Ah, January, the month of resolutions that will be lucky to make it out of the month alive. Despite knowing that, I have resolved to make exercise regular part of my life, and almost half way through the month, I am sticking to it, with plans to step it up another level once school starts. What that does mean, however, is a rethink of my daily wardrobe, and asking myself the question, "can I really wear my yoga pants all day long?"
The answer is, of course, a resounding yes! More than ever, athleisure has moved from being a trend to being an entire category of fashion. As more and more women realize the importance of health and fitness, they are integrating it into their daily lives. The key for me is to have clothes that are functional for my gym classes/Pilates/to and from the pool, while also looking chic and stylish when transitioning from school drop off to workout to errands to coffee with friends.
Basics
Just like any other wardrobe capsule, think basics first. Key pieces in neutral colours are a great place to start and will make it easy to build outfits that can take you to more places than just the gym. Begin with a well fitting pair of black compression capris/tights and a pair of joggers, a couple of black sports bras and 3 longer length tops. These basics will work together and with other items to create many different outfits to suit whatever your day throws at you. Obviously, the more times a week your workout, the more pieces you will need to invest in (or do the laundry more often!).
Fabric
Sometimes it is better to pay a little bit more for performance fabrics. Fabric that is moisture wicking, quick drying and odor resistant is the key to being able to go from the gym to a coffee shop without feeling icky.
The third piece
A slouchy sweater, a cocoon cardigan, a well worn leather jacket or an open front vest provides the extra coverage that will transform your gym wear into an actual outfit.
Accessories
A quick change of shoe, the addition of a scarf, and a gym bag that doubles as a stylish tote can make all the difference with little to no effort. Now, I'm not suggesting adding in a heel (let's leave that to the magazine stylists, shall we?), but switching out the trainers for a cool moto boot after spin class, or wearing sporty ballerinas to Pilates instead of flip flops can complete your stylish athleisure look.
Toiletries
Not technically part of the capsule wardrobe, but just as essential, I like to pack a toiletries bag with dry shampoo, face wipes, deodorant wipes, tinted sunscreen base, mascara and lip gloss. These six items take me from flushed to fresh in no time.
When school goes back both the kids have early morning swim club and instead of the old me sitting and reading a book, I've decided to dive in as well. Track pants and a tank slip over a swimsuit on the way, but paired with a scarf and coordinating tote look simply stylish for the school run.
Throwing a longer length cocoon cardi over your spin class Lycra turns functional into fashionable when you add in some geometric silver jewellery and trade in the cycle shoes for a pair of packable ballet flats. Red lips an optional extra!
The graphic print tank and track pants are perfect for my pilates class and a simple pair of graphic studs won't get in the way. On a side note, I can't recommend the Nike Studio Wraps highly enough for pilates or barre class - perfectly grippy, but I can still feel my toes on the ground. After class, slipping on a pair of moto boots and silver aviators and grabbing a structured tote will take me through running all of my errands, and is even stylish enough to go on a quick lunch date with my hubby!
So as you can see, a well considered athleisure capsule is not only functional, but stylish as well, and will go a long way towards motivating you to get up and keep moving.
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Labels: fashion, lifestyle, sahm, shopping, style
