Colin brings up a good point: sweatpants are heinous.

I don’t even want to go into why. If you don’t know why, I can’t help you.

Today I was having one of those mornings; I had an 840 across campus and I wanted a coffee from Barnes and Noble more than I wanted to run a flat iron through my hair or look at my closet for more than 5 seconds. In about half a minute I threw on a oversized sweater over thick leggings and flats. It was super-casual, super-quick and super-comfy.

Here’s why this is a much better alternative to sweats: What do you wear when you wear sweatpants? A big hoodie or something similar, no doubt. You lose all your shape on both ends! And as the temperatures continue to drop and you have to layer more and more on top, it’s no good to look like a blob on bottom as well. Leggings do a really nice job of balancing out the heavy on top look when you don’t feel like wearing jeans or stylizing your outfit.

Not tights, not weird cheap spandex mind you, nice thick wintery leggings. I kid you not when I say they will keep you warmer than your sweatpants while looking 20 times better. (Having a few Eagle Scouts and camping enthusiasts in the family taught me a thing or two about the best ways to insulate your body.)

And if you’ve read me before you know I’m going to make a plug for modesty– because leggings can go so wrong. Even if you’re skinny as a beanpole, cover your behind. Your top must be long. A big sweatshirt, a long sweater or thermal… whatever makes you feel comfy and cozy and covers your rear.

Next time you are tempted to pull out any pants with a drawstring and you aren’t walking straight to the gym, consider the warmer, better-looking and just as easy alternative of thick leggings– just make sure you keep it classy!