The athleisure trend is here to stay, so instead of fighting the growing shift to leggings (ahem… United Airlines), it’s time to step up to the plate and get your head in the game!
Here are my 5 Essential Rules to Rocking the Athleisure Trend…
1. Invest in clothing pieces that mix fashion and function
When searching for your next pair of leggings or hoodie that you plan on wearing from the gym to the bar, look for items with trend-led details, like color blocking, mesh panels, or side stripes. These details overtly signal athletic-wear, so it’s clear what look you are going for. However, make sure you are comfortable in these items and that you actually want to wear them; a crazy mesh cutout tank top may look super cool, but if it’s not comfortable to work out in, then that defeats the entire point of the look. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort for style, so choose items high on both.
2. Look for sporty details on non-sporty items
When choosing items that compliment a pair of leggings or a sporty crop top, look for items in your wardrobe that tell a similar story. Again, Athleisure is all about looking like you actually could work out in an outfit, so putting on a full skirt with your sports bra might not get that point across. The outfit I’m wearing in this these images works because the top is actually a knit sweater, but has a athletic inspired geometric motif and sheer construction, which give it an athletic, breathable vibe. Other sporty details to look for are numbers/names/logos on the back of jackets, knit banding construction, side stripes on jeans or trousers, a backpack or nylon gym bag, or a baseball/raglan sleeve on a top.
3. Accessorize Properly
When accessorizing your athleisure look, play ball! That is to say, have some fun. Pick your most fun sneakers, throw on a baseball cap, add some oversized earrings, tie a shirt around your waist, throw on a bomber jacket. But whatever you do, don’t do it all. Athleisure is the mix of the athletic trend with regular clothing, for a school, streetwear mash-up. Try to have at least one piece that doesn’t look athletic as a counter point to the entire look. For my look, its my neon orange pumps and oversize earrings. Try layering a leather jacket on top of an all athletic clothing look, or a lacy tank with leggings and a bomber. That one piece that is grounded in everyday clothing is what is going to take the look from the barre to the bar, so don’t forget it!
4. Take Risks in Color, Print and Texture
Even if you don’t wear bright colors in your everyday clothing, there is something about athleisure and athetic wear in general that makes people more apt to taking these risks. Take a chance with a fun print or something with neon colors, texture or sheer elements like mesh, and it will make your look pop. Black is fine, but incorporating bolder colors into the look will make it appear more thought out, and less like you are ashamed of how you look that day.
5. Keep Athletic Clothing in Good Condition
Nothing ruins an athleisure look more than sweat stains. Do we want you to be able to actually sweat in these clothes? Sure. But pilling pants, snagged sports bras and dirty jerseys will not make the cut. Keep your clothing clean and in great condition in order to take your look from foul ball to home run!
Shop my favorite athletic wear items to nail the athleisure look this season!
