Comfy. Cute. Versatile. It’s no wonder athleisure style is so popular. If you’re in need of outfit ideas and styling tips for classy activewear looks, welcome. Your chic athleisure capsule wardrobe has arrived.
WHAT IS ATHLEISURE (AND HOW CAN YOU ROCK IT)?
Athleisure style involves clothing that is functional enough to exercise in yet stylish enough to be worn out and about. Sporty staples in an athleisure capsule wardrobe include leggings, tank tops, yoga pants, sports bras, biker shorts, and athletic sneakers. Blending athletic clothes with everyday clothing creates a style that’s both comfortable and cute.
Athleisure is comfy and cute. What’s not to love? Well, casual comfort can slip into… sloppy city. Yes, when wearing gym clothing around town, there is a risk of looking unkempt or downright sloppy. To avoid this, we’ll cover essentials like fabric selection, outfit balance, and more as we build a capsule closet.
Ready to don some sporty chic looks? Let’s get started!
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CHIC ATHLEISURE CAPSULE WARDROBE
This athletic capsule wardrobe features multiple layering options and pops of color to keep outfits interesting. Take a look at the essentials including tank tops, t-shirts, and leggings. Then, browse cute athleisure outfit ideas below.
Need some casual and cute athletic essentials? Click on the pieces below to shop the capsule wardrobe.
5 TOPS
4 BOTTOMS
3 OUTERWEAR
CUTE ATHLEISURE OUTFIT IDEAS
Running errands? With comfortable fabrics and sleek cuts, athleisure looks work well for girlies on the go. For a sporty chic look, pair an athletic tank with breezy linen joggers. Monochrome leggings and a long sleeve look make for another chic running errands outfit.
There are more sporty chic outfit ideas to come. But first, let’s cover the wardrobe essentials and steps for creating athleisure looks with ease.
ATHLEISURE CAPSULE WARDROBE CHECKLIST
HOW TO PUT AN ATHLEISURE OUTFIT TOGETHER
1. Choose Sleek Underwear
Real talk: your underwear can make or break your sporty chic outfit. To avoid unsightly panty lines, select seamless underwear. A nude, seamless pair of underwear will sit under leggings and yoga pants without making its presence known.2. Select The Right Fabrics
Let it be known- not all leggings are created equal. When selecting bottoms for an athleisure outfit, pick a durable and opaque fabric. For example, lycra and elastane leggings offer more durability and support than a cotton pair will. Pick a sturdy pair that you can depend on.3. Include a Pop of Color
Black, white, and gray. Yawn. While they offer a great base for mixing and matching, they shouldn’t be the only colors in your capsule. To liven things up, add a color or two. The capsule outfits below showcase pops of green in the color palette. What can I say? I’m a fan of a colorful wardrobe.4. Liven Up with Layers
Did someone say cozy cardigan? Me. It was me. And I stand by it. Cardigans, puffer vests, trench coats, and pullovers can transform a boring outfit into a cute one. Use layers to incorporate your non-athletic clothing so you look less gym rat and more woman on the go.5. Pick Clean Shoes
Goodbye, scuffed-up sneaks. There’s no place for you in an athleisure capsule wardrobe. Pop on a pair of fresh athletic shoes for a polished look.6. Add Accessories
Complete your athleisure outfit with accessories like a functional crossbody bag and dainty jewelry. A sporty cap (like this cute ventilated one) is another great staple.FALL & SUMMER ATHLEISURE OUTFITS
Who says athletic wear can’t be chic? With thoughtful accessories and occasional layering, you’re well on your way to chic summer and fall athleisure outfits.
Below, you’ll find balanced outfits that straddle the line between sporty and elevated:
Linen joggers and a fitted tank offer the perfect balance of tight and baggy.
A chic cashmere wrap brings sophistication to joggers and slides.
An all-white t-shirt and tennis skirt combo make for a stunning summer athletic look.
Scroll on for more!
SUMMER ATHLEISURE OUTFITS
Summer essentials like slides, tennis skirts, and flattering athletic dresses will keep you feeling as cool as you look. When building athletic outfits in summer, reach for sweat-wicking fabrics and lightweight accessories.
FARMER’S MARKET OUTFITS
When it comes to simple pleasures, a leisurely stroll through the farmer’s market is top of the list. These farmer’s market outfits are comfortable and ideal for easy movement. Trust me, breezy linen and breathable cotton will make great additions in your athleisure closet.
FALL ATHLEISURE OUTFITS
These laid-back fall looks are equal parts cozy and stylish. Remember that a little layering can make a world of difference when it comes to elevating a look. Also essential? Warm pieces that look polished. Swap a hoodie for a chic half zip to see what I mean. Instantly better looking.
TIPS FOR LOOKING CLASSY IN ACTIVEWEAR
So you want to look classy in activewear. Who doesn’t? Here’s how to level up your athleisure capsule wardrobe:
1. PICK QUALITY FABRICS
Leggings and bras should flatter and support you. Make sure the fabric is well-constructed (not see-through) to avoid wardrobe mishaps.
2. BALANCE YOUR OUTFITS
It’s all about balance, baby- between loose and tight-fitting clothing, that is. Picture a flowy cardigan with fitted leggings or a breezy pair of joggers with a fitted tank top.
3. SELECT INVISIBLE UNDERWEAR
Nothing ruins an outfit like panty lines poking through. Select seamless undies to keep your legging looks sleek.
4. WEAR MATCHING SETS
Toss on a monochrome set to look effortlessly put together. Too easy.
5. ADD JEWELRY
Rings, dainty necklaces, and earrings will level up an athleisure look. Are you glistening from that cardio session or from the tasteful bling you’re sporting?
6. PLAY WITH LAYERS
Pair regular clothing with workout gear to put the leisure in athleisure. A versatile utility jacket or trench coat make great additions.
7. KEEP ATHLETIC CLOTHING NEAT
Rips, stains, and wrinkles, oh my! Keep your athletic clothing clean and well-maintained to avoid looking like you rolled out of bed.
Alo Yoga: It girl brand Alo features trendy athleisure wear that’s both functional and cute. Their collection features essentials including leggings, sports bras, and tops. Browse the designs of Alo Yoga and take your athleisure style to the next level.
Beyond Yoga: Experience ultimate comfort and flexibility with Beyond Yoga’s athleisure offerings. Picture buttery-soft leggings, cozy tops, and other essentials perfect for both workouts and casual wear.
Lululemon: A sporty chic brand that needs no introduction, Lululemon combines comfort and style effortlessly. Explore their collection of leggings, sports bras, and tops to create classy activewear looks.
Athleta: Discover athleisure pieces that celebrate women’s bodies and promote sustainability at Athleta. Their inclusive sizing and eco-conscious practices make it easier to find comfortable and stylish options, including leggings, tops, and jackets.
Outdoor Voices: Dive into the world of comfortable and versatile athleisure wear with Outdoor Voices. Their collection of activewear staples, such as leggings, shorts, and sweaters, boasts an array of colors and styles.
Sweaty Betty: Indulge in stylish athleisure wear that doesn’t compromise on performance with Sweaty Betty. Their collection features fashion-forward and functional pieces like a ventilating cap to keep your head cool.
Outdoor-Specific Stores (REI, Patagonia): For my outdoorsy girls, REI and Patagonia are go-to stores. Explore their sustainable and durable activewear, designed to withstand the great outdoors while keeping you stylish.
The size of your closet depends on your needs. If you wear athleisure outfits most of the time, a 20-30 piece capsule wardrobe may be best for you. But, if you only wear sporty chic on the weekends, a smaller 10-15 piece capsule should do. For more guidance, check out this guide on how many pieces should be in a capsule wardrobe.
