How to Style Athleisure: A Complete Guide
Athleisure outfits: how to style athleisure
The post-lockdown fashion landscape has undeniably changed. Whether or not we’re still working from home, a more laid-back look is still preferred.
An easy way to channel this relaxed vibe is with the athleisure trend. It offers the perfect blend of comfort and style – but what is athleisure exactly, and how should you style it? Here are a few athleisure outfits and tips to help you get started.
What is athleisure?
You can probably gather that the term comes from a combo of the words “athletic” and “leisure,” but what does this really mean? Athleisure is all about blending sporty, technical pieces that you’d normally see at the gym, and integrating them into your usual lounge or leisurewear.
It started with the ubiquitous yoga pants taken off the mat and onto the streets in the 2010s. But today’s athleisure goes above and beyond with luxe cashmere knits and streamlined separates.
Athleisure outfit 1: Stirrup leggings with a hoodie and oversized leather jacket
Black leggings are back in style, and they look chic paired with a rock-and-roll leather jacket and oversized white T-shirt. Team with a pair of chunky boots or flat Mary Janes, sticking to the minimalist black-and-white theme.
Athleisure outfit 2: Retro-style sneakers with sweatpants and a cardigan
Retro, 70’s-inspired sneakers are an athleisure staple. Look for low-top shoes with sporty stripes that go well with just about everything. Team them with snuggly sweatpants and a button-up cardigan for an interesting contrast, then cap with a blazer to pull it all together.
Athleisure outfit 3: Track pants with a chunky knit sweater and trench coat
Elevate your basic sportswear by wearing a pair of track pants with a timeless trench coat. Keep these two pieces neutral, and then add a pop of color with a soft-touch women’s top or fine-knit sweater. For a preppy touch, finish the look with a pair of loafers or boat shoes.
Athleisure outfit 4: Sneakers with a maxi skirt and bomber jacket
Prefer a more feminine style? You can try out the athleisure trend with skirts and dresses. A swishy maxi skirt looks great with chunky sneakers and a slim-fitting T-shirt. Carry an oversized gym bag and cover up with an athletic bomber jacket to play around with proportions.
Is athleisure still in style?
Yes! This trend is going strong, still influencing the high-fashion runways and ready-to-wear racks. You’ll see athleisure featuring in recent designer collections from Miu Miu, The Row, and others. To keep your athleisure current, keep the following styling tips in mind:
Mix an oversized piece with a tight-fitting piece. Think baggy T-shirt + bike shorts, or sweatpants + sports bra.
Stick to a minimalist aesthetic. Look for clothing with clean lines that could pair with multiple items in your closet.
Neutral color palettes create a more stylish vibe. Go for pieces in black, white, and other neutral tones to stay on-trend.
When to wear athleisure wear
Society’s more casual than ever, but are there any rules for when to wear athleisure wear? Can you wear it to the office? The club? Where’s the cutoff? The answer, as with many fashion questions, is… it depends.
You could potentially wear athleisure to work, but this depends on your office dress code. Generally, it’s fine to wear for most casual or smart-casual situations, whether you’re running errands, grabbing coffee, or heading out for after-work drinks.
How to dress up athleisure
When the dress code is on the smarter side, styling is more important than ever. The trick to dressing athleisure up is to keep a high-low dynamic in mind. Dress up tracksuit bottoms or leggings with a sharp tailored coat or blazer to create a sophisticated silhouette. Or go the other way, layering a sporty puffer jacket or hoodie over a flattering midi dress.
Ready to try out the athleisure trend? For more ideas, check out our edit of women’s activewear and find the perfect pieces to style with your choice of accessory.
