Uptown Sporty

We've all done it, haven't we? Worn exercise appropriate clothes without any intention of going for a run or near a gym / pilates / yoga class. Its become a modern phenomenon and the clever leisure wear brands capitalised on it massively, suddenly gym wear came in every shade of coffee imaginable making it seem more palatable to wear for brunch with a coordinating sweatshirt, it's become so synonymous that on social media those actually going to an exercise class are revolting declaring only unmatched work-out wear acceptable, despite this I don't see leggings being shunned anytime soon, especially by the under 25s, it's an easy, comfortable off-duty uniform that requires little thought and no ironing. 

But there are modes of casual, if you like to keep your leggings for fitness but enjoy a sporty vibe then the mash-up that is the last 5-6 years of ath-leisure and sports-luxe is for you, and the combinations are endless, which is particularly good if you spend 5 days out of 7 trying to balance work appropriate looks with comfort without compromising on style. 

First up, line up the pieces you have accumulated that have a sports influence, think funnel neck jackets, zip front or anything with a hood, track-style trousers, they could have a stripe down the leg, be drawstring or maybe a vented ankle, if you have Adidas firebirds you'll have all three. Then anything in nylon or technical fabrics, half zip sweatshirts and rugby collar tops.

Then we are looking for more up-town pieces that hold firm against the leisure pieces, Leather is one of these things, leather jackets in simple shapes (bombers go in with the sports influence) a leather skirt in a midi or just a simple black column skirt, pinstripe trousers, a structured blazer and then some basic layers, long sleeve slim t-shirts and a boxy knit. 

Colour wise white, and red and racing green will give you the sports aesthetic we want, you can build around that with black, navy, burgundy, and greys. For footwear you'll need a pair from both elements to build lots of looks, a pair of trainers and either a narrow heeled boots or a simple mule. Accessorise with either sporty aviator sunglasses or a simple black frame, sporty bags are not necessary. 

Now for the styling, take one part sporty, for eg. your funnel neck nylon sports jacket and pair it with your leather or column skirt and boots, if your shoes and bag are the up-town pieces then finish off with an aviator to make it equal parts ath-leisure. If you are starting with trackpants then its its everything else that goes up-town with a blazer or smart coat, if you want high fashion add a pointy mule, but in my humble opinion a slim line trainer still works for this look, particularly if you add a minimal handbag, extra points if its hand held. 

You get the jist that this look is about creating a juxtaposition, if in doubt take Sporty Spice and Posh and merge their best bits and you have a look made in spring 26 heaven.