Cheryl Shops

Big surprise, I was never a jock. I was never on any teams, so aside from my P.E. uniform, I didn't grow up wearing warmups or jerseys or any of the associated gear. I have been admittedly slow to embrace sneakers. But living on the West Coast, where all things sporty and casual reign, I've found bits of athleisure seeping into my wardrobe. Sometimes I even wear my workout clothes to brunch (the former East Coaster in me is dying of shame, trust me). But, you can take the girl out of New York, but you can't take the New Yorker out of the girl. Which is why I was happy to find these track pants at Zara (I wrote about them here). They are equal parts sophisticated and sporty, and I have a feeling I'm going to be living in them for the rest of the season.


Part of what makes these pants so great is the cut—they're very fluid, like a trouser, with a wider, straight leg. I love skinny jeans and leggings as much as the next girl, but there is something so flattering about a proper trouser. The contrast stripe along the outseam helps elongate the legs even more. I mean...

The pants have sporty details, like zip pockets and an elastic waistband, so they can definitely dress down, but I like the contrast of wearing them with something more proper, like this bright tweed jacket.


Normally I'd not go so matchy-matchy with my accessories, but red is having a moment for fall, and I'll take any excuse I can get to carry my Il Bisonte bag. I bought it in Florence three years ago and it's made of that soft, vegetable-tanned leather that just gets better with age. Plus, it's the perfect size—it holds everything you need without overwhelming you.



Shoes can also be a little tricky with wide-leg pants; you'll need a longer, pointier toe to peek out from the hem, so you don't look like Gumby.

But really, the best thing about these pants is how comfortable they are. I know that's a dirty word in fashion, but shhh, it will be our little secret.



OUTFIT DETAILS: Gap jacket (similar here on sale!) || Proenza Schouler tee || Zara side stripe trousers || Il Bisonte bag || All Black pumps (similar here) || Stella & Dot Luna Pendant and Abundance necklace || Quay Australia Odin sunglasses