If you think comfort means giving up style, these 7 purchases will change your mind

I used to think you had to pick one: look good or feel good.

Then I started paying attention to fabrics, fits, and a few strategic upgrades—and everything clicked.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” That Rachel Zoe line captures the goal perfectly.

When your clothes fit your life (and your body), your day speaks for itself—no blisters, pinches, or stiff shoulders required. 

Here are seven buys that turned me into a comfort-and-style truther.

1. Tailored joggers

Not the saggy, couch-only kind. I’m talking about joggers with a clean taper, stitched waistband, and a fabric that drapes (TENCEL™ lyocell, bamboo, or organic cotton blends).

They read “polished” with a tee and downright “smart casual” with a knit polo.

If you’re thinking joggers can’t be dressy, pair a charcoal or deep navy with white vegan sneakers and a minimal belt bag. You’ll look intentional, not underdressed. The elastic waist eases you through long flights and long lunches, and the ankle crop shows just enough shoe to keep it sleek.

Fit notes: choose a mid-rise that sits where your jeans do. If the crotch drops or the pockets pull, size up—nothing ruins the line like strain.

2. Vegan leather sneakers

A crisp, low-profile sneaker is the Swiss Army knife of modern style. Go for a vegan leather or plant-based alternative with a cushioned insole and decent arch support. White is the obvious choice, but bone, ecru, or light grey will hide scuffs better and still work with everything.

I wear mine with wide-leg trousers, joggers, and even a soft suit. The trick is keeping the silhouette clean: no bulky soles, no giant logos. If you need orthotics, pop them in—no one sees comfort tech, but everyone sees confidence.

Care tip: a quick wipe-down and replacing the laces every few months keeps them looking new. Also, consider a gum sole if you live where it rains; they’re grippy and classic.

3. Knit blazer

A knit blazer (or “jersey blazer”) is a cheat code. It has the structure of a blazer with the stretch of your favorite hoodie. Look for unlined or lightly lined options in ponte knit or double-knit cotton. The shoulders should be soft, the lapel simple, and the vents functional so it moves when you do.

I’ve worn one on a red-eye, stepped off the plane, and gone straight to a meeting without feeling like a creased accordion. Dress it down with a tee or up with a TENCEL button-down. You’ll keep the sharp V-shape through the torso without the stiff, boxy feel.

Fit notes: sleeves should hit just above the wrist bone; if they’re long, roll them once or have them shortened. A slightly shorter length (just covering your seat) feels modern.

4. TENCEL button-down

If classic cotton oxfords feel scratchy by noon, try TENCEL lyocell or a lyocell-cotton blend. It’s silky, breathable, and drapes in a way that looks expensive without trying. A camp collar or hidden button-down collar will lie flat, so you won’t fight your shirt all day.

Here’s where the psychology kicks in. Researchers call it “enclothed cognition”—what you wear can influence how you think and perform. As Adam and Galinsky put it, “We introduce the term ‘enclothed cognition’ to describe the systematic influence that clothes have on the wearer’s psychological processes.”

If your shirt feels like pajamas but looks like a promotion, your brain gets the best of both worlds.

Care tip: hang-dry to keep the drape. Steam instead of iron for that smooth, effortless finish.

5. Supportive base layers

Real talk: nothing ruins an outfit faster than uncomfortable underwear. For folks who wear bras, a well-fitted wireless style—wide band, molded but flexible cups, smooth straps—can be the difference between “I can’t wait to get home” and “I forgot I’m wearing this.”

For folks who don’t, look for boxer-briefs with a soft waistband, flat seams, and a breathable fabric (modal or bamboo).

I learned this the hard way on a day-long shoot: great outfit, terrible base layers. I spent the day adjusting instead of focusing. Now I treat base layers like gear, not an afterthought. When the foundation is right, everything else sits better.

Fit notes: if you’re between sizes, size up for all-day wear. Comfort is what makes “style” wearable.

6. Wide-leg pull-on trousers

Structured wide-legs are everywhere, and they’re friendly to actual human bodies. Pick a pair with a smooth front, elastic at the back (or full elastic if the fabric drapes well), and deep pockets. In a plant-based twill or a linen-blend, they look architectural, not sloppy.

Question to try on in the mirror: do these move? Walk, sit, and squat. If the fabric puddles nicely around your shoes and doesn’t cling, you’ve got the right pair. Combine with a fitted tee or tucked knit to balance the volume.

Travel note: in Lisbon last year, I wore a black pair with a lightweight sweater and felt both breezy and pulled together climbing endless hills and ducking into cafés. Zero pinching, plenty of compliments.

7. Crossbody sling

A streamlined crossbody sling or belt bag does more than carry your phone and a snack. It cleans up your silhouette by giving your hands somewhere to go and your pockets a break. Choose a vegan leather or recycled nylon with simple hardware and enough structure to hold its shape.

I like mine worn high across the chest with the zipper up top. It’s secure in busy cities and stylish enough to pass in a gallery. Bonus: it makes your outfit look intentionally layered, even if you’re just wearing a tee and joggers.

Color tip: match the sling to your shoes or pick a neutral that works with everything (black, tan, olive).

A few quick principles that make these buys work hard:

• Fabric first. Look for plant-based performance fibers (TENCEL lyocell, bamboo viscose, organic cotton with a dash of elastane). They breathe and drape, which reads “style” from across the room.

• Streamlined shapes. Clean lines and minimal details elevate basics. If there’s too much going on—logos, zippers, contrast stitching—it leans sporty rather than chic.

• Fit over size. Your usual size is a starting point, not a rule. Tailoring joggers at the hem, tightening a sling strap, or shortening blazer sleeves is low-cost, high-impact.

• One elevated piece per outfit. If everything is soft, add structure (knit blazer). If everything is structured, add softness (TENCEL shirt). Balance is what makes comfort look intentional.

I’ve mentioned this before but the best wardrobe is the one you’ll wear. That’s why I focus on pieces that invite you in. If you dread putting something on, it’s not worth the closet space.

And because this is VegOutMag, I’ll say the quiet part out loud: comfort and ethics can coexist. Plant-based materials have come a long way, and the best of them feel better than traditional options.

“Buy less, choose well, make it last,” as Vivienne Westwood famously said.

Choosing pieces you’ll reach for on repeat is the most comfortable—and stylish—move you can make.

How to test before you commit

If you’re ready to upgrade, try this mini-checklist in the fitting room (or at home with a mirror and generous return policy):

• Can I move freely without tugging anything back into place?

• Does the fabric feel good on my skin after five minutes?

• Do I like how it pairs with two things I already own?

• Would I wear this on a travel day and still feel put-together?

Two “yes” answers aren’t enough; you want four. Clothes that barely pass in the fitting room will annoy you by lunchtime.

Final word

Comfort doesn’t kill style—bad choices do.

Start with one or two of these upgrades, notice how much easier your mornings get, and watch how your posture (and mood) shifts.

When your clothes support your life, your life expands to fill them.