As winter approaches, I find myself thinking casual styles and relaxed bottoms are definitely on the outfit menu this holiday season.

In the past, I’ve usually kept joggers and sweats related to at-home wear, so in searching for other types of low-key yet stylish pants to be worn out and about, I came across track pants.

These classic side-striped athletic bottoms feel more presentable for an outfit than, say, sweatpants or yoga leggings. Plus, they are just as comfortable as a soft knit pant.

Here’s how to style a sporty bottom.

If you want to go all in, then embrace the full look by wearing your pants with a coordinating track jacket, which is also a great mid-layering piece under a coat. For this holiday season and into the new year, I’m loving Fila’s Performance Iconic Settanta Jacket and matching pant in navy. This set features red and white trimming, perfect for looking festive without going overboard. You can sport this matching pant and jacket with sneakers or, for something more rugged, hiking boots. Then, throw a parka-style coat, knit cap, and insulated gloves to face the chilly days ahead.

A less extreme option is simply swapping out denim for a track pant. Instead of the go-to jeans for your weekend, try an easy pant like the Track Start Wide-Leg Pants from Victoria’s Secret. In deep forest or pure black, these side-striped pants pair with a button-up and V-neck sweater combo just as easily as a wide-legged jean. Instead of boots, opt for sneakers like Nike’s Cortez Vintage Sneaker in a coordinated color, and add a baseball cap for a sporty-chic on-the-go look.

In my outfitting, I enjoy mixing various aesthetic elements. For track pants, you can contrast this athletic piece with a dressier overcoat like J.Crew Factory’s Belted Wool-blend coat in burgundy or camel. Pair a classic coat with a brightly colored pant, such as Target’s Women’s Game Day High-Rise Track Pants in a fun color like purple and rose red. To further the contrast, finish off the look with a turtleneck and soft flat like Old Navy’s Soft-Knit Pointed-Toe Ballet Flat, preferably in leopard print. This might be too much outfit for some, but if you can balance out the opposing elements, you’ll have a high statement, low fuss look.

Another way to play against expectation and mix things up with track pants is to incorporate prints. You can lean into the side stripes of the pants with a coordinated striped long-sleeve tee, like Loft’s Striped Long-Sleeve Crew Neck Tee in red raisin if you have a burgundy track bottom. Or go bold with Boden’s Sienna Silk Shirt in rainbow stripes with a brightly-hued track pant from Target.

Colors can be tricky, so to try this idea without as much risk, opt for a black and white track pant and then pair with a black and white print, like the Zebra Print V-Neck Cardigan also from Loft. With a patterned approach to track pants, I’d style with a loafer versus the expected sneaker. A more business-like shoe elevates this use of prints.

Speaking of business, why not wear track pants to work? Of course, if you’re a gym teacher or personal trainer, you may already have that luxury. For the office-bound, it all depends on your dress code policy, as well as your style. If your company has a relaxed-ish approach to office wear and you feel up to the challenge, then give it a go. Here is where your selection of track pants walks a fine line. Shiny, baggy, puffy pants with tapered/elasticized cuffs are very hard to pull off as acceptable workwear. Stay clear! Instead, opt for darker-toned, sleek, wide-leg versions rendered in a more structured matte fabric. For instance, Universal Standard’s Stephanie Wide-Leg Stripe Ponte Pants have the feel of a track pant but are surprisingly sophisticated. It’s basically like a grown-up ladylike version of the track pant. There’s also Old Navy’s Extra High-Waisted SoComfy Track Pant, practically in black, that can be office-appropriate when worn with a fitted tee, tweedy blazer, and flats.

In my younger and more adventurous years, I would have suggested a tapered, shiny/satin track pant with a silver halter top and heels for a night on the town, but that sounds exhausting. Instead, leave the track pants at home for parties, dinners, and drinks with the girls.

While sporty bottoms can be stylish while maintaining a high comfort level, they aren’t meant for every occasion, but they can certainly be a suitable go-to day look for some of the chillier times ahead.