So the Daily Mail and Huffington Post are reporting that workout wear is creeping into our everyday wardrobes. Like duh, we’ve been wearing our sweaty joggers to meetings for years! But someone who’s been doing it a tad more stylishly is our wonderful friend Lorna Mann (owner of the most fabulous workout wardrobe we have EVER seen!). She explains why this trend is a winner and how to take it from gym to gin in style.
Much has been reported recently (see – Daily Mail, Huffington Post) about workout wear creeping into everyday fashion trends and I have to say I’m loving this trend!
Ever since I started training last summer I’ve always made an effort to look ‘the part’ when working out – if I care about expressing a certain sense of style day-in day-out why wouldn’t that translate to when I work out? In the space of my 18-month love affair with fitness I’ve noticed brands getting more and more behind this way of thinking too. I used to have to hunt out the eclectic print, the neon colourways and limited-edition cuts, but now I’m finding the choice almost (ALMOST) too much to cope with. Now it’s easy to express your sense of style in any way you like, whether it be via high-end luxury collections or highstreet brands. I consider myself lucky that this trend has soared – if I’ve felt like prancing around the gym floor in neon animal print I’ve found an outfit to satisfy that urge, likewise if I’ve wanted to look like something out of a sci-fi movie or clash my colours like a toddler.
Now, don’t get me wrong – I don’t work out in just anything simply because it reflects my sense of style – it has to do the job as well, and that’s where brands have been clever. My awesomely eclectic leggings are usually courtesy of Nike’s Luxe range, a limited-edition print from overseas or handpicked from an amazing designer – Anjhe Mules of Lucas Hugh is a particular favourite. My functionally stylish tops can be found via the effortlessly cool Stella McCartney for Adidas collection. I am drawn to these brands because their kit works – it’s functional and it also happens to look damn good. It’s not just high end-designers (with a high-end price point!) that have nailed this look, I’ve found some absolute gems in my collection from affordable brands such as M&S, Gap and Lexie too – all pieces doing their job but helping me be stylish at the same time!
After getting to grips with the workout wardrobe it didn’t take me long to take these fabulous pieces from gym to office and from office to nights out too – why did my amazing Lucas Hugh Krypton leggings need to be resigned to the squat rack when the people in the bar opposite the office could appreciate them too? Why did my über-smart training jacket (also Lucas Hugh) need to keep me warm only when running over hills in Edinburgh when it totally doubled up as a suit jacket too? I find that if I can make it work for the appropriate setting there is no need to keep these awesome pieces behind the ‘closed doors’ of the gym.
I love that fitness is making it’s way to the forefront of fashion – and long may it last! It’s comfortable, keeps you warm/cool when needed and allows you to express yourself in a slightly different manner. There isn’t a day in the week where I’m not wearing something with a sports function at it’s core – and I’m proud of that – being active is a massive part of my personality now and I’m chuffed to be able to express that in my clothing choices.
Lorna’s top tips for nailing the trend yourself
If you want to work sportswear into your everyday look:
Be confident in your choice of outfit and be aware of what’s appropriate for your surroundings – if you don’t think you can get away with a racerback top in a boardroom it’s best not to try!If you want to play it safe team your running leggings with a longer length smart top and jacket and a decent sized heel – it’s the easiest way to work a sportluxe look for a dressier occasion
A workout tank and a pencil skirt is one of my favourite ways to mix up a smarter look
Leggings and a good old chunky jumper will take you from gym to pub lunch on any given Sunday!
Don’t be afraid to clash colours and textures that you wouldn’t usually team together – this look is one all for experimentation! Oh, and ALWAYS check all angles in a mirror before you set about with your new look – I had an unfortunate case of ‘sideboob’ on show recently – because what works with a sports bra doesn’t always work with no bra… just saying…
Pssst, keep an eye out for Lorna’s monthly fitness fashion column, coming soon.