Zella joggers are not expensive pants. And yet. They are lightweight but surprisingly soft, have a waistband that’s flattering without squeezing, and look (and feel) much more expensive than they are. They remind me of those swishy windbreaker (parachute?) pants, but without the swishy sound, and with a soft, breathable feel on the skin.

Zella Live-In Joggers Are So Good, I’m Wearing Them Like Real Pants

I do not, technically, need another pair of black joggers. And yet here I am, happy owner of the Zella’s Live In Jogger Pants. (That’s a pretty apt name, actually.)

I know I’m not alone here. Virtually everyone I’ve talked to in the past week (including my Mom), if the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale gets brought up, says something along the lines of “of course I bought the Zella joggers…”

So. Assuming you already own these bad boys (and if not, I highly recommend), here are a few ways I plan on wearing these joggers once the weather cools.

(ps. For those who care…my summer Zella jogger outfit is basically this tank top with sandals, done. Uh…everysinglemorning.)

1. Zella Joggers + A Black Sweatshirt, Cool Bag & Vans

sweatshirt (xs) | joggers (s) | vans | bag | bag strap | sunglasses

This is probably how I’ll be wearing my Zella joggers the most. School drop-offs, Saturday morning coffee (or Farmer’s Market) runs, or an easy way to disguise my workout gear (and yes, I do work out in these pants, too).

And make no mistake: these joggers do vibe as real pants. In no small part due to the cute bum situation:

sweatshirt (xs) | joggers (s) | vans | bag | bag strap | sunglasses

Fit Notes: I’m almost always a small in Zella joggers, but these do fit a little looser in the waist than normal (something I appreciate, actually). They’re easily cinched by the drawcord. The Nike sweatshirt runs large (I’m wearing an XS). Lastly (and perhaps most importantly) my giant Clare V bag can be turned into a cross-body by replacing the smaller strap with one from Social Threads. Clare V bags are meant to have straps swapped out, and while Clare V does sell alternate straps, they’re pricey. Instead, try Social Threads. They’re a small, local boutique I love, and the owners are great. As I type this, they’re working to get the strap I’m wearing re-stocked. In the meantime, this b/w strap also looks good, or this navy-red one looks just like the Clare V strap…but longer and adjustable.

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2. Zella Joggers + Cashmere & Trendy Slides

cardigan (s) | joggers (s) | slides | bag | bag strap | sunglasses

Those puffy slides are one shoe trend I can easily get behind, especially when they’re done in a super-soft suede material, and are as light as air. It’s like wearing a cushy spa slipper…but one with a real bottom that I can happily wear out of the house.

cardigan (s) | joggers (s) | slides | bag | bag strap | sunglasses

Fit Notes: Everything fits pretty TTS (cardi, slides, etc), and I prefer the small cardigan (over the XS) because I like the lower v-neckline and extra length in the sleeves. If you like the slides, but aren’t able to shop the NSale (or just want a lower price point) these slides have a similar look. Similarly, if you’re looking for a non-NSale version of the Zella joggers, and don’t want to wait until public sale…this pair, Zella’s Getaway Pocket Lightweight Jogger looks really intriguing.

I know we’re supposed to be getting all excited about real pants this fall but….I don’t know if I can quit my soft pants, guys. I’m not ready.

xo,

S