How to Wear Athleisure – In Real Life

We can pretty much all agree that athleisure is here to stay, right? The trend that shot to fame a few years ago is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, the word “athleisure” has been added to the dictionary with the definition, “casual clothing designed to be worn both for exercising and for general use.” Sure, that definition is right, but we like to think of athleisure as mixing practicality with fashion. The trend effortlessly combines sportswear with ready-to-wear styles that is both chic and comfortable.

But how do you wear athleisure IRL? We’ve got you covered.

Layer, Layer, Layer

Athleisure is all about layering. Layer your favorite sports pieces under fashion items. For example, wear a sports bra under a chic leather jacket. Or, pair leggings with a sophisticated coat. Additionally, try wearing leggings with a longer top or tying your favorite plaid around your waist to make the look more streetwear appropriate.

Sneakers Are Your Friend 

It wouldn’t be athleisure without sneakers. Your favorite workout sneakers don’t have to be left in the closet when choosing your next happy hour outfit. Try wearing some distressed jeans and a cute crop top or bodysuit with your athletic sneakers for an effortlessly cool outfit. Or, pair fashion sneakers with your workout leggings and a graphic tee for a brunch-appropriate (and enviable) outfit.

Accessorize 

No outfit would be complete without accessories. To keep that sleek sports vibe, add aviator glasses, a stylish backpack or a baseball hat to complete the look. As for jewelry, to keep the outfit from looking too over the top, stick to a pair of silver or gold hoop earrings or a thin necklace or choker.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Athleisure 

• Don’t be afraid to get creative: It may be tempting to stick to a neutral color palette, but don’t be afraid to mix different textures or prints to make the look your own.
• Do mix fabrics: To make the look truly athleisure, mix fabrics such as denim and faux leather with sports fabric. It’ll give the outfit that edgy yet effortless feel.
• Don’t over-accessorize: To keep the look sophisticated yet trendy, don’t overdo it with the accessories. Stick to simple jewelry and accessories. But hey, if over-accessorizing is your thing, we are here to support you.
• Do make it work-appropriate: Yes, you can wear athleisure to work. To make it office-friendly, replace your blazer with a bomber jacket. Or, pair a sporty t-shirt with tailored pieces. We’re pretty sure if your office had best-dressed, you would win for this look.

Don’t just shy away from the athleisure trend because you’re afraid of looking more like “I just came from spin class” than “I’m on my way to brunch post-spin class.” Keep these tips and tricks in mind if you’re looking to add athleisure to your outfit rotation.

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