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How to Wear the Athleisure Trend

The athleisure trend has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years.  It essentially revolves around wearing gym clothes outside of the gym but in a fashionable way.  Often when we think of the athleisure trend, we’re drawn straight to yoga pants and oversized hoodies.  And while this can form one outfit, there are actually plenty of different ways that you can wear the trend.  The trick is to find some casual closet staples and pair them with some more luxury gear. You want to look comfortable, yet stylish in order to pull the trend off properly.

If you’re unsure of how to get started, keep reading.  We’re going to give you a list of athleisure tips that should help you rock the trend.

How to Buy Athleisure Clothing

The good thing about the athleisure trend is it’s likely you already have a few pieces in your closet that are suitable.  Beyond a couple of go-to pieces, there are a few items you’ll want to invest in so that you can mix and match outfits as you please.

The majority of your athleisure wardrobe should consist of functional workout gear.  This means stretchy yoga pants and leggings, as well as cotton t-shirts, tanks and hoodies.  However, you don’t have to strictly stick to gym wear. For example, if you fancy wearing a pair of sparkly leggings, no-one is going to stop you.  Or if you’ve found a pair of yoga pants that look like they’re made from faux leather – go out and buy them! 

The trick with the athleisure trend is to purchase gym wear, but not look like you’re just walking home from the gym.  So, feel free to experiment with different colors and textures when building your wardrobe.

Don’t Be Afraid to Splash Out

While athleisure is a pretty cheap trend to follow, it’s still a good idea to spend more on pieces that you will be wearing a lot, or on pieces that tend to wear out faster than others.

For example, when it comes to yoga pants and leggings, the cheaper brands do tend to wear out much more quickly, and there’s nothing worse than walking down the street in a pair of pants that are on the verge of becoming see-through.  If leggings make up a large part of your outfits, be prepared to spend a little bit more on purchasing a decent brand.

Sneakers are another item that you’ll want to spend a bit more on.  Fashion sneakers are items that you will hopefully wear for years, so again, don’t opt for a cheap brand.  Instead, look at the designer options available and choose a pair that you can match with a lot of different outfits, and that lets your personality shine through.  Browsing the range of Balenciaga sneakers on SSENSE, for example, is a great place to start.

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Essentials Get You Started

Athleisure is one of those trends where it’s easy to get a little bit lost. So, to help you out, we’ve listed some of the most common essentials to get started:

A Classic Jacket

You can’t go wrong with a classic Adidas jacket.  These were all the rage in the 90s, and you can still buy them today.  Black or navy are the ideal colors if you want to mix and match outfits with ease, but there are plenty of other colors available too.  If you don’t want to hit the 90s vibe, check out Puma’s selection of jackets. Puma is more understated and can be dressed up easier.

Sweatshirts & Hoodies

While a plain hoody is a good option for lots of people, when it comes to athleisure, you want to look for ways that you can dress your outfit up.  So, look for sweatshirts and hoodies that contain unique details such as patterns, prints, or embellishments like sequins. You can also find sweatshirts that crisscross or have a tie-front for a little something different.

Leggings

If you’re planning on buying some leggings purely for the athleisure look, you’ll want something with a little more oomph than your traditional yoga pants.  An ultra-mesh pair, or a pair that looks like faux leather are both good choices. You could also, again, look for leggings that come with unique embellishments to really stand out.

Sneakers

Your sneakers need to be both comfortable and fashionable, but thankfully there are a lot of great fashion sneakers on the market today.  Even the leading designers have got in on this trend, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Whether you want some white Adidas three stripes, an outrageous pair from Gucci, or some APL running shoes, you’ll find plenty of options.

Athleisure is a great trend that can be both dressed up or dressed down, and customized to meet your personal style.  Plus, it’s super comfortable; and who doesn’t love that?

Words by Jessica Sweet