In fact sweatpants, leisure pants, or trackie bums — as they are variously known — are fast becoming a must-have winter wardrobe fashion item.

Comfy leisure pants have been seen on international designer catwalks for several seasons now, but the trend is now making it into the mainstream.

While comfortable and stylish are not two words often seen together when it comes to fashion, celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson says the sports luxe look is bang on trend.

“Celebrities like Beyonce and Rihanna have been rocking that look of trackpants with heels for a while,” she says.

“It’s all about making your wardrobe and your clothes more versatile.”

“Being casual is more cool now. You can see it with all the runners on the runway. It’s a breath of fresh air.”

Wilkinson says the new trend of pairing trackpants with more structured pieces allows women to be more playful and have fun with their wardrobe.

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Trak/Leisure pants are now being teamed with jackets and heels to take them form the gym to the office and out.Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

But she cautions against using the trend as an excuse to cover up completely.

“It’s not about hiding under loose fitting clothes,” she says.

“If you’re wearing loose fitting pants you need to balance the look by creating shape with more structured pieces.”

More tailored shirts, jackets and coats as well as a pair of heels work together to create a sophisticated sports luxe look.

Cotton On trend director Lucy Nutter says the trend is accessible as well as fashionable.

“Ath Fash is an extension of the global sports-luxe trend. It’s a more relaxed approach to dressing where comfort is just as important as looking stylish,” she says.

Model s wear:

Cotton On Longline Trench Coat — $69.95, Cotton On Carolina Cotton Shirt — $29.95, Cotton On Body Delicate Lace Camisole — $19.95, Cotton On Body Gym Trackie — $19.95, Rubi Shoes Ramona Lace up Heel — $49.95

Forever New Penny shirt $69.99, Forever New Jessie Quilted Biker Jacket $269.99, Mossimo, Track Pants $79.95, Sachi, Honey heels $159.95