Getting active in your Activewear
Activewear has yet to be pushed off the popularity perch, as function increasingly competes with form and we find ourselves attracted to comfort.
Often literally running from one commitment to another, there’s no time to change into comfy clothes – and back again. This must be the most practical – and wholeheartedly embraced – trend ever. Chic and sporty attire is now a go-to wardrobe staple.
Sportswear brands, such as New Zealand-made Lululemon and Australia’s Lorna Jane, are too gorgeous to keep behind gym walls. Activewear has gone from suburban footpaths to international catwalks, as designers re-energise tradition.
Yoga tops and leggings are now streetwear staples, as the lifestyle look becomes mainstream. It doesn’t need to be slinky either, as the loose-fitting crop-tops are flattering for most. Yoga-style pants can be a feminine change from our casual track-pant culture. Although even ‘trackies’ with the iconic stripes, are now invited into the boardroom, looking a little more luxe.
And high-waisted plain black and coloured leggings are also a flattering staple to go with everything, compared to past low-rise trends. No matter whether your sport of choice is on the dancefloor, the beach or the court, it’s now easier than ever to skip the changing rooms and have fun with layering.
Street-wear tracksuit tops come in a new silky, feminine form. Over skirts and dresses, it exudes a laid-back persona. The activewear trend definitely has a non-crease, time-saving bonus. Olivia Newton John’s single ‘Let’s get Physical’ springs to mind with that sporty ’80s fashion. Practicalities of this decade have jogged back in, topped with a sun-visor. Lycra bike pants have gone full cycle – team them with a long t-shirt or shirt, cute hoody, or even dressy tops and jackets.
They are far more practical than a pencil miniskirt. Just add a bum bag and it’s a hands-free run from office, to lunch, to pick up the kids, to the gym. Although they didn’t have smartwatch fitness-trackers back then – these are becoming the new Rolex as technology accelerates.
With big, floaty and puffy sleeves and shirts becoming a fashion fixture of 2019, activewear’s black figure-hugging pants balance this look beautifully. It’s all about mixing it up – and feeling super comfortable. And if the sporty sneaker is OK for Louis Vuitton, then there’s no need to keep a pair of court shoes in the car (although heels and bike shorts are now a thing!) Spicing up the sports gear also means shimmery metallics can come along for the ride too.
