How to style joggers: dressed up or down

Quick version: how to style joggers, and the best jogger recs with the best value!

If there's one thing I love when it comes to fashion, it's comfy clothes! And I love even more when you can be comfy and still look put together for your day. So today I'm serving up a few different joggers outfits and I'm breaking down all the styling details. I'm going to show you how to style a dressed up fit and a dressed down fit with joggers. Let's get started!

In a hurry? Shop my picks below:

Zella Joggers

NOTE: The jogger's pictured are sold out, but these joggers are extremely similar and have over 1.5K amazing reviews! They really live up to their name – ones you could literally “LIVE IN!” So comfy and versatile with the perfect, relaxed fit.

Having a good pair of joggers is absolutely key to this whole thing and these Zella joggers are the perfect base to build an outfit (or two) around! The material is super soft and relaxed, but the slim fit and rib-knit cuff ankles make your outfit feel polished and intentional, NOT sloppy. They have garnered hundreds and hundreds of perfect five-star reviews! Many of those reviews claimed that these are the “BEST joggers EVER.” Another person said, “I wish I could wear these all the time.” Another reviewer said she was so obsessed that she wore them for almost a week straight before washing. Ha. That is l-o-v-e and a darn amazing jogger!

The fit is super comfortable but flattering thanks to the higher waist (it hits just under my belly button). These Zella joggers also have pockets, which we all really love, but they zip closed to keep the look sleek and streamlined.

Just like most things Zella, these joggers run perfectly true to size!

Dressed Up

The piece de resistance with the dressed up look is a jacket. IMHO it is the crucial element to making this dressed up look work.

Denim Jacket

My jacket of choice to style the dressed up look with Zella joggers was a relaxed fit denim jacket. Styling joggers with a jacket automatically elevates your outfit and makes it instantly look (and feel) way more intentional and put together! A denim jacket is a classic wardrobe staple and says, “I put this outfit together on purpose.” Other alternatives that convey the same message: a leather jacket, a bomber, a blazer or even a trench. Kim Kardashian has rocked the joggers with a trench coat look a few times and it's really cute.

I also REALLY love this one that I've blogged about many times and worn for years and still reach for regularly.

Classic White Tee

FOUND: a good white tee that fits well and isn't see through at all! This can be so hard to do but this flattering and functional staple t-shirt checks all the boxes. It is soft and breathable but not see through and the v-neck isn't too low. Don't be turned off by the $45 price tag because this tee is really really well made and will last a long time. I love that this top is soft and stretchy enough to be worn for a workout, however it doesn't look like an athletic top so it could just as easily be paired with jeans or a skirt.

TTS on this one too.

Golden Goose Sneakers

Not everybody is on board with the worn-in, right out of the box trend of these sneakers but I'm a major fan. My Golden Goose sneakers were *kind of* a birthday present from Neil. Initially, I did not understand the hype of these sneakers either, but I am absolutely a converted skeptic and totally understand why they are Nordstrom's top-rated sneaker. They are really comfortable and since they already have that scuffed, distressed look they're easy to wear without fear of ruining them. I absolutely love them and wear them a TON!

Important sizing tip: I went with their suggestion and ordered 1/2 size up since they only come in whole sizes and I'm so glad I did!

Mini bags

MZ Wallace's Micro bag gives me so much life. I've had it for a couple of years now and I am still so obsessed. It is my #1 running out the door bag right now because it is the perfect size for my wallet, keys, phone, lipgloss, and mask and THAT'S IT.

If this MZ Wallace bag is out of your price range or you just aren't interested in spending quite that much, you could easily sub in this under $50 bag that is really similar.

Two more tips for dressing up joggers

ADD JEWELRY: Adding a little jewelry to this joggers outfit lets people know this outfit was planned and a deliberate (very chic) choice. Adding jewelry completely elevates your look.

WEAR BOOTIES: Swap out those sneakers for some booties. A little heel immediately pumps up your look and makes it a little bit fancier!

Dressed Down

All black everything WINS again. If you want a dressed down look that is intentionally loungey but still very polished, go monochromatic. Having a matching top and bottom is what is the most on trend right now! Here's a highly-rated crewneck to pair with your joggers!

Adidas Superstars

A tried and true favorite sneaker. They're SO iconic but also unbelievably cute, comfortable, and super versatile. This is the perfect sneaker for these joggers but also looks amazing with a dress or a skirt. The sole is really thick so walking around in these sneaks is cushy and comfortable and a total treat. Size down a 1/2 size because they do run a bit large.

More joggers to love

Vuori Performance Joggers

Vuori's Performance Joggers have a slim but relaxed fit, side pockets, a drawstring to adjust the waist line, and a slightly cropped leg. They’re made with THE softest premium stretch fabric, the absolute perfect blend of recycled polyester (love that Vuori really cares about their carbon footprint!) and elastane. You won’t know how great these are until you try them, but just trust me! These Vuori joggers also come in a bunch of pretty neutral colors, but the classic black is always a go-to shade for me.

They also really PERFORM, too – you can do just about any workout in these! These were perfect for yoga/stretching when I was pregnant, but they're perfect for more intense workouts, too!

If you’re looking to live in the ultimate comfort pants or need something to keep up with your active lifestyle, the performance joggers are a tried and true favorite of mine and I know you’ll love them, too.

Vuori Boyfriend Joggers

The Boyfriend Joggers have everything I love about the Performance Joggers with a roomier fit! The cuffs of the pants are different for a more relaxed and baggy fit, rather than a slimmer leg. They also have a tie on the inside of the waistband rather than hanging on the outside, which is so nice!

More than anything, these joggers really have the most luxurious feeling fabric in the whole wide world. Look effortlessly put together, while still being casual. Lounge around in these joggers that are as SOFT as butter!

They're perfect for a workout like the power-walking, or a cute but casual travel look for LONG days in a car or airports/planes.

Comfy clothes forever

Joggers are a piece of clothing that can be styled in so many ways all of these pairs above are some of my all-time FAVES. They were so easy to style and look amazing dressed up and dressed down. There is no wrong way to wear joggers. I love that these five-star pair of joggers provides the perfect base for building a casual outfit around.

So now you tell me – what's YOUR favorite way to style joggers? Casual forever or dressed up chic?