By Dana Helm
Stitched-yolk pullover in indigo blue/red stripe, pictured with navy military twill jacket. Photo: Talbots
Do you wish you could fit a workout into your day before heading to the office but don’t have the time to transform from athletic togs to business appropriate?
Maybe you’d like to burn off some calories before lunch at the office? Or perhaps, you’d just like to look chic while wearing something comfortable?
You are in luck. Today’s latest and lasting women’s fashion trend, commonly called athleisure, satisfies all those needs. The relaxed, trendy style, birthed from the evolution of women leading healthier lifestyles and requiring clothing that’s more functional, is still in.
Alo White OM YES Graphic Tee. Image courtesy of Nordstrom
What is Athleisure?
Athleisure is the effortless blend of style and function that looks appropriate for the gym, yoga, grocery store, a visit to a friend’s house, and everywhere in between. This is one trend that works for all demographics, sizes, and styles.
Still, there’s a fine line between athleisure and unkempt. Luckily, the team at Healthy Aging® is here to walk you through the trend from head to toe…
(Left) Nike jacket. Photo: Nordstrom
All-Weather Outerwear
When the weather is unpredictable, we recommend layering and having options for rain, shine, heat, and chill. That said, you have several choices for your outermost layer…
First, consider a windbreaker or some type of rainproof jacket. These items are lightweight and comfortable, so they won’t inhibit your ability to run or prevent you from feeling comfortable throughout the day. These pieces wick away water, should you get caught in the rain, and they are easy to pair with your favorite leggings and sneakers for an easy, active look.
Sweaters and sweatshirts are also popular players in an athleisure look. If a sweatshirt is a bit too casual for your style, we recommend a light or loose-fitting sweater. This item is easy to toss over a tank top after a workout and can provide a more refined look while still keeping cozy.
(Left) Athleta, High Rise Magnolia Chaturanga™ Capri. Photo: Athleta
Leggings: Classic or Funky
(Right) Black Alo Elevate Leggings. Image courtesy of Nordstrom
There is some debate over whether or not leggings are appropriate all day long. However, any well-fitting legging made of performance materials should never come into question.
An added bonus of high-quality leggings is its compression. Your body always looks firm and sleek, and you never have to worry about your pants becoming see-through as you stretch.
With such a wide variety of women’s brands now making excellent quality leggings, you also have your choice of any style or pattern that suits you. If you’re more into the classic look, you may choose a black or gray pant with simple stripe accents. If you’d prefer to spice things up in the legging department, choose a bold pattern or pretty floral print. The options are endless, so stock up on a mixture if you can’t choose just one style.
Flipbelt Crops. Photo: Flipbelt
One of the problems we hear about leggings is there are no pockets! Where do you stuff your cell phone? If you are looking for a pair that can take you from the gym to the grocery store and can hold your phone, keys or credit card smoothly and without bulging, try on a pair of FlipBelt Crops. The fabric is smooth, doesn’t pill in the wash, and holds all of your stuff. Best part is you don’t have to keep pulling them up like some leggings or athletic tights. They just fit well around the middle. While technically these are for running, you will feel at home in them as athleisure wear.
The golden rule for proper leggings wear is to never, ever show your butt. There are plenty of tops to cover your derriere, even if you have a bod that looks like you spent hours and hours at the gym.
