Athleisure 101: How To Take Your Workout Look Outside The Gym

There’s no doubt about it--fashion is expanding its definition. Where wearing sweatpants and leggings outside the gym used to be unheard of, it’s now become the ultimate effortless, cool-girl look. 

No longer are the days when high-heels and uncomfortable clothes reigned supreme. Of course, if that’s your vibe, more power to you. But in case you feel like bringing your studio look to the streets, here are a few tips on how to make your workout gear chic enough to sport in any situation. 

1. Get Yourself A Good Pair Of Sneakers

Are you tired of the blisters and ankle pain caused by heels? We feel you. There’s a reason why women everywhere take an extra pair of sneakers with them for their work commute. What if you could nix that extra pair? 

Getting yourself a pair of statement sneakers could not only save your toes but can add an original, creative touch to your workwear. Don’t be alarmed if you catch people staring at your feet! They’re probably just wondering where you got your shoes. 

If you’d prefer something a bit more versatile, go for a pair of classic white sneakers. Wear them with your favorite blazer and some wide-legged slacks, or a shift dress, and you’ve got the look down. 

2. Learn How To Make Leggings Work Outside Of That Sweat Session

Looking for something you can wear to the gym, to brunch, and in bed? Leggings might be the ideal item for each of those contexts. Think of them as a blank canvas. The styles available are endless. But don’t stress, that just means you’ll more likely acquire a few different pairs. 

The right ones will make you feel unstoppable. And according to your aesthetic, the final outfit could vary--which is why leggings are such a good buy. 

If you’re going for a post-workout coffee with your BFF, there’s no need to dress to the nines. Pair your leggings with a cute crop to make for the perfect silhouette. Meeting your family for some quality time? Throw on a tee and an oversized sweater for a perfect layering moment. 

Just getting into leggings? Try going for a style that’ll go with everything. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that’ll keep all eyes on you, go for something loud.

3. Don’t Sleep On A Good Matching Set

These days, we’re all about keeping it comfortable. With most of us doing our darndest to WFH, we’re left without a single place to wear our carefully curated pieces. Even though it may feel silly to get dressed up with nowhere to go, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t feel good about our daily outfit picks! 

Designers everywhere are throwing out their formal wear and trading it all in for matching lounge sets. With that said, these sets aren’t just for the home--you can probably catch many people out and about in these effortless looks. 

If you’re looking for something that looks athletic but doesn’t require any real movement, we’d recommend going with a matching set. And for those who want to pop during their weekly grocery runs, consider a non-neutral color.

4. Oversized Tees Are Not Just For At-Home Workouts

Ah, the oversized tee. We usually think of it in the context of sleep attire and vintage P90-X videos, but recently they’ve become bonafide cool girl attire. Gone are the days that we associate this overlooked piece with bumming around. Now, we can rejoice in sporting the easiest things to chuck on. 

The thing with this athleisure trend--you have to know how to wear it, what length works for you, etc. Here are a few athleisure outfit ideas to wear this one with--

Biker Shorts

If you’re a babe who lives in a warmer climate, this one’s for you. Just like the oversized tee itself, biker shorts have been all the rage. Wear yours with a pair of these, untucked or french tucked. Add some sneakers with crisp socks and you’re all set. 

Make It A Dress

Ever see someone wearing an outfit and wonder whether it’s a shirt that’s slightly long or a very short dress? So have we. But don’t be surprised if you see someone co-opting their oversized tee into a dress. It’s becoming more and more commonplace. 

If you need an example of how to pull this off, just look at the above photo. The graphics, the sneakers, the shades, the attitude. If that doesn’t make a case for the oversized tee dress, we don’t know what will. 

5. Remember, Layering Is Our Friend

So you’ve just finished that lunchtime HIIT workout or StairMaster session. Your clothes are sweaty; maybe they’re sticking to your skin--all signs point to a job well done. That is until you have to get back to the grind, looking presentable and polished. 

A seamless yet chic way to do that is by layering. The great thing about this tip is that it leaves tons of room for individuality and creativity. But, if you need a tip or two, a simple way to elevate your athletic gear to athleisure is by throwing on a great jacket. 

Whether that jacket is an oversized wool coat, a denim jacket-sweatshirt combo, or a colorful windbreaker is totally up to you--you know your vibe best. But still, it’s a good rule of thumb to follow. 

Pro tip: If you can, try to stick to a similar color palette when layering! You’ll always look put together and ready to go on to the next big thing. 
If you’re looking to be more comfortable while still turning heads, you might consider trying your hand at putting a look together--this list is sure to get you started. That said, all of these are suggestions, not hard rules. Don’t be afraid to put your personal style into the equation. We all love some good inspo, but make sure you feel like you. Once you’re able to put a touch of flair into it, you’ll wonder why you wore anything else. One thing we can all learn from this trend--beauty doesn’t always have to be pain.