Discover the secret of athleisure style – what characterises it and how to wear it?

What is athleisure style? What characterises sporty elegance?

Let's start with the basics, i.e. the meaning of the word athleisure. The name is a combination of two words – ‘athlete’ and ‘leisure’. This pretty much sums up the essence of this style. This fashion trend, or rather style, as there are no signs that it will go away, involves combining sports and casual clothing items to create the so-called athleisure look. Although it broke through during the pandemic, it is not a new trend. Its roots date back to the 1990s. It was popularised by Princess Diana, who often wore loose sweatshirts, leggings and sports shorts in her outfits.

The athleisure style fits perfectly into our fast-paced lives, where comfort comes first. What should you pay attention to when creating athleisure outfits?

• Choose a neutral colour palette – sporty elegance does not accept bright, neon colours; go for classic colours such as beige, brown or the most classic white and black; you will find many options in the Varley collection;
• combine loose cuts with fitted garments – the key to successful athleisure styling is the right proportions; mix fitted leggings with loose sweatshirts;
• go for good quality fabrics – this will translate into comfort;
• choose simple cuts – they are so versatile that you can easily create many different styles with them.

The origins of the athleisure style

The athleisure style is a combination of sporty comfort and elegance that gained popularity in the 1990s. At that time, sports fashion began to permeate everyday life, and clothes such as tracksuits and T-shirts were no longer reserved exclusively for the gym. They began to appear on city streets, introducing a new quality to everyday outfits.

This trend was quickly picked up by celebrities and trendsetters, who began to combine sports elements with elegant accessories. Thanks to them, the athleisure style gained popularity and became an integral part of contemporary fashion. This combination of comfort and style has made sportswear acceptable in many different contexts, from casual meetings to more formal occasions.

What clothes should you buy to create many athleisure outfits? Top 8 wardrobe items

• sweatpants and sweatshirts in neutral colours, without patterns or logos,
• T-shirts – also in muted shades,
• polo shirts,
• casual shirts,
• jackets,
• fabric trousers,
• leggings and crop tops,
• clothes made of technical materials.

When choosing the right outfit, it is worth remembering to combine different materials and maintain a balance between sporty and elegant elements. The athleisure style should be neither too sporty nor too elegant.

How to create an athleisure outfit?

Sporty outfits with an elegant twist are perfect for both women and men. This style is for people who live life to the fullest and value freedom and functionality in good style every day. We have prepared several athleisure outfits that are perfect for everyday challenges.

Athleisure outfits for her

Our first suggestion is casual elegance – classic black high-waisted leggings paired with an oversized sweatshirt in a neutral shade. Add white or black trainers for a fresh touch. You can also throw in a baseball cap to give your outfit a sporty vibe. Leggings, oversized sweatshirts, baseball caps and tops are at their best in the Goldbergh and PE Nation collections.

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If you want a more elegant look, go for wide sweatpants, such as black sweatpants from Adidas by Stella McCartney, or classic leggings, which, when paired with a fitted top and an oversized bomber jacket, will create a comfortable outfit. Add sneakers with thick soles to give it a modern touch.

For lovers of monochrome styles, black leggings and a fitted sports top are a great choice. Throw on a bomber jacket or a long wool coat in the same shade to break up the sporty look with a touch of elegance. Chunky trainers and 90s-inspired sunglasses will complete the look.

If you like minimalist solutions, go for biker shorts in a neutral colour and an asymmetrical sports top. For contrast, add an oversized zip-up sweatshirt or windbreaker jacket and pair it with white trainers and long socks. Complete the look with a large bag that will hold everything you need.

Our last suggestion is retro streetwear – cargo trousers or joggers paired with a short, long-sleeved crop top. Throw on a quilted vest or a loose bomber jacket and finish the look with colourful trainers and a bum bag. This outfit is perfect for urban trends and ensures maximum comfort.

Athleisure outfits for him

Men are also keen to incorporate the athleisure style into their wardrobe. So if you like to combine sporty elements with more casual pieces, you can pair Aeronautica Militare joggers in a neutral colour, such as grey, beige, muted green or navy blue, with a minimalist cotton T-shirt, for example from Sunspel. You can wear an oversized sweatshirt or bomber jacket on top to emphasise the sporty character. Add white trainers and a baseball cap, and your athleisure chic look is complete.

For men who prefer a more elegant vibe, well-tailored fabric trousers in a light shade, e.g. from Bogner, paired with a T-shirt are the perfect choice. A light bomber jacket or coat is the ideal complement to this look. When it comes to footwear, go for classic trainers.

The last outfit is sporty streetwear with a retro vibe. Wide 90s-style joggers paired with an oversized sweatshirt, e.g. from Boss. The look is perfectly complemented by high-top trainers. You can add a bucket hat or sports socks with a contrasting logo to emphasise the classic streetwear inspiration with a sporty look.

What accessories should you choose for an athleisure look?

Accessories are seemingly small elements that can actually work wonders in your outfit, ensuring a stylish look. The rule in athleisure is simple – if the look is more casual, go for sportier accessories and vice versa. Your accessories should include items such as baseball caps, bum bags, fabric bags and backpacks, as well as delicate jewellery. The Bogner brand offers bags, backpacks, bum bags and phone cases in a natural colour palette that will perfectly match this style and complete your outfit.

What shoes should you choose for an athleisure outfit? Sneakers and trainers dominate casual and sporty outfits. If you want elegant footwear, remember to break it up with sporty elements of your outfit.

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Athleisure style – summary

You have now discovered the secret to the success of the athleisure style, which perfectly balances elegance and sporty nonchalance. It is extremely comfortable, stylish and ideal for active people who prioritise comfort and a fashionable look. No wonder it has stolen our hearts. Choose simple cuts, high-quality materials and a natural colour palette. Fashion has never been so close to sport and shows that fashionable can also mean comfortable.