5 Tips: Incorporating Athletic Wear into Daily Fashion

Published on 27 July 2023 6 min read

Choose versatile athletic pieces
Pair athletic wear with casual clothes
Use accessories to elevate your look
Select athletic shoes that complement your outfit
Experiment with layering

Blending athletic wear into your daily outfits is a trend that's gaining traction worldwide. It's all about striking the perfect balance between comfort and style. And the best part? You don't need to be a gym rat to pull off this look. You just need some handy tips to make athletic wear as daily fashion a reality for you. So let's dive in, shall we?

Choose Versatile Athletic Pieces

First off, let's talk about the foundation of any athletic fashion ensemble — the athletic piece itself. Just like the key ingredients in a delicious recipe, your athletic pieces play a starring role in your day-to-day outfits. Choosing the right ones can make all the difference.

Selecting the Right Pieces

The first step is to select items that can easily transition from a workout session to a casual day out. Here are a few ideas:

Leggings: A pair of solid-colored, high-quality leggings can be incredibly versatile. You can dress them up with a nice top and accessories for a day out, or pair them with a sports bra for a workout session.
Athletic Tees: A good athletic tee in a neutral color can be paired with jeans or shorts, making it a great addition to your athletic wear as daily fashion ensemble.
Sporty Jacket: A stylish sporty jacket can easily add a touch of athleisure to your outfit. It can be worn over a casual dress or with jeans and a tee.

Finding the Right Fit

Once you've picked your pieces, the next step is to ensure they fit you well. A well-fitted athletic piece can enhance your look and make you feel more comfortable. Here's what you should remember:

Leggings: Too tight, and you risk being uncomfortable. Too loose, and they might not stay in place. Aim for a snug yet comfortable fit.
Athletic Tees: A good athletic tee should be form-fitting, but not too tight. It should allow for free movement without being too baggy.
Sporty Jacket: Your jacket should be roomy enough to layer over other clothes, but not so big that it swamps you.

Remember, incorporating athletic wear into your daily fashion is all about balance and personal style. So go ahead and mix and match these pieces to create a look that reflects your unique self.

Pair Athletic Wear with Casual Clothes

Now that you've got your athletic pieces sorted, it's time to pair them with your casual wear. The magic of athletic wear as daily fashion lies in the pairing. The right combination can create a look that is both stylish and comfortable.

Pairing Leggings

Leggings are a staple in the athletic wear as daily fashion trend. But how do you pair them for a casual day out? Here are some ideas:

With a Long Top or Tunic: Leggings paired with a long top or tunic can create a stylish, relaxed look. Opt for a top that's long enough to cover your hips for a balanced outfit.
With a Fitted Blazer: Want to take your leggings to the next level? Pair them with a fitted blazer for a chic, polished look.
With a Denim Jacket: For a casual, cool vibe, pair your leggings with a denim jacket. Add a simple tee underneath, and you've got a great outfit for a day out.

Pairing Athletic Tees

Athletic tees may seem like a strictly gym-time piece, but with a little creativity, they can be a star player in your daily outfits. Here's how:

With Jeans: An athletic tee paired with jeans is a classic combo for a reason. It's comfortable, versatile, and effortlessly stylish.
With a Skirt: For a fun, feminine twist, try pairing your athletic tee with a skirt. It's a surprising combination that works!
Under a Jumper: Use your athletic tee as a base layer under a jumper or sweater for a cozy yet fashionable look.

Remember, the key to successfully incorporating athletic wear into your everyday fashion is to experiment and find what works for you. So go ahead, mix and match, and create your unique style.

Use Accessories to Elevate Your Look

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and when it comes to athletic wear as daily fashion, they can be an absolute game-changer. They can transform even the simplest athletic pieces into a stylish ensemble. Let's look at some of the accessories you can use to elevate your athletic wear:

Jewelry

Believe it or not, jewelry and athletic wear can be a great pair. Here's how:

Minimalist Necklaces: A simple, minimalist necklace can add a touch of elegance to an athletic tee or a sports bra.
Statement Earrings: A pair of statement earrings can instantly dress up your athletic wear. They're perfect for when you want to make your outfit a bit more special.
Sporty Watches: A sporty watch not only keeps you on time but also adds a functional and fashionable element to your outfit.

Bags

The right bag can serve as a practical accessory and a fashionable statement when paired with athletic wear:

Backpacks: For a casual, laid-back look, you can't go wrong with a stylish backpack. It's perfect for carrying your essentials and complements your athletic wear perfectly.
Crossbody Bags: A crossbody bag is a fashionable and hands-free option that pairs well with athletic wear for a day out.
Tote Bags: For those days when you have a lot to carry, a stylish tote bag can be a lifesaver. It's practical, versatile, and adds a fashionable touch to your outfit.

Remember, accessories are the finishing touches to your outfit. They can help you express your personal style and add a fashionable twist to your athletic wear.

Select Athletic Shoes That Complement Your Outfit

Selecting the right athletic shoes is a critical part of pulling off athletic wear as daily fashion. The right pair of shoes can tie your whole outfit together. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect athletic shoes to complement your outfit:

Color Coordination

One of the first things you should consider when pairing athletic shoes with your outfit is color coordination. Here are a few options:

Neutral Colors: Black, white, and grey shoes are versatile and can pair well with almost any outfit.
Color Matching: Try matching the color of your shoes with another element of your outfit—a top, a bag, or even a piece of jewelry. This can create a cohesive, put-together look.
Contrasting Colors: If you're feeling bold, go for a pair of shoes in a contrasting color. This can add a fun, unexpected pop to your outfit.

Style and Function

When you're choosing athletic shoes for your daily fashion, consider both style and function. Here's how:

Sneakers: Sneakers are a classic choice for athletic wear. They're comfortable, stylish, and can range from minimalist to bold, depending on your personal style.
Running Shoes: For a sporty look, you can't go wrong with running shoes. They offer great support and can be quite eye-catching if you choose a pair with a unique design.
Slip-Ons: Slip-on athletic shoes are perfect for a relaxed, effortless look. They're easy to wear and can add a laid-back vibe to your outfit.

Remember, the right athletic shoes can elevate your outfit and help you pull off the athletic wear as daily fashion look effortlessly.

Experiment with Layering

Layering is a fantastic technique to add depth and dimension to your outfits and is a great way of incorporating athletic wear into your daily fashion. It allows you to express your personal style, while also providing practicality for changing weather conditions. So, how can you master the art of layering with athletic wear? Let's break it down:

Start with a Base Layer

The base layer is your starting point. It's usually a simple, light item that you can build upon. For an athletic look, a fitted t-shirt, tank top, or sports bra can work perfectly.

Add a Secondary Layer

The secondary layer can add interest and start to bring the outfit together. This could be a button-down shirt, a lightweight hoodie, or even an athletic jacket. The key is to choose something that complements your base layer without overpowering it.

Consider a Final Layer

The final layer can be a statement piece or something that ties the whole outfit together. This might be a trendy bomber jacket, a longline coat, or a chunky knit cardigan. Remember, this layer is optional, and depending on the weather or your personal style, you might choose to skip it.

Don't Forget the Bottoms

While layering often focuses on the top half of the outfit, don't forget about your bottoms. Pairing a well-fitted pair of athletic leggings or joggers with layers on top can create a balanced, fashionable look.

With a little creativity and an open mind, layering can transform your athletic wear into a stylish outfit fit for everyday wear.

If you enjoyed our blog post on incorporating athletic wear into daily fashion and want to learn more about expressing yourself through fashion, check out Lou Croff Blake's workshop, 'Queering Fashion: From Dress Codes to Wardrobe Hacks.' This workshop offers a unique perspective on bending fashion norms and using wardrobe hacks to make a statement with your style.