I had the sweetest trip to Nashville recently. 

To be fair, I have had many sweet, little Nashville jaunts over the past year. However, this one came at a time when I really needed a moment to myself and a big change of scenery. I stayed with a lifelong friend who treated me like a princess and made plans for us to visit one of our shared favorite Nash spots—Burger Up. Don’t let the name fool you, BU is far more than some beef patties. Their peach margaritas and kale Caesar salad are a destination, and the vibes are just spot-on relaxed, comfy-cozy. 

Well, I took that aesthetic to heart when I walked out of the house for dinner in a great sweater, great coat and great… sweatpants. To my dear friend since middle school, “My Lord, my southern mother would die if she knew I was wearing sweats at dinner. And during Holy Week, at that!”

To clarify, the sweats were nearly $100 and courtesy of an adorable shop in SoHo, Perfect White Tee. I hadn’t even properly broken them out yet, so enter dinner! They are crisp white with a slim fit and smaller waistband, so there’s less bulk and none of the dreaded diaper-butt. That initial wear has sparked in me an insatiable need for more perfect sweatpants!

A few of my favorite sweat options for a look that will delight you and devastate your mama.

1. More swish-swish than sweats, but these Adidas by Stella McCartney pants are perfect gym to night (that’s a category, right?) when styled with this blazer and some pointy little slingbacks! Styling note– Any accompanying outerwear/third piece must be spot-on. This is your only opportunity to not look like a slob kabob, so bring the structure and the seriousness!
2. Norma Kamali is an OG of the HWDGAF energy. Her designs manage to be timeless but so cutting-edge. Who knew I absolutely needed baggy, cargo sweatpants for my next night on the town? Love how Revolve styles with a sliver of midriff, heels, shades and a small bag. I would channel Carrie Bradshaw and pair with a long-sleeved crop top, these TDF YSL mules and a designer belt bag. Ok, that might have been an acronym record for me!
3. My exact version from Perfect White Tee! I wore to dinner again last night with hand-me-down men’s cashmere, vintage leather and Chanels, and was so relaxed, comfy-cozy (chic) again. Styling note– Full hair and make-up is a non-negotiable. I dare not see a messy bun anywhere near a S @ D situation (yes, we have yet another acronym) 
4. Gotta add a little color to the mix– a perfect, cherry red pair (on sale!) that would be fabulous paired with some hot pink. Styling note– A micro-bag is a great counterpoint to all of this southern hemisphere fabric. I would shy away from the just wallet look, as that reads running out the door casual. Instead, break out that lady bag that really only fits a phone, credit card and lipstick .You should not be surprised that this is a Staud Tommy Bag— it’s a cult!

Okkk, break out your sweats, follow my above formula and just forget everything I wrote last year about restaurant outfits being the most important thing. Xx