Helen Skelton’s tracksuit and shirt outfit is a look we never knew we’d want to wear – but it really works

Who would think to pair a regal puffed sleeve shirt with 90s sweatpants?

Helen Skelton at the TV Choice Awards 2024
(Image credit: Getty Images via Karwari Tang)

Helen Skelton's brilliant pairing of a regal puffed sleeve shirt and tracksuit bottoms has us desperate to recreate the ultimate business casual look.  

Anyone who works from home can tell you that business on top, 'comfies' on bottom (including the best white trainers) is the staple uniform. But does that uniform ever see the light of day? Usually not. But Helen Skelton has us rethinking that choice. 

For an appearance on comedians James Acaster and Ed Gamble's Off Menu Podcast, the presenter brilliantly paired a a smart, white button down shirt with a juxtaposing pair of tracksuit trousers and the look shouldn't work...but it really does.

Shop Helen Skelton's Look

The white button down shirt appears to be made of a light, crepe fabric with cuffed sleeves that dramatically puff out into little ruffles. There's also some simple pleat detailing down the front, framing the shirt's contrasting black buttons and adding interest to the simple piece.

While many would think to dress up the shirt with a midi skirt or the best jeans for your body type, Helen opted instead for some green, straight-legged tracksuit trousers with an elasticated waist.

We can't see what shoes she opted for, but trainers or some sandals like the trendy M&S must have mules would work brilliantly to tie in with the smart-casual look. 

Helen has long been a lover of mixing sportswear with trendier pieces, as was the case when she styled a pair of yoga leggings with a grungy leather jacket.

Helen Skelton

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Shop Leather Jackets

Offering the comfort of loungewear, the burnt orange colour of the leggings  worked brilliantly alongside the harsh, black leather, giving a street-style feel to the outfit.

She accessorised her laid-back look with a pair of black, shearling-lined walking boots, a black cap and an oversized handbag. With the variety of textures, and the addition of some gold hoops, the outfit perfectly balanced comfort and style.

Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse
Freelance news writer

Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is royal news and entertainment writer. She began her freelance journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with Good To, BBC Good Food and The Independent.