Fashion

Nailing Athleisure: Style Tips And Pitfalls to Avoid

Nailing Athleisure: Style Tips And Pitfalls to Avoid
Fashion is an ever-evolving world. For this reason, we see so many trends cropping up every other day. Athleisure is one such trend that has gained massive popularity over the years. The term "athleisure" is a neologism that combines the terms "athletic" and "leisure." As the name suggests, athleisure is about combining casual everyday clothing with athletic wear. In a nutshell, athleisure encompasses wearing athletic wear in not-so-athletic settings.

When you think of athletic clothes, what comes to mind is tracksuits and yoga pants, but athleisure is so much more than that. It involves other articles of clothing such as; leggings, sneakers, shorts, sweatpants, tights, gym tanks, and much more. In this article, we will do a deep dive into the style tips and pitfalls to avoid for nailing athleisure.

The Rise of Athleisure

Athleisure has its roots in the late 20th century when sportswear began to ingratiate itself into ordinary clothes. Athletic clothing was first made to be functional for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Athleisure didn't start to take off as a popular fashion trend, though, until the late 2000s and early 2010s. Several socioeconomic, cultural, and fashion-related elements are responsible for the rise of athleisure. With health and wellness trends becoming more popular, more and more people engage in sports and fitness activities and as such, they search for clothing that is both comfortable and fashionable.

The popularity of athleisure can also be attributed to celebrities and influencers often being seen spotting athleisure when running errands. A lot of athleisure firms brands run active social media marketing, which has been helpful in spreading excitement about the trend and increasing awareness of it. Another factor contributing to the rise of athleisure is the change in workplace culture. People are no longer needed to wear suits and dresses to work in many places of business. Athleisure attire is in demand as a result because it is both pleasant and functional. Let's delve in and see what works.

Comfort


Image source: Unsplash 

Comfort is the foundation of athleisure. The material chosen needs to be breathable, flexible, and moisture-wicking. Popular choices include spandex, moisture-wicking polyester, and cotton blends. Choose clothing that is comfortable to move in without sacrificing style.

Stick to Minimalist Pieces

The athleisure aesthetic is known for its relaxed atmosphere and its use of simple color palettes, therefore it is important to stick with more simple pieces when putting together an athleisure look. Make sure to start building your ensemble with black, white, grey, or neutral-toned pieces before perhaps adding a splash of color. 
You can also include matching sets in your athleisure wardrobe for an effortless put-together look.

Layering

A key approach for developing an eye-catching and fashionable athleisure look is layering. It not only gives your clothing more depth and dimension, but it also enables you to change your look to meet diverse weather and fashion preferences. Selecting items made from complementary fabrics is absolutely essential when layering for an athleisure aesthetic. A cotton tank top, for instance, would look great with a fleece hoodie and a denim jacket.

Choose The Right Footwear


Image source: Unsplash

Choosing the right footwear is an important part of creating an athleisure look that is both comfortable and stylish. The first thing you need to do is consider the occasion. Are you going to the gym, go out to dinner, or carry out errands? If you want to do a lot of walking, you should pick a pair of supportive, comfy shoes. If you plan to work out, you should pick shoes that are made for your particular activity. Additionally, if you're heading out to dinner, you might want to wear a pair of chic shoes. 
Another important thing to do is ensure you pick shoes that fit you well, both in terms of width and length. 

Accessorizing


Image Source: Unsplash

Never overlook the power of accessories. Accessorizing is a great way to refine your athleisure look and give your outfit a personal touch. You can do this by adding a hat that complements your look, e.g., pair a baseball hat with a more casual athleisure look. Sunglasses are also a great way of adding a touch of style to your outfit, and they have the added advantage of protecting your eyes from the sun. Jewellery is a fantastic way to add a little glitz to your athleisure look. Pick delicate, subtle jewelry. You don't want to go overboard. You may, for instance, put on a watch or a dainty necklace with matching earrings. However, don’t be afraid to add a statement piece like a chunky bracelet or large hoop earrings.

Now that we’ve looked at some of the things that help pull together an athleisure look, let's look at the things that completely throw it off.

Ill-fitting Clothes


Image source: Unsplash

Along with being comfortable, athletic wear should look good. Avoid wearing clothes that are too baggy or tight because they may make you appear disheveled. Choose pieces that fit well and flatter your body shape.

Doing too Much

Wearing nothing but activewear can give the impression that you are going to the gym rather than conducting errands or seeing friends. It may make you look outdated and
unpolished. Balance is important; combine athletic gear with everyday apparel to create a stylish athleisure look. For example, you can pair your sports bra with a good pair of jeans for a casual look.


Inappropriate Occasions 

Although athleisure is versatile, it might not be appropriate for every situation. Athleisure should not be worn to business meetings, job interviews, or other occasions where a more official look is required.

Mismatched Colors

While athleisure encourages playing around with color, clashing hues might make your outfit appear chaotic. Make sure your color schemes are symmetrical and complimentary.

You can boldly step out in looks that make you feel amazing, whether you're visiting the gym or simply going about your everyday activities, by knowing what athleisure fashion trends work and what doesn't. Athleisure is not just a fashion statement. It’s a lifestyle that’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and style. No matter what the occasion, there is an athleisure outfit that is perfect for you.

Just follow the tips above and you'll be sure to nail the look. What do you think of athleisure fashion, and would you try it? Let us know in the comments!
BM

About the Author

Barbara Mogotei