One of the best things about active and athleisurewear is how versatile these pieces can be. In a society that embraces both comfort and style (and welcomes leggings as part of everyday attire), it’s easier than ever to take your workout gear beyond the gym!
But there are still a few rules you should follow when you’re taking your activewear out on the town. After all, you can’t just grab your favorite holey t-shirt and hot pink spandex shorts for a nice day out with your friends. Well, you can, but we don’t recommend it when you can do so much better.
So, how do you effortlessly transition your workout gear into chic street looks? Keep reading to find out how to master the art of activewear street style.
The Benefits of Using Activewear for Everyday Outfits
Before we dive into the how-tos of styling your activewear, let’s touch on a few key reasons that you’d want to do this in the first place. After all, don’t your gym clothes belong in the gym? The answer is, “Only if you want them to!” There are several great reasons you should know how to work your workout clothes in a stylish setting, and they’re all about convenience.
The Post-Workout Rush
If you’ve ever had a tight turnaround between your workout and a hangout, you know how stressful that can be. You have to plan to bring a separate outfit (or rush home), decide whether you have time to shower, and do something with your hair. One way to cut that stress is to wear an outfit that looks good beyond the gym!
If you’re not doing cardio or another high-sweat workout, you can often recycle a trendy athleisure outfit for post-gym activities—especially when you choose clothes that are breathable and moisture-wicking to keep sweat and stench at bay. Just touch up your deodorant and body spray (maybe switch out your sports bra), and no one will be the wiser.
Saving Closet Space
Another great reason to turn your activewear into streetwear is to save space at home. If you’re already low on closet space, choosing gym clothes that easily work as everyday pieces is smart and convenient!
Rather than stuffing all your gym gear into a wrinkle-inducing tight space to make room for your other clothes, replace some of your lesser-used everyday items with versatile activewear pieces that look classy and go with everything.
Saving Money
One last reason to master this activewear style is to save money. If you feel like you have to choose between quality gym clothes and items to wear out and about, you don’t! By carefully choosing activewear with street-style potential, you can double up on uses and cut your costs in half. Just be sure to choose quality pieces that will last when you wear them often.
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Pro Tips for Building a Street-Friendly Activewear Wardrobe
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to beef up your existing activewear collection, here are a few key things to remember if you want effortless street styles.
Keep It Neutral
While we love a good pair of colorful leggings for a yoga sesh, they don’t always transition well to daily activities. To make things easier, choose activewear in opaque neutral colors like black, navy, or gray. You don’t have to limit yourself to these colors, but these make a good foundation because they go well with denim and other colored items you already own.
If you already have quite a few neutrals in your closet, that’s when you may want to branch out to other colors or versatile patterns.
Mix & Match Textures
A full outfit of stretchy athletic material may give your workout fit away. But by mixing and matching fabrics and textures, you can create an undercover look that no one will suspect you wear to the gym! We love matching sleek leggings with a chunky sweater or a cotton t-shirt with faux-leather leggings. Or, throw together your favorite racerback tank with jean shorts. You have so many possibilities to make your activewear work with what you already have, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Don’t Forget the Layers
One of the easiest ways to make your athleisurewear look more stylish is to layer items. A jean jacket or cardigan can be the perfect accent to leggings or a tennis skirt, giving them an immediate upgrade. You can wear them normally or tie them around your waist for that effortlessly casual look.
Choose the Right Shoes
Like any outfit, your shoes can make or break the look. So be sure to ditch your gym sneakers and choose something a bit more elevated. White tennis shoes are a popular choice right now because they go with almost any casual outfit. However, you can also try boots, sandals, or even heels, depending on the look you’re going for!
Add Some Accessories
Every good outfit has accessories, whether it’s your bag or a good pair of earrings. For example, a longline sports bra and tennis skirt can look extra chic with a statement necklace, while leggings and a fitted top may work best with dangly earrings and a crossbody bag. Just play around with your accessories like any other outfit and see what looks the best!
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Key Pieces for a Versatile Activewear Wardrobe
Last but not least, let’s discuss some specific items you should prioritize to make your closet work for you!
Leggings:
Leggings are the champions of activewear. While not all leggings are created for the same purposes, they are generally accepted as a wardrobe staple for women, so it’s easy to slip your workout leggings into your daily rotation. Whether you choose bootcut, capri length, or classic fit, you can effortlessly style them for everyday activities!
We love high-waisted leggings because they go flawlessly with crop tops and jackets. But you can match just about any neutral-colored leggings with denim, a tunic top, or a sweater.
Keep in mind that softer legging fabrics are easier to adapt to a street look. While your workout schedule may call for thick, performance leggings that stand up to high-intensity workouts, those leggings can stand out badly when paired with streetwear. So get those if you need them, but also invest in some low to medium-intensity styles that work for activities like weight lifting, yoga, etc., if you want something more versatile.
Sports Bras:
Got a sports bra with some personality? Make it the star of the show! A good sports bra can become the perfect top layer for your outfit if you plan things right.
Longline sports bras work great as a crop top alternative that pairs well with high-waisted skirts or pants for a sporty vibe. Or, choose a colorful design to wear under a sheer button-down shirt for an edgier look. You also can’t go wrong with a strappy-backed sports bra paired with a tennis skirt or shorts for an effortless summer style.
What to avoid: cheap-looking sports bras or styles with lots of moisture-wicking holes that give away their true purpose.
Skorts:
Athletic skorts are making a big comeback, and half the reason is their versatility. Comfy yet chic, a good tennis skirt is practically effortless to turn into a cute outfit.
Get a patterned or brightly colored one to pair with a sleek white tee shirt, or go for a neutral color that complements an edgier top. No matter how you style it, these skirts are a must-have.
Tank Tops:
Tie-backed, cropped, or racerback—tank tops are great all-around items for your wardrobe. Plus, they give you a chance to show off those hard-earned muscles beyond the gym!
Longer tanks go great with leggings or jeans, while cropped styles are extra cute with high-waisted anything. Racerbacks tend to look best with shorts, but it’s a style you can rock all spring and summer. No matter what style you prefer at the gym, there’s a quick way to turn it into a street-ready outfit!
Athleisurewear is made to be versatile, so don’t be afraid to try different combos until you find ones that show off your personality! And remember, invest in quality pieces that are as stylish as they are functional and comfortable so you can enjoy your wardrobe for years to come.
Wondering where to start? Stelle has a fantastic selection of high-quality athleisure and activewear pieces for you to choose from! From leggings and tennis skirts to tank tops and sports bras, we have all the essentials you need to build that gym-to-street wardrobe!
Check out our chic designs today and get styling!
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