Activewear But Make It Fashion?

Athleisure is making it acceptable to be comfortable and chic

The same week that I rejoined the gym, Margot Robbie was spotted in all-black athleisure showing off her midriff with a plaid and cheetah trench — absolutely killer. It got me thinking about not only my own styling habits for the gym but also what others are wearing. And it’s a sea of black and white, which is surprising with the current state of streetwear and athleisure. The line has been blurred for some time now and while I want to believe that wearing sweats out will become a faux pas again, there’s ample opportunity for sporting this activewear trend.

Today there are clothing lines strictly dedicated to “athleisure,” even Burberry is getting a piece of the action with sportswear. Whether it’s to run errands or hit the gym, you want something that is versatile, doesn’t look frumpy and has a touch of personal style. I challenged myself to put outfits together straying away from the black and white uniform. I came up with five different looks and tips that I would use to approach styling athletic wear.

Layering is key when styling athleisure. It could be a vest, sweatshirt, hoodie, sports bra, tank top, leotard, maybe a baggy tee tied up. And while that covers the range of top selections, when it comes to bottom wear, cycling shorts are a hot item to have right now. It can be worn with a cropped hoodie or add a little length and pair it with a fitted oversized sweatshirt.

Levels

Hue High Waist Cotton Blend Bike Shorts
Melody Ehsani ME. Sports Bra
Champion Reverse Weave Crop Hoodie
Prada Leopard Print Nylon Belt Bag

I did sneak in an all-black look, it’s simple and chic. One can’t go wrong and to add some flare take a note from Robbie and throw on a patterned jacket or statement coat. Something you may already have your closet that could work with this is a button-down flannel. All Black

Nike In-Season TR 9
Girlfriend Collective Paloma Sports Bra
SPANX® Every.Wear Gloss Panel Pocket Active Leggings
Canada Goose Parka

On a lighter note, white leggings are risky but are a great alternative to the black leggings, if worn carefully. And don’t forget about accessories. It’s a great way to pull an outfit together, whether it be studded earring, a simple necklace, a baseball cap or a belted bag.BabyBlueSweatshirt

Alo High Waist Moto 7/8 Leggings
Alo Double Take Crop Sweatshirt
Nike USA Heritage86 Cap
Tiffany 1837® Circle Pendant

Mix up the print and texture. There is a ton of pant options with the faux leather that switches up the texture. It could be all faux leather like the track pants below or in cutouts like these leggings. Leopard print is a fun neutral and makes every outfit better. But a leopard one-piece just ups the game. Bodysuits are something that I would not traditionally think of putting on for working out but it’s also great for layering. Bold Athletic

Good American The Leotard Bodysuit
BlankNYC Running Wild Faux Leather Track Pants
Sweaty Betty Ab Crunch Workout T-Shirt

An easy way to incorporate some color is by pairing a light pastel with a dark shade to contrast. This can be done with such a vast range of combinations shorts, leggings, tank tops, tees, or sports bras. This way it’s a little more subtle and less of a walking crayon. Many of the color athletic gear will have matching tops and bottoms, try to do your own combination.

Contrast Active

Girlfriend Collective High Waist 7/8 Leggings
Free People FP Movement Revelation Crop Sports Bra
Zella Cozy High Pile Fleece Vest
Kate Spade Bright Idea Stud Earrings

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