By Regina Due, Luxury Wellness Editor-at-Large
Whether you’re a gym rat or you’re a creature of comfort, athleisure is a trend with mass appeal. It’s 2019. Who doesn’t own at least a half dozen yoga pants? So you have an army of tummy-tucking, bottom-shaping stretchy pants — that’s half the battle — but how do you style them to pull off a fashion hit and not a schlumpy miss?
Athleisure Defined
You know athleisure is here to stay when Merriam-Webster dictionary considers it a word and spell check doesn’t reject it. But what is athleisure? It’s a relatively new term to describe wearing athletic clothing as everyday streetwear. You can thank the innovative thinktank Lululemon for helping pioneer this style, by designing gorgeous high-performance apparel for the forgotten female athletic market.
When Fashion Meets Gymwear
Up your streetwear game and get ready to saunter into the gym for pilates or hit the streets in search of your favorite latte, wearing the latest style craze, athleisure. No need to say thanks a latte, we know you appreciate the how-to-guide!
Get a Leg Up
If athleisure had a totem piece of clothing, it would be leggings! You can’t go to the store without seeing at least one set of gams clothed in skintight stretchy pants. To be athleisure, you’re going to want these must-haves:
- Yoga Pants: In more than just black, grab a matte or a fresh ‘19 motif like leopard or floral.
- Bike Shorts: For nicer weather – wear with a cute crop top and blazer to look like Kim Kardashian.
- Track Pants: Sub tracks for denim, wear with a tee and sneakers!
- Jeans: Will never fall out of fashion – style with killer kicks and a crop top.
Complete the look: leggings, a long tee, stylish sneakers and a sweater on or tied around your waist.
Sporty Shirts
Kinda like pants, shirts are all over the map! The rule of thumb is balance the athletic look with something fashionably non-athletic, like a crop top with bike shorts. Or a long inspirational tee over leggings. Or dare to show off your sports bra under a low sided tank. This year wear your brand, colour block with neons, practice escapism with adventurous finds and get spotted in leopard print!
Complete the look: 80s is in so nab yourself a track jacket and dress it with a denim skirt and sneakers!
Killer Kicks
The most important accessory to the athletic look is your footwear. Forget everything you thought you knew about perfect pairs because move over heels, casual is hot off the pages of Vogue! You’ll want ultra plain trainers – think neutral if there’s a brushstroke of colour to highlight the brand that’s cool too.
Complete the look: Jeans or leggings, slip on some thin white trainers and walk the streets like Gigi Hadid!
Ascend the Athleisure Look with these Accessories
Athleisure accessories are kinda a mixed bag. You’re not limited to traditional athletic accessories – headband or sweatbands. Get creative and use some of these options to perfect your ensemble.
- Ponytail Cap: Finally a hat for ladies, great with leggings and a sports bra.
- Sleek Backpack: Pump it up with a sweet leather backpack.
- Shades: Don’t forget your sunglasses – they don’t need to be sporty either.
- Jewelry: Long necklaces, lots of thin rings and silver hoops.
Athleisure Styling
If fashion and comfort are your style, then jump on the athleisure bandwagon and dress down your yoga pants for everyday wear and dress up those leggings with a snazzy sports bra for your next workout!