Navigating the world of athleisure wear can be tricky if you don’t know much about sports attire and how to bring different sports apparel items together in harmony. In today’s world, practical and comfortable clothes are becoming more accepted compared to their stiff counterparts such as pencil skirts and suits. However, combining fashion and function can be hard, as you don’t want to give off the impression you just rolled out of bed. To make your sports attire work for you, take a look at our fashion tips below.
Tip #1: Start With Your Feet
Just like a house, you build from the bottom up, which should also be done when you get dressed in the morning. Your shoes say a lot about you and are the first thing people notice about you, even before your smile. The worst part of getting dressed in the morning is curating a bomb outfit, only to find out you have no shoes to go with it. By starting with stylish footwear options first, you’ll find it’s much easier to pick out the other articles of athletic clothing.
To pull off a sporty look, start with durable casual shoes that are neutral in color, such as black, white, grey, or navy blue. A neutral-colored shoe will complement almost any color scheme and will make choosing the rest of your ensemble much easier. If you want to add personality to your feet, you can pair your shoes with unique socks, such as NFL socks, that add a subtle touch of flash and flair while representing your favorite sports team.
Tip #2: Layer the Top
Now that you have your shoes picked out, you can get down to business and complete the rest of your outfit. We’ll start with your top first. When pulling off an athleisure look, it’s best to stick to seasonal trends. So, if it’s summer, you most likely won’t need to layer, but fall, winter, and spring can all have their own chilly and cold days.
When picking out a top, err on the appropriate side of things. If you want to make your sports attire work for you, you want to make sure it can be worn both at the gym and out and about as you complete or errands or head to lunch. So, if you’re a woman, a simple sports bra may not work. And if you’re a man, cut-off tank tops with gaping holes on the side won’t suffice either. When in doubt, cover up.
With these guidelines in place, look for shirts, tanks, and hoodies that can work for multiple occasions. Designer tops are often safe bets when looking for something that can be worn for different events, as designer brands keep up with fashion trends more closely. To layer up, wear a sports bra, matching tank or top, and a zip-up hoodie if you’re a woman. If you’re a man, a dry-fit long-sleeved shirt with a puffy vest will keep you warm and stylish.
Tip #3: Find Versatile Bottoms
Once you have your top figured out, you can move onto the bottoms. When you choose a top, add more personality by choosing once with a print or design on it. However, with the bottoms, it’s best to choose a neutral pair that compliment your shoes and match your shirt or tank. For example, women can choose a pair of full-length or capri leggings with a flashy, dri-fit shirt, while men can choose joggers and a sleek tank. Most bottoms are breathable, which make them the perfect garment for outdoor activities such as hiking or walking around town.
Tip #4: Mix and Match
Pulling off a sporty look doesn’t mean you can only wear athletic wear. If you want to create a more sophisticated look, pair your leggings or joggers with a jean jacket, puffer jacket, or a teddy bear jacket. Or, if you’re wearing jeans and khakis, throw on an athletic top or windbreaker to show your sporty side. However, as you mix and match, it’s important to choose apparel items that match or have similar color schemes, so you don’t end up looking like one of those multi-colored pens.
Tip #5: Accessorize
Accessories can pull an outfit together. When you’re trying to make your sports attire work for you, never undermine the power of accessories. Some athletic-inspired accessories you should include in your wardrobe are:
- Headbands
- Backpacks
- Sunglasses
- Baseball caps
- Fitness tracking watch
- Simple jewelry
Bringing It All Together
Now that you know what pieces you need to pull off a sporty look, it’s time to go through your closet and curate the perfect athleisure outfit. For those who want to improve their style, using these tips will take you from drab to fab in no time.
