I keep shopping for new clothes. Except I’m not buying sexy clothes and stilettos from Saks — I’m buying sweatsuits from Amazon. I’m 50 now, and comfort is important.
It’s not that I suddenly discovered leisurewear; it’s that I interact with people more in my new neighborhood than at my old place, so I’ve been more self-conscious about the way I look. Last month I was chatting with someone when I was out walking Mary, and I glanced down at my “I 🩷 My Dog” sweatshirt and realized it was covered with pills and stains. Here it is ⬇️ in its better days (2018).
As soon as I got home, I retired the sweatshirt and started cleaning out my closet. I’m a creature of habit, so when I love something I wear it to death. The problem is that clothes don’t die; they need to be put out of their misery. So out with my old favorite sweatshirt (and, sadly, my leopard cardigan ⬇️)…
…and in with the new! I’m stepping up my leisurewear game.
I started my search for new comfy clothes at Target. They had a collab with Ascot + Hart, and I picked up two sweatsuits. I was showing my friend Naomi and she said that her favorite sweatsuit is one she got on Amazon. I never bought it, but I put it in my cart and saved it for later. PUT A PIN IN THIS.
A few months later I stumbled upon a 50-year-old influencer on Instagram named Caroline. Caroline is fun, stylish and focuses on fashion, so she’s constantly posting cute things to wear.
Sometimes Caroline posts higher-end products, but lately she’s been posting more Amazon fashion. Basically, she buys a bunch of things and tells you the good stuff to get. After following Caroline for a few months, I decided to take the plunge and buy some things she recommended: a pair of flats from Mango, and a cardigan, readers, and a bodysuit from Amazon. I wore these things to the office one day and they were a hit!
After this I bought a $45 sweatsuit Caroline recommended that was soft, perfect, and just as good as Lululemon/Aritizia/Alo — and this is where my addiction began. I ordered a crewneck sweatshirt from one brand.
And then a second from another brand.
And then a third.
And then a fourth.
And then a hoodie.
And then some leggings.
And now I can’t stop.
Every time the Amazon man comes over, my neighbor Miranda looks at me and sighs, “Another sweatshirt?” she asks. “Yes, but it was only $30!” I exclaim. Because that’s the thing — they’re so cheap!
My friend Emily tells me fast-fashion is ruining the world, but a Lululemon sweatsuit costs $250, which is ridiculous — especially for someone who spills on herself constantly.
Here’s another thing about these sweatsuits: Not only are they made well and inexpensive, but I can go from hiking to a business zoom by just adding a scarf!
So if you, like me, need to step up your leisurewear, here are my favorites.
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