5 Easy Ways To Elevate Athleisure
We’re all familiar with those days when you just can’t face wearing anything but leggings or sweats, but what do you do when you need to look more pulled together? There are several styling tricks that will immediately add polish to your trackpants, sweatshirt and sneakers, ensuring you won’t feel scruffy in these sporty staples
Athleisure has been an off-duty staple for years, but it was the pandemic that really saw it accelerate as dress codes softened and, overnight, it became an entire section of our closets that was suddenly worth investing in. These are items that can be a solid foundation for your everyday wardrobe, not just reserved for a yoga class – and the likes of Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber show that athleisure can be elevated to so much more than exercise kit. Spoiler alert: a tailored jacket and a pair of sunglasses are your best friends here.
Pilates princess
If your idea of a perfect morning involves an eight-step skincare routine, a matcha latte (or green juice) and a Pilates class, then you’re what TikTokers are calling a ‘Pilates princess’. The moniker has come to define beauty, fitness and luxe athleisure obsessives who have their finger firmly on the pulse when it comes to buzzy new brands and wellness trends. Even if you’re not fully committed to the lifestyle, you’ll have everyone fooled with the right outfit. Slip Jacquemus’s preppy embroidered cotton-blend jersey sweatshirt over your sports bra and leggings from It-label On after your class for a post-workout brunch or facial.
Blazer and sweatpants
On days when you just can’t face leaving the house wearing anything other than your sweatpants, a great blazer has the power to sharpen athleisurewear into a look that’s smart enough for coffee dates, meetings and the school run. The trick it to opt for slightly more refined track pants, such as Sporty & Rich’s navy cotton-jersey tapered style, and pair with an oversized blazer – The Frankie Shop’s are a fashion-girl favorite for a reason. A pair of sleek black loafers, will keep things polished; while a monogram shoulder bag such as Gucci’s completes the look.
Track top + tailored pants
If lunching in leggings and a baseball cap is not your thing, ’70s-inflected sportswear offers a chic, Lycra-lite approach to off-duty dressing – and captaining the team is a retro track jacket, which looks effortlessly cool worn with pale-wash denim and sneakers. With headquarters in London and LA, Varley has produced some seriously aspirational athleisure that reflects the style of both cities, and this ‘Davenport’ sweatshirt is a chic example. Wear with Another Tomorrow’s wide-leg pants from our NET SUSTAIN edit, Dries Van Noten’s retro runners and a chunky gold necklace. Alternatively, pair with the matching shorts if you’re hitting the tennis court or gym.
Elevate a bomber jacket with a skirt and heels
Another popular way to elevate athleisure is to take a sporty bomber, such as Acne Studios’ cool black version (another NET SUSTAIN highlight), and swap your sneakers for standout heeled sandals to give the look a polished feel. Aeyde’s snake-effect pair is a timeless fail-safe that look great paired with a sleek midi skirt such as Lemaire’s buckled style. Complete the look with oversized sunglasses and minimal silver jewelry. The trick here is to embrace unlikely contrasts.
Hoodie and midi skirt
A hoodie and midi skirt might sound like something of a sartorial mismatch, but if you select your pieces carefully, this is the perfect weekend look. Dries Van Noten’s black asymmetric lace-trimmed midi will look great with a cropped fit hoodie that will show off the pretty tie details, such as The Elder Statesman’s cobalt-blue cashmere style. To pull the look together, add accessories such as Saint Laurent Eyewear’s D-frame ‘Jacques’ sunglasses for extra polish.
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