Whether you live in workout clothes [1] or occasionally throw on a pair of leggings, there's no denying the comfort and ease of activewear. Sure, black leggings [2], sports bras, and athletic shorts aren't exactly "fashion staples", but they are core pieces in any workout wardrobe and go-to's when the main goal of an outfit is comfort. So, when figuring how to wear workout clothes both for casual and dressy occasions, there are a few key styling tips to know when you want to look put together.
Now, there are plenty of naysayers who consider any trace of activewear [3] in an outfit to be lazy or worse, sloppy (I, for the record, am not one of those people and cherish my assortment of ultra-soft leggings). But thanks to the consistency of athelisure in fashion, styling these made-for-the-gym pieces is becoming par for the course (take the bike short trend [4] as a prime example), especially for off-duty occasions like the weekend. And there's nothing we love more than comfy-cute looks on Saturdays and Sundays.
So, in the spirit of fresh outfit ideas [5] that are both comfortable and stylish, ahead, we're breaking down nine fun formulas that centre around workout attire like leggings, sports bras, and bike shorts. From chic basics styled head to toe to quirkier combos á la the street style set, we're pretty darn certain you'll be inspired to take your favourite piece of activewear for a spin ASAP.
How to Style Workout Clothes: Leggings + T-shirt + Jacket + Sneakers
Tone down the effect of printed leggings by mixing in simple pieces that feel cohesive with your chosen motif.
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JoyLab Camo Print 7/8 High-Waisted Leggings [6] ($35)
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POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [7] ($22, originally $30)
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Frame Bishop Suede Jacket [8] ($537, originally $895 )
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Brandblack Chunky Low Top Sneakers [9] ($373)
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Imago-a Nº44 Lucite Buckle Mini Bag [10] ($345)
How to Style Workout Clothes: Leggings + T-shirt + Trench Coat + Sneakers
When running errands, a printed pair of leggings feels fun and functional in combination with a white t-shirt and classic trench coat.
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POPSUGAR Ruffle-Sleeve Tee [11] ($22, originally $30)
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Outdoor Voices 3/4 Flex Leggings [12] ($75)
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Le Specs Beautiful Stranger Sunglasses [13] ($79)
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Massimo Dutti Classic Cotton Trench Coat [14] ($250)
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Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers [15] ($65)
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Furla Alba Large Leather Tote [16] ($448)
How to Style Workout Clothes: Bike Shorts + Sports Bra + Jacket + Boots
Take a sports bra-and-shorts set for a spin outside the gym by layering a lightweight jacket over top and finishing with combat boots for a '90s grunge finish.
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Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra [17] ($38)
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Girlfriend Collective Bike Short [18] ($48)
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POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket [19] ($26, originally $64)
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Madden NYC Keen Combat Boots [20] ($65, originally $70)
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Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote [21] ($195)
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Le Specs x Adam Selman The Last Lolita Sunglasses [22] ($119)
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Spanx Plus Size Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings [23] ($72)
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POPSUGAR Plus Size Slouchy Graphic Tee [24] ($22, originally $30)
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Levi's Plus Size Oversize Faux Leather Moto Jacket [25] ($128)
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Jaggar Virtual Toe Ring Sandals [26] ($115, originally $164)
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Carolina Lemke Serena Sunglasses [27] ($38, originally $75)
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Fendi Leather-Trimmed Denim Baguette [28] ($525)
How to Style Workout Clothes: Leggings + Shirt + Heels + Bag
For a sporty-meets-classic-meets-ladylike look, team a pair of cropped black leggings with a white button-down shirt, two-tone pumps, and a black belt bag.
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POPSUGAR Knot-Front Button Down Shirt [29] ($33, originally $44)
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Alo Yoga High-Waist Airbrush Capri [30] ($72)
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Gianvito Rossi Patent Leather Cap-Toe Mules [31] ($675)
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Clare V. Fanny Pack [32] ($275)
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Saint Owen Rockbird Sunglasses [33] ($225)
How to Style Workout Clothes: Leggings + Shirt + Blazer + Heels
For those unabashed by colour, this legging-and-shirt combo is a fun alternative to black and white. Fair warning: this outfit has maximalist written all over it.
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POPSUGAR Knot-Front Button Down Shirt [34] ($33, originally $44)
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P.E Nation En-Garde Leggings [35] ($139)
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Miista Indira Slides [36] ($270, originally $385)
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Mango Unstructured Suit Blazer [37] ($120)
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Charles & Keith Croc-Effect Structured Top Handle Bag [38] ($60)
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NSYNC Stark Group Shot T-Shirt [39] ($26)
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Good American The Icon Bike Short [40] ($65)
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Bershka Technical Backpack [41] ($56)
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APL: Athletic Propulsion Labs TechLoom Pro Sneakers [42] ($140)
How to Style Workout Clothes: Leggings + T-shirt + Blazer + Heels
For a dressy leggings look that works for dinner, an event, or even the office, team together a floral-print pair with a structured blazer, simple white tee, and modern mules.
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& Other Stories Gathered Square Shoulder Blazer [43] ($179)
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POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [44] ($22, originally $30)
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Kate Spade New Work Splash Border Crop Leggings [45] ($118)
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Malone Souliers Blake 45mm Mules [46] ($575)
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The Common Knowledge Cross Bag [47] ($375)
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Temple of the Sun Kiya Chain Necklace Gold [48] ($175)
How to Style Workout Clothes: Leggings + Tee + Jacket + Heels
The ultimate in fashion-girl styling, this mixed-print look is a stand-out way to rock capri leggings and a windbreaker. When layering prints, be sure to stick to a similar colour palette so as to avoid that "I got dressed in the dark" look.
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POPSUGAR Elbow Sleeve Mockneck Top [49] ($27, originally $36)
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Nike Sportswear Printed Jacket [50] ($75)
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Nordstrom Go To High Waist Capri Leggings [51] ($25)
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Zara Kitten Heels With Sparkly Vinyl [52] ($40)
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Jeff Wan Bazar Bucket Bag [53] ($385)