Styling experts reveal how YOU can turn your favorite gym gear into appropriate OFFICE attire (without looking like a total slob)

Americans are more casual in a post-COVID world, swapping high heels for sneakers and button-downs for crop tops. 

After the pandemic, plenty of people got used to working from home and had a hard time ditching their leggings or joggers for chinos or pleather pants. 

However, when it comes to office dressing, what's appropriate - and is there a way to transition athleisure pieces worn around the house to workwear? 

To find out if there's a way to guarantee you look put together while wearing your yoga pants at your desk, FEMAIL spoke to an etiquette expert, stylists, and athleisure brand employees to find out how they embrace the workleisure trend. 

Toronto-based celebrity stylist Kim Appelt (above) believes it's entirely possible to rock leggings at the office 

Celebrity stylist Kim Appelt, based in Toronto, believes it's entirely possible to rock leggings at the office with the right styling tips.

'Blend athleisure with office chic by pairing leggings with a structured blazer, marrying classy comfort with corporate,' Kim told DailyMail.com. 

The author of Style For Everybody used Gigi Hadid as an example of someone who 'elevates her athleisure with high-end blazers, blending pieces from Adidas with luxury brands like Balmain.' 

Hailey Bieber is another example of great workleisure, as Kim said she's 'mastered this look, pairing her leggings with crisp blazers, tee shirts and ballet flats.' 

'The pandemic definitely blurred the lines between lounge and office wear, making athleisure a sought-after compromise for everyday style,' she said.

Kim's top tip is the 'one-piece rule,' where you 'limit your look to a single athleisure item.' 

She explained that using this easy styling hack, 'leggings find their match in blazers and loafers, a sleek athleisure tank pairs perfectly with polished trousers or a refined skirt.' 

'This is your fashion formula for effortlessly blending sporty with sophisticated,' Kim spilled. 

Sofia Richie elevated her athleisure by pairing Alo Yoga high-waist leggings with a Khaite coat and bag as well as Stuart Weitzman trainers 

Gigi Hadid often pairs moto leggings with an oversized blazer and chic bag to dress up a workout look 

New York City etiquette expert Myka Meier, 41, believes that there is a time and place for athleisure... and while it's not necessarily during a major business meeting, she agrees that there's a way to wear your favorite leggings to the office. 

'It completely depends on your work culture and environment, however I find the majority of businesses prefer employees not to wear athleisure,' she warned. 

'Many corporate companies have dress codes that do not allow athleisure due to the informality and unprofessionalism associated with wearing it.'

New York City etiquette expert Myka Meier believes that there is a time and place for athleisure

However, despite office dress codes, Myka does find 'that while it used to be completely unseen pre-COVID, now I see it much more in more informal offices.'

The etiquette expert believes that after the pandemic, a 'more relaxed dress code' emerged and 'introduced a hybrid style.'  

'I also think it depends on if you are client facing versus not, as client facing people often will dress more professionally,' Myka continued. 

But don't despair - according to the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, there is an appropriate way to wear athleisure at the office.

'I would recommend choosing one piece and pairing it with more professional piece, for example a pair of leggings with a blouse, blazer and ballet flats,' Myka said. 

'I think you can still look smart in athleisure paired with a blazer or nice sweater.

'For example, athleisure and a blazer and heels may be perfect for a trendy PR firm, while wearing that at a corporate bank could get you called to HR. 

'Regardless of how casual an office is, I would avoid crop tops or sports bras as tops. 

'I would also avoid anything that was too short - bicycle shorts may be back in but I would avoid them at work - or anything that showed too much skin in the office.

'It's important to dress for the office culture that you are in.'

Hailey Bieber is often seen hitting the town in elevated athleisure, like her leggings and moto jacket (above) 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is another example of workout glam, pairing her leggings with a fuzzy jacket and sunnies 

Fabletics co-founder Ginger Ressler started the athleisure brand in 2014 alongside Kate Hudson, specifically to create transitional pieces that easily went from the office to the gym.

Now, the activewear brand makes sports bras and bodysuits that are easily layered underneath work clothes. 

Even Khloé Kardashian is a fan, posing in the bodysuit - ideal for layering with a chunky knit on top and pairing with on-trend boots. 

Fabletics isn't the only company that supports layering. The activewear brand Halara has gone viral on TikTok for its dresses and work pants, which people wear for everyday activities. 

Halaras global brand president Gabby Hirata said they'd seen a 'massive uptick' in athleisure dressing since COVID, especially with their pants, which took over TikTok and has sold nearly a million pairs since last November. 

'We've been so bewildered by this incredible success and wonder if we should have a proper workleisure strategy,' she said. 

Gabby's go-to for workleisure? The built in bras, which can easily be worn to work or after a workout and come in waist-length styles. 

The brand even makes 'magic denim leggings,' or jeggings, that are perfect for the office and a workout.  

Stylist Yael Steren (above) shows it's possible to make activewear look chic with simple tweaks 

New York City-based Yael was an associate at a law firm before becoming a personal stylist 

New York City-based Yael Steren was an associate at a law firm before becoming a personal stylist. 

Now, she advises women on dressing for the office - and while many are excited to dress up post-COVID, they still want to be comfortable. 

'I think there is a misconception that work wear has to be uncomfortable,' Yael said. 'There are many office appropriate looks that don't involve a stiff collared blouse.'  

She usually suggests bringing an extra bag with workout clothes to the office, but if someone is desperate to don their joggers she suggests pairing them with a top and blazer. 

The attorney-turned-influencer also suggests sweatpants with a sweater, a sweatshirt under a blazer with a pair of pants, a white collared top underneath a sweatshirt, and a sweatshirt with a skirt - all looks she's worn and shared with her 200,000 Instagram followers. 

Yael advises women on dressing for the office - and while many are excited to dress up, they still want to be comfortable

Lexie Chan, who's the regional director of operations at the performance fitness brand Fanka, said 'post-COVID, there has been a notable shift in work styles,' as people 'embraced a hybrid or work-from-home approach, emphasizing work-life balance.'

Comfort became key, even when people made their way back into the office, which means athleisure has made its way into daily wear.

'As a mother, comfort has become a priority for navigating the city, whether commuting, picking up children, running errands, or hitting the gym,' she said.

Lexie recommends layering simple pieces, like the brand's bra tank, which makes it easy to wear with high-rise pants as an underpinning and works for yoga after work. 

Leggings are another easy base layer making it easy to do a quick change for a post-work workout.

Lexie believes it's easy to incorporate athleisure pieces but warned, 'careful styling is key.'