants are the most noticeable item and be sure to buy a pair that fits properly in the waist. The leg of joggers are loose enough, you don’t want a loose waist to make them look ill-fitted.
Meg Ryan is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can reach her on Twitter @The_MegRyan.