Karl Lagerfield once said, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”

Sorry, Karl. I disagree. Sweatpants are a reward after a long successful day. After eight to nine hours of click-clicking through clinic halls in black dress pants, blouse or sweater, fully accessorized and just a hint of lip gloss, I look forward to peeling off the business layers and pulling on my sweatpants. My sweatshirts and sweatpants, and especially my leopard-print fuzzy slipper boots, are not a sign I’ve lost control of my life, they are sign I’m very much in control. Being comfortable is my decision. Not being able to relax at the end of a day due to fear of being labeled lazy or messy, is not my idea of being in control.

My choice to trade heels for a hoodie is not defeat, it is crossing the finish line to comfort for the win.