(Photo: Wavebreak Media)
At the beginning of each new semester, a fresh start and first impressions seem worth a bit of extra effort when getting dressed in the morning. But after a few weeks, the temptation to roll out of bed with 10 minutes to find something to wear and hurry off to class conquers all. Whether you’re a creature of comfort or a fashion fanatic, the allure of easy outfits that double as loungewear makes the athletic wear look an appealing choice around campus.
It’s not just college campuses where casual rules, either. In fact, wearing gym gear as street wear has become such a nationwide trend that Merriam-Webster is adding “athleisure” to the 2016 version of the dictionary, making the hybrid term a permanent part of our lives and lexicon. Big brands ranging from Tory Burch to Old Navy have enthusiastically jumped into high style sportswear, eager to gain a share of the $97 billion market—even Beyonce is getting in on the action with her recently launched Blue Ivy line. Dressing down is big business, and that’s a huge relief for college students who mastered the art of casual comfort before there was a name for it. You’re not lazy—you’re a trendsetter.
Aside from feeling good, there are other benefits to athletic wear, including fabrics that are stain-resistant, wrinkle-free, and quick to dry, as well as fashionably versatile and easy to mix and match and dress up or down. With the right styling, athleisure pieces are appropriate everywhere from the lecture hall to a night out on the town.
Dress Up Dressing Down
Although you may be dressed to do so, you’re not actually going straight from crossfit to the club—think of this style as a capsule wardrobe of comfort, and seek out items that go together and put the fun in functional.
Guys, you’ve been denied the luxury of a staple item like yoga pants in public for a long time, but joggers and fancy sweatpants that look more like trousers have flooded the runways of New York Fashion Week and the streets, and men everywhere are slipping into something more comfortable. Make pants seem more presentable than pajamas by pairing them with a stylish shirt and well-fitting hoodie, sporty-looking jacket or pullover. Athletic shorts have also gotten an upgrade with softer fabrics that look more structured than the traditional jersey style, looking equally at home at the beach or in the library. When it comes to accessories, sneakers and a baseball hat in a solid color can help give a subtle step up when you’re taking it easy but want to look good doing it.
The best tip when it comes to looking slick instead of sloppy is to be extra conscious of the way clothes fit. Make sure your pants sit comfortably at your hips and that you’re not walking on your hems, and T-shirts should fit comfortably close without looking oversized. Also, while this laid back look is easily accepted in most social settings, trying to pull it off at work or somewhere that expects traditional attire is still frequently frowned upon, so use discretion.
One of the primary aspects of athleisure is pairing unexpected elements for an ultra casual but cool sense of style that looks both effortless and intentional. For ladies, the list of potential looks is endless—from boho chic with yoga pants and an off-the-shoulder tunic and headband, to pretty in punk by pairing leggings with a muscle tank and moto jacket a la Kylie Jenner. Strappy sports bras are a fun way to make fashion flirty when combined with a slouchy sweater or backless top, and the current array of leggings is limitless—from fantasy-inspired patterns to bright colors. Even basic black goes beyond boring with creative cut-outs or textured details. Shoes are another easy option to transform from slothful to stylish—ballet flats, wedges or boots can all take your pilates-inspired OOTD to the next level. Avoid being too matchy-matchy by mixing your bold pieces with more classic neutrals and keep each outfit’s silhouette in mind; a careful balance of perfectly tailored and “this might be my boyfriend’s” gives your look a purposefully polished edge.
Affordably Fit Fashion
In the land of Lululemon, looking sporty can seem impractical price-wise, but like athletics, good things come to those who put in the work. Here are some top to bottom tips for looking beyond basic on a budget:
Know when to splurge and where to save. Pants, sports bras, outerwear and shoes are foundation pieces where fit and fabric matter.
Follow care instructions, which will most likely suggest not drying on high heat, and throw delicate sports fabrics in a pillowcase prior to laundering.
Sign up for the mailing lists of brands that carry items you like and wait for sales, coupons or special offers.
Although quickly snatched up in thrift stores, upscale consignment shops and online auctions often have secondhand offerings for high-end athleisure brands.
Check out your local yoga, pilates or spin studio’s boutique for under-the-radar clearance racks or sales.
With the athleisure look, you have freedom of movement, a versatile closet, comfortable pants, and the ability to tell the world “I endorse a healthy lifestyle” even if you just rolled out of bed after a night of eating chicken wings. So, put on your favorite workout pants, that shirt you always wear to parties and some accessories to look paparazzi-worthy, no matter where you’re headed.
Ashley McCann was named to Ignite Social Media’s “100 Women Bloggers You Should Read.” Her candid humor, frank advice and years of experience put a fun, fresh spin on modern life. She writes for AshleyquiteFrankly.com and as a fashion and technology writer for eBay.
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Filed under: CAMPUS LIFE Tagged: Ashley McCann, athleisure, ebay, exercise