The Rise of Athleisure Wear Outfits: Fashion Meets Sports

While fashion trends go in and out of style, everyone knows that athleisure wear clothing is here to stay. Yes, although athleisure wear got featured as close as the last decade in Vogue, the trend has been here since the 1970s. The trend set its foot in this vanity-driven fashion world when fitness regimes became popular.

In the early 2000s, with socialite Paris Hilton often photographed in her Juicy Couture tracksuits, the demand for athleisure wear started gaining more momentum. Also, the Juicy Couture tracksuits worn by Regina's mom in Mean Girls became one of the most iconic looks of the movie. As people experimented with casual clothing to wear something different yet comfortable while exercising, sportswear brands started improvising athletic apparel to create clothes that were the first known athleisure wear pieces. Furthermore, it is highly possible that the above instances may be the inspiration for the athleisure wear outfits trend, but there has been no claim.

Although the fashion industry struggled through the Covid times, the athleisure wear outfits market was boosted like no other. With the world prioritizing maintaining a healthy lifestyle and choosing comfortable and functional clothing over uncomfortable attire, the athleisure wear industry sat new paradigms of success. 

Now, with the offices opening again, it seems to end the era of meetings with a notebook and a formal shirt paired with pajamas. However, everybody is facing a hard time saying goodbye to the comfort, style, fit, size, durability, and functionality offered by athleisure wear apparel. And hence, the trend of styling athleisure wear outfits to work is becoming a chartbuster in the fashion world. 

 If you are still caught in the dilemma of how to style athleisure wear for work, we have got you covered. Let's take a look at how athleisure wear outfits can be styled: 

Go for a Comfort Fit 

Athleisure wear outfits are all about comfortable and functional clothing; however, whether one feels comfortable in certain clothing will depend on personal preferences. While one may feel comfortable and good in a sports bra and biker shorts/leggings set, another may beg to differ. So, whether going to the grocery store or grabbing coffee, put together comfortable pieces of women's outfit athleisure wear together to create a comfortable fit that works for you.                                                                        

Pair Little Pants with Big Shirt or Big Pants with Little Shirt 

Apply the rule of little pants with an oversized shirt or big pants with a little shirt with the athleisure wear outfits, just as you would with any other clothing. This fashion rule elevates any look, is quite simple to pull off, and is trending everywhere. To achieve this look, pair tight-fitting biker shorts or leggings with a baggy t-shirt or sweatshirt, or you can pair a sports bra or a fitted workout top with sweatpants. 

Mix and Match 

Mixing and matching is a fun way to style your athleisure wear outfits. Create a balanced look by mixing athleisure pieces with other garments such as jeans, formal pants, jackets, and more. Team up a fitted workout top with formal pants, sneakers, and blazers. Or you can wear biker shorts, a sports bra, an oversized blazer, and a pair of heels. 

Consider the Occasion 

While one can get creative styling athleisure wear outfits, one general rule of thumb in fashion is to always dress for the occasion. Wearing athleisure wear to a job interview, a wedding, or a fancy restaurant may not be appropriate. However, if you're wondering if you can style athleisure wear for work, you can if the dress code is casual and you style it correctly. While a sports bra with biker shorts or leggings may not be the ideal office wear, a pair of leggings with a loose-fitted shirt or formal pants with sneakers can be easily worn in the office. 

Stick to Neutrals and Minimalistic Pieces

Sticking to neutral tones and minimalistic pieces that feature a simple silhouette are items that will go with everything. So, choose black, white, grey, and neutral-toned pieces and build your athleisure wear outfits around these pieces. And once you are comfortable with the minimalistic look, add a pop of color. 

Consider Layering

Layering is key to taking a notch up on any outfit, so when styling athleisure wear outfits, layer fashionable clothing items such as denim, leather, and overcoats to create layers over athleisure wear items. You can also pair a sporty crop top with high-waisted pants to achieve a comfortable and stylish look. 

Accessorize Properly  

One cannot complete athleisure wear outfits without proper accessories. Accessorizing is one way to level up your sporty and sleek look instantly. Add a pair of sunglasses and a leather jacket, or tie a sweater around your waist to complete your look. You can also add a waist chain, a simple pair of hoop earrings, a necklace, or a watch, depending on your preference and the style you are going for. 

Conclusion