Active Wear is NOT Day Wear
Fashion trends aren’t for everyone. You know the ones that are really specific?
Think when the skinny jean returned and all the ladies that didn’t have legs like Kate Moss lost hope or the recent midriff trend that saw some women show a little too much skin.
Well today, I tackle a gripe I’m having lately with the rise of active wear as day wear.
Now I totally get it – it’s comfortable, it’s functional and can even motivate you to get your daily physical exercise requirements, however, I think there’s been a blur of boundaries and today, we’ll decode it:
Active Wear
Active wear is sports specific. It’s designed for the gym, for your evening walk or your cross-fit class. It’s not something to be worn for a street shop or lunching with the ladies.
Most active wear is also designed for those that are…well…active.
Snug, unforgiving tights, fitted tank tops and runner tread that is not very mix and match friendly.
Despite this, there seems to be a mountain of women shopping in ¾ tights and wearing Adidas halter tops to the school pick up.
What happened to jeans and a tee? Or a casual dress and sandals?
You see, active wear isn’t design for flattering your body shapes – it is designed for performance.
This means breathable fabrics, jumpers, short tops and tight compression garments.
It also means that while it will be comfortable it won’t hide a triangle body shape’s lower curves or balance a rectangle broad shoulders. Actually, it’s not very flattering at all unless you have a super active, toned body.
Oh okay – you have a super active, toned body? Well I would highly suggest you work in a “sports luxe” look.
Sports Luxe/ Haute Casual
Sports luxe or haute casual is a fashion movement with staying power and designed for women who are looking to integrate and showcase their active lifestyle by wearing sports inspired fashion.
High fashion brands like Chloe and Gucci are bringing Haute Casual to the runway while smaller chains like Witchery and Country Road are designing luxury sportswear pieces.
So instead of runners, you’ll wear stylish sneakers or brogues. A “hoodie” is replaced with a bomber or leather jacket and you might try jeggings with a long top or teamed with a bodycon dress.
Even try a pair of oh-so comfortable jogger jeans with some mesh-inspired pieces.
You see, brands like Lorna Jane have active wear and pieces under the sports luxe category.
If you’ve even seen Stella McCartney’s line for Adidas, there are fashion items in there that will work for your yoga class and your post juice fix.
However, it’s understanding the difference between lycra-clad gym wear and sports luxe which instead offers functional pieces in more on-trend styles and day-worthy fabrics.
But I’m a Gym Junkie
Now I know many of you will be multi-tasking and be wearing your sports gear because you’re “on your way” to gym or immediately heading out for that walk.
Okay, so you may be an exception HOWEVER, I still personally believe in getting changed at the gym.
I often wonder if the office allowed “sportwear”, if you would wear your lycra leggings and fluro tee all day and then head off to gym. Or would you get changed after work?
The latter for many I expect.
Now if you’re still not sold, I’m happy to work with you.
I’m going to ask that you visit your favourite sports stores (Nike, Adidas, Lorna Jane etc.) and check out their “daywear” section.
You’ll notice the clothes will look like seasonal pieces but still a little sporty. Off the shoulder is huge right now along with leopard print.
As always, today’s blog post is designed to ensure you always look your best. I know true active wear does not care for body shape and you should.
Why not look your best every day? There’s many other comfortable options out there that don’t include 2XU tights and a hooded jumper.
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Lisa says
Hilarious! I’ve been thinking lately that if as many people exercised as the amount of people who wear gym gear, we’d be a much healthier country!
Jackie says
Ha that’s funny Lisa
Cindy Newstead says
Isn’t it just 🙂 🙂
Cindy Newstead says
Yes Lisa, amusing isn’t it!!!!!
Jackie says
I actually love sports luxe I did some shoe modelling recently and there’s allot of very expensive designer runners here to stay for many seasons. I do understand some people use it for an excuse to be sloppy but if done stylishly it can look hot. Country road Stylerunner great stuff. I do understand this isn’t for everyone. I will also be doing a post on this and the shoes I modelled the other day. I think it’s here for a while. It combines my favourites fitness and fashion just need wine in the drink bottle and we will be laughing
Cindy Newstead says
Yes Jackie, it can look great! But there is sport luxe and sloppy……..very different I agree!!!!! xo
Amanda says
Hi Cindy love the post just wondering if you have any tips on gym wear for the gym?
Cindy Newstead says
Hi Amanda……….whole new blog…….thanks…..I will think about that one!!!!! xo
Melissa says
Great post Cindy! I am sick to death of leggings, even on myself! Like Amanda I would love a more fashionable take on gym wear. For example; a session of yoga then off for lunch with the girls. How could this look work? What would be a great bottom piece that could be versatile (that doesn’t show all the lumps and bumps and panty line…oh my). I know I am not the only one who is also over tight less than flattering clothing 🙂
Renata says
Hi Melissa, I can only suggest something that I have done since I was a child, which is common practice in Europe. We change into yoga outfit, before the class, and change back into our clothes after the class. We change into our gear before the training, in my case skiing, handball, dance, basketball, have a shower, if available, and change back into our clothes.
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Melissa……yes, there are more options to Gym wear!! 🙂 You are not the only one who feels this way! x
Renata says
I completely agree that gym wear, luxe or active wear should be worn, as the words indicate, during gym hours, whilst walking, running etc. No matter how “fashionable” the gym wear looks, it is still a gym wear. No matter how fit the person looks, it is still a gym wear. You will never see a fashionable European in the gym wear parading around the city. It is a big NO NO.
Cindy Newstead says
A heart felt response Renata, in Europe its the Aussie and American travelers in Gym wear on the streets, not the locals!!! Classy and elegant!! x
Kim says
I agree – I do not like active wear worn all day! Unfortunately I’m in the minority at school pickup… most mums at school wear active wear as their standard uniform. I’m not a fashionista by any means, but I make an effort to throw on some jeans, a decent top and comfy ballet flats.
Cindy Newstead says
Well done you Kim!!!!!! Bet you feel great too…..it does not have to be designer by any means, women come to me every day asking me to help them move away from gym wear. I bet your kids love it too! 🙂 x
Michelle says
Not all women have the time to be ‘haute couture’ and dress up each day for ‘shopping’, ‘lunching’, ‘school pick ups’ etc.
Most women I know are stretched to the limit with time – so being able to throw on a gym outfit (say 3/4 leggings, tshirt and a nice Nike or lulu lemon jacket) just before school drop offs is a ‘no brainer’. And – after you’ve made all the lunches, including hubby’s, breakfasts, cleaned up, popped on a load of washing, remembered Billy’s show and share, Millys finger that needs re bandaging and fact that Sophie has head lice, so you try to disguise it in a ponytail then head off to school, then reversing back into the driveway to call the dog who just ran away after you opened the gate – who really cares about the fact that you don’t have on a nice pair of jeans – a matching t, and nice new sandles from Nine West!!!
Honestly – fashion has its place, but as working mums – our uniform is almost a trackie!!
Comfortable, easy and nothing you really have to think about at 6.30 in the morning.
I cheer on all the girls I see wearing gym gear to the shops – I’m one of them – don’t judge me!
Cindy Newstead says
I would not dare judge you, if this works for you and makes you feel good wearing this kind of outfit then go for it, who is anyone to judge. My comments in this blog is based on the thousands of women that have come to me over the last 14 years who have slowly, over the years, lost who they are due to just taking the easy way of wearing a trackie instead of making the time for themselves each day. These women are wanting to move away from their gym wear and this blog was written to encourage and inspire those who are wanting to do this.
Yes, I know it can be frantic as a mum, I had 4 boys under 7 and with a father who worked long hours too, but I made a choice, I gave myself “me” time every day to make sure I left the house feeling good in what I was wearing, this kept me sane and I believe a good role model for my kids. Thanks so much for your comment Michelle 🙂
Karin says
Michelle, I am sooo with you!!! Sport luxe is just another way shops want to cash in on the sportswear trend and charge a premium. I certainly would not spend money on it. Either I wear gym wear or not. Where gym wear is not appropriate in my mind, I would ‘t wear the sport luxe either as it looks like gym wear. Seriously, who would wear those heels with gym wear? To me, active wear with heels is just trashy! It screams, I like to look active but I am really just a pretender. I don’t dress up for school pickup unless I have been at home painting or doing the vacuuming and wearing really old daggy clothes. There is a time and place for gym wear and I think that can be extended to school pickup and a quick coffee with friends to and from the gym. I don’t think it is casual wear. I have spent the last 6 months training for a long distance bike ride and I have shamelessly shown up at many a cafe with my bike and friends all in lycra on a Sunday morning after a bike ride. If I had to go home, shower and change, I wouldn’t bother going back to meet my riding buddies. We ride, we have coffee together at the end, we go home.
Cindy Newstead says
Hi Karin……sorry for my late response! Agree, if you are bike riding then grabbing a coffee…..why would you change…..everything in context!!! 🙂 Cindy xo
Su says
Great post Cindy. I definitely agree with you that proper gym clothes are NOT very flattering at all – it’s a mistake I won’t be making again, I do love your sports luxe suggestions and will be hitting the shops this weekend.
On a separate note, I have to point out that you have a hilarious typo on your Target photo – it made my day! 🙂 x
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks so much Su………just saw the typo………still laughing!!!!! I might leave it 🙂 🙂 🙂
Su says
Hahaha love it 🙂
Cindy Newstead says
My Husband is still laughing at it…..Target might not laugh 🙂 🙂
Bec says
I am sooooo guilty of this (hanging my head in shame). I actually hate wearing gym clothes but I seem to always be dashing about in public in my gym gear. It’s hugely unflattering and I make no effort to try to be stylish when working out. I really need to make time to get changed at the gym!!!
Cindy Newstead says
Dont feel guilty 🙂 But interesting how you are aware of how you feel! If you make the effort to change…..just note how you feel 🙂 C xo
Anita says
Loving your blog Cindy, great work. Had to share this. The young man at the supermarket putting my groceries through said to me one day:
“How’s your day been? Busy i guess?” (Was wearing my gym gear & had been at the gym!) Then he says “so have you been at the gym? or are you one of those women that wear their gym gear around everywhere? ”
I laughed…he’s got it worked out that young man!
I agree with you, you feel so much better when you make the effort…& it is definitely the easy way out.
We also acknowledge that we women do what we have to do when life is hectic. Anita ☺
Cindy Newstead says
Ha……..great story Anita!!!!! Men do notice 🙂 🙂 C xo
Annette Orlandi says
Luxe/ Active wear pfftt…..A big high five for you Cindy!!! I was actually only this week going to ask if you could discuss this “unflattering trend” Yes active wear is NOT DAY WEAR!! I see it everyday & often think to myself about the amount of money spent on what basically ends up being a sloppy dishevelled look worn at inappropriate times & places! Whilst active wear definitely has it’s place in fashion, I believe the concept of active wear has over time lost its place, and is now kind off out there being misinterpreted. Yes it is called “active wear” for a reason. A busy mum needs comfortable, easy, quick go to outfits for all those pickups and drop off she does, but choosing active/luxe sporting attire for those hectic moments we all have, can at times, magnify a tired and rundown appearance. As you have taught me Cindy, having an organised wardrobe (wardrobe audit, and not necessarily a wardrobe full of designer labels) helps eliminate all of those problems! Thank you Cindy x
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Annette…..high five received!! 🙂 Agree with all you have just said, we wash every day, especially with kids, so whats the difference between a nice top and pant or jeans to washing sports wear? Id just rather look and feel great……a little bit of Vegemite or dirt never bothered me! 🙂
Helsey101 says
I love fashion and enjoy reading your blogs Cindy, but I feel for the young mums who are so busy and as a grandmother I can relate and remember how tired and poor I was bringing up my own children and not spending money on myself to look good.
Cindy Newstead says
I totally understand, that’s why we are loving some of the cheaper options as they can get trashed by young hands, without the pain of an expensive price tag! It is a hard juggle when your children require so much when they are growing. So pleased you are enjoying the blogs!! Cindy xo