How To Style Athleisure in 2024
You know the drill. You're sprinting to snag those avocados from the store, jumping on your umpteenth Zoom call of the day, or being the superstar parent at the school drop-off.
And there it is, the million-dollar question echoing in your mind: "What do I wear?"
You stand before your closet, clothes staring back at you, yet the puzzle of crafting that stylish yet casual ensemble seems just out of reach. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and the answer is simple. Athleisure.
The quest for comfort without sacrificing style has led to the rise of athleisure fashion—a trend that fuses the functionality of activewear with the ease of everyday clothing.
This blend of athletic and leisure wear is not just for the gym—it's for life's every moment.
In this post, I’ll explore the basics of how to wear athleisure style and how you can incorporate the athleisure trend into your daily fashion choices.
What is Athleisure Style?
Athleisure style is a fashion trend that merges the comfort and functionality of athletic wear with the elegance and versatility of casual clothing. It’s where sporty meets chic, blending gym-ready comfort with street-smart flair.
This includes pieces like leggings, yoga pants, sports bras, tank tops, joggers, and sneakers, often paired with more traditional fashion elements such as blazers, jackets, and accessories to create outfits that are suitable for a variety of occasions.
As our homes morphed into offices, gyms, and everything in between, athleisure wear became our uniform of choice. It's the perfect ally for a world that's constantly blurring the lines between formal and casual, work and leisure.
That, in a nutshell, is athleisure style.
Why is Athleisure So Popular?
Athleisure isn’t just about looking good (though, let's be honest, that's a pretty big part of it). It's about a lifestyle that embraces flexibility, comfort, and a dash of spontaneity. It was in 2020 that athleisure really took off, fueled by the global pivot to remote work and the need to remain nimble throughout the day.
The popularity boils down to its unbeatable combo of comfort, style, and versatility. This trend hits the sweet spot between cozy and chic, making it perfect for just about anything—from a sweat session to a coffee date.
Here's why everyone's loving athleisure:
Comfort Is King: With soft, stretchy fabrics, athleisure wear feels like a hug you can wear all day.
Style on the Go: These pieces don’t just look good in the gym; they're designed to turn heads on the street too, blending fashion with fitness.
Mix, Match, and Repeat: The versatility of athleisure means you can pair the same leggings with sneakers for a workout, then with heels and a blazer for dinner.
All-Day Wear: Athleisure is perfect for the modern, busy lifestyle, moving with you from morning errands to evening relaxation without missing a beat.
Inclusive and Adaptive: This trend embraces all body types, ages, and genders, promoting a more inclusive fashion scene.
In 2024 this hybrid is more than just a passing fad: athleisure has evolved with sophisticated designs and eco-conscious materials, making it a mainstay in both our closets and social trends.
How to Style Athleisure (and dress with intention)
Styling athleisure is more than just pulling on comfortable clothes—it's about dressing with purpose. Every piece you choose, from your go-to leggings for that impromptu latte dash to the cozy sweater for your zoom-a-thon, sets the stage for your mood and how the world sees you.
Brands like Lululemon and Vuori are popular choices, but the world of athleisure is vast and varied. When choosing athleisure trends, seek out pieces that resonate with your personal style and fit like a dream.
And if you're ever in doubt, remember, your friendly Atlanta personal stylist (hi, that's me! 😉) is here to help guide you through the athleisure maze to your perfect look.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
For the Ladies: Start with that perfect white tee; it's your canvas for countless looks. Pair it with go-anywhere leggings and a sneaker that doesn’t know the meaning of compromise. Throw on an oversized blazer, and you're not just dressed, you're dressed to impress.
For the Gents: Your journey begins with a breathable white tee, the cornerstone of athleisure. Add in some tailored joggers and a pair of sneakers that are as stylish as they are comfortable, and you've got a look that says, "I'm here for a good time and a long time."
Planning Your Outfits:
Planning the perfect athleisure outfit in advance is key. Here are some tips:
Start with a Vision:
Choose items that align with how you want to feel—energetic, relaxed, or confident? Consider the day's activities and opt for a look that will carry you through with both comfort and style.
Layer for Style and Function
Mash up the basics, like that trusty tee, with a show-stopping piece (hello, oversized blazer!) for a little drama. Toss a long cardigan into the mix with a crop top and those trusty high-waisted pants for a look that says, "I woke up like this."
Accessorize
Throw in some fun accessories to spice things up—a sleek backpack or those cool aviator sunnies can really turn up the volume on your vibe. And don't forget a statement belt or a chic scarf to tie it all together.
Colors and Patterns Are Your Friends
Mix in colors that complement each other and integrate patterns to keep the outfit from being too plain - BUT - be mindful not to overdo patterns; balance is key to a cohesive look.
Step Up Your Shoe Game
End on a high note with the perfect pair of kicks. The right shoes can make or break your athleisure anthem. Sneakers can keep it casual, while loafers add an unexpected, polished twist.
When opting for athleisure, choose shoes wisely—they should uphold comfort without sacrificing the intentional aspect of your outfit.
Remember, every item in your athleisure capsule wardrobe can play a role in crafting outfits that express intentionality. Your attire reflects your personal brand, and even casual wear can be a deliberate choice.
How to Dress Up Athleisure
Choosing athleisure is more than a fashion statement; it's a declaration of how you want to move through your day. Like I said earlier, start with a goal, layer with purpose, and accessorize with intention.
The key is to mix, match, and experiment. Remember, every piece tells a part of your story. Here are some tips on dressing up athleisure wear to create your own style:
1. Choose a Standout Piece: Start with a standout athleisure item, like a pair of retro-inspired sneakers or a piece with unique details. This can serve as the focal point of your outfit.
2. Mix with Non-Athletic Items: Elevate your look by pairing athleisure pieces with more traditional or formal items, such as a skirt and heels or a blazer.
3. Accessorize: Add accessories like hats, jewelry, and bags to complement your athleisure attire and enhance the overall look.
4. Stick to Minimalist Pieces: Opt for stylish clothes with clean cuts and minimalist aesthetics to keep the look sleek and polished.
5. Balance with Regular Clothes: Combine athleisure items with everyday clothes to create a balanced look that appears intentional and put-together.
By following these tips, you can successfully dress up your athleisure wear for a variety of occasions while maintaining a chic and comfortable ensemble.
Is Athleisure Wear Still in Style in 2024?
The future of athleisure is as bright and dynamic as a sunrise yoga session. We're not just talking about clothes that fit our bodies; we're talking about clothes that fit our lives.
As we leap forward, expect to see even more innovation, where smart fabrics meet cutting-edge design, and where sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a commitment.
Imagine clothes that adapt to you: fabrics that breathe when you do, that warm you up or cool you down as needed. Athleisure is set to embrace technology in a way that seamlessly blends fashion with function.
And the designs? They're getting a high-fashion makeover, proving once and for all that athleisure can hold its own on the runway and the running track.
Incorporating Athleisure Fashion into Your Wardrobe
Remember, the essence of athleisure is confidence. It's about feeling as good as you look and embracing versatility in every aspect of your life. As you curate your athleisure look, think of it as building a collection that celebrates your lifestyle, one that allows you to move, work, and play with ease.
Mix in colors and patterns that lift your spirits, choose pieces that flatter your form, and don't be afraid to experiment.
So, whether you're stepping out for a coffee or stepping up for a workout, remember your athleisure wardrobe is a reflection of you. Let it tell your story, your way.
