If you are into fashion but also enjoy a good sweat, chances are you have heard of athleisure. It is a great style for both men and women who are active and need functionality in their clothing collection. If you want to nail the look with both fashion and comfort, you will need some vital accessories.
What is Athleisure?
Officially added to dictionaries everywhere, athleisure refers to a style that combines athletic gear with more general or formal accents. It is the very definition of fashion meets function. An athleisure wardrobe reflects the person’s lifestyle and not just their pocketbook.
Athleisure gained steam in recent years due to its inherent practicality and comfort aspects. Trying to switch out clothing for every occasion means you could carry multiple outfits or make several trips home to change on a busy day. Athleisure reduces the inconvenience without sacrificing taste.
Joggers
Amongst the functional and fashionable accessories necessary to embrace athleisure, joggers stand out as the most consistently leveraged piece. They are more form-fitting than traditional sweatpants, with the legs thoughtfully tapered to reduce bagginess. The right pair can create a tailored look without the added chore of going to a tailor.
Joggers can come in different styles and materials, providing plenty of options to the wearer. Their sharp look means you won’t be mistaken for someone who just rolled out of bed.
Windbreakers
When going to and from the gym, wearing a light jacket is essential. It can cut down on the time your muscles need to warm up, and when you are sweaty leaving the gym, you should cover up to avoid catching a cold.
Sweatshirts and hoodies can be nice, but they are also bulky and not as versatile. If you are running outside during cold weather, a light windbreaker can help keep you warm without weighing you down. A sweatshirt can’t do much against the wind, and it retains too much sweat without wicking it away from your body.
Eyewear
Along with clothing accessories, eyewear brings the look together. Designer sunglasses that also provide UV protection are the way to go. Remember, the key to athleisure is retaining functionality. Buying cheap sunglasses because they match an outfit misses the point if they lack eye protection.
Several higher-end brands offer cutting-edge eyewear with lenses that serve a purpose, like Prada. They have lenses that can reduce glare, sight distortion, or eye strain. Click here to find Prada sunglasses.
Leggings
When it comes to athleisure, leggings are essential in any woman’s wardrobe. Formerly reserved for yoga classes, leggings are now seen regularly on people of all walks of life throughout their daily routine. The versatile and comfortable tights allow for flexible motion during workouts and compliment every body type.
Sneakers
Whether it’s a sporty pair of Adidas or a fabulous pair of Vans, an athleisure look isn’t complete without a pair of sneakers. The high-end shoes can get as pricey as any formal wear, but at least you know you’ll be owning a pair made with comfort in mind. The same can’t be said for every hard-soled or high-heeled shoe.
Hats
A baseball cap, visor, or beanie all work with an athleisure look. The most important factor when deciding what to wear is how comfortably and securely it fits. During intense moments of activity, you can’t fiddle with your hat because it keeps falling off or slipping down. Let it be snug but not too constricting because that can be just as much of an annoyance.
Bags
Backpacks recently replaced purses as the bag of choice for women on the go. Their superior organization allows quick location of various items while also enabling you to carry everything without feeling tired.
Many thought the days of seeing fanny packs were long gone, but this old-school option is back with updated style. Now even the biggest designer retailers are offering their takes on this classic. The convenience and security of having everything you need strapped around your waist or chest is hard to beat.
Practicality Doesn’t Equal Lazy
Having apparel in your collection that serves multiple functions is a great way to minimize clutter and streamline decision-making. Whether you’re living the athleisure life or value it for aesthetic reasons, adding essential accessories can elevate any wardrobe.