There is no shortage of reasons to love the athleisure style. Many fashionistas are over-wearing uncomfortable outfits when options like leggings and sneakers offer fashionability, convenience, and versatility. Adhering to specific tips can allow you to embrace the athleisure trend daily while elevating your look.
Choose the Season’s Trending Top
One of the best aspects of athleisure is that it is a style composed of several items that are usually trending or classic. Some pieces, like the Unisex Sponge Fleece Pullover DTM Hoodie, combine both.
You can modify your look from one season to the next by sticking with the overall athleisure approach but incorporating individual trending pieces. For example, oversized tops may be fashion-forward one season, and crop tops the next. If you adore the season’s current trending top, stock up on a variety of them if they complement the athleisure look, and start putting together your favorite outfits.
Add an Expensive-Looking Piece
Note that the title says “expensive-looking” and not “expensive.” You can opt for the latter, but it is unnecessary. It is more about the item's appearance and quality than its price tag or the brand name.
We are not saying to buy counterfeit designer goods (please do not do that). From shirts to handbags to sunglasses, many items look much more costly than they are and can easily elevate the look of your outfit without drastically decreasing your bank account.
Check Thrift Stores
Some thrift stores are hidden gems for fantastic athleisure pieces you cannot quickly locate elsewhere, like vintage items that the manufacturers no longer make. So plan a shopping trip to different thrift stores around your neighborhood to see what you can find. In addition, always remember to check that the pieces have no holes, rips, or discolorations you can not fix or stains that will not come out with washing or stain treatment.
Avoid Wearing Anything With Flaws
When you wear athleisure clothing for exercise and various other outings, it can be easy for them to (over time) get stains, rips, or worn out in spots. Forgo sporting any of these items unless you can first fix the damage.
If you are not skilled with sewing, bring it to a sewist who can try to make the proper repairs. Depending on the type of damage and the overall condition of the apparel, you may be surprised at the positive finished results of professional mending. In addition, bring items that may not fit you correctly to the sewist for adjustments.
Get Your Items Tailored
Tailoring is the key to making almost any article of clothing seem like a custom piece. Even items like joggers and hoodies can benefit from tailoring so they fit your form and have the desired look.
Not every athleisure item will need to get tailored. For example, you will likely never have a reason to get biker shorts, sports bras, or bodysuits tailored, but professional mending does excellent things for pieces like jackets and flared leggings. Some modifications here and there, shortening sleeves or raising a hem, could make an incredible difference in the fit and look.
Wear Fancy Footwear
You can wear sneakers as part of your athleisure ensemble but be bold and experiment with other types of footwear, including heels and boots. The juxtaposition of styles can lead to chic overall looks that are comfortable and fashion-forward.
Avoid Oversized Everything
If there is an oversized athleisure piece of clothing you want to wear, consider making that the only one that is part of your current outfit. Let’s say you love a particular oversized hoodie. Pair that with leggings or chinos rather than baggy sweatpants or joggers.
Oversized clothing can feel cozy and comfortable but often look sloppy without pairing it with structured and/or slim-fit pieces. When carrying oversized clothing, like a zip-up hoodie, as a potential layering just-in-case item, accordingly plan so it complements what you are currently wearing. On the hand, keep your oversized clothing for movie nights on your couch.
Add One Statement Piece
Opt for incorporating one statement piece into your athleisure outfit whenever possible. It could be anything from a vintage sweater to a designer handbag. That accessory or clothing can add style and intrigue to your fabulous look.
If you are not used to statement pieces and are uncomfortable with the idea, consider items like large rings, bold sneakers, or big tote bags with vibrant patterns. They are noticeable yet not in your face and are still small enough that they allow you to build up your confidence sporting them.
Keep Your Shoes Clean
Any footwear you sport will get dirty over time, especially if you frequently wear them. It is easy not to realize how dirty they are getting. All that dirt, grass, and grime on the shoes can diminish the overall appeal of your outfit.
Many available tutorials can show you how to clean and properly care for footwear ranging from high-top sneakers to knee-high boots. Give the shoes a light cleaning after you wear them, but remember to give them a frequent deep cleaning so you maintain their appearance and condition.
Note that if any of your favorite shoes show signs of wear, it does not mean you can never wear them again. Take them to a reputable shoe repair shop, see if they can fix the damage, and clean them well.
Switch Up Styles
Many items fall under the athleisure style, allowing for an extensive range of outfit possibilities. You could quickly go from wearing joggers and a tank top during the day to a tennis dress in the evening, all while staying comfortable and fashionable. As a bonus, many pieces can go from one season to the next, making it easy to plan different trendy outfits following current weather conditions.
A vital element of the athleisure style is comfort, so whatever you will be sporting, make sure it makes you feel good. You want to look fabulous, but a lot of that has to do with confidently wearing your clothing and doing so without tugging on the fabric and constantly adjusting it. Accordingly, choose your athleisure wear so you look fabulous and feel fantastic.
