How to Athleisure
Athleisure? What is athleisure? Well, I’m glad you asked. Hey guys its me Birdi back with some more fashion tips! Athleisure originated in the 1970’s but really didn’t gain traction until around the 2000’s (This is most likely do to the fact the Lululemon was founded in 1997). According to Wikipedia, athleisure is “a fabricated style of clothing typically worn during athletic activities and in other settings, such as the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions.”. Basically, this style was created to combine athletic wear, with leisure wear, creating “athleisure”, making an outfit you can wear to yoga class and a nice brunch after. As this style started getting popular, jobs started allowing it more and more in the workplace. The style soon shifted to a more “dressed up athleisure” look. Now this is where I come in. I have started to integrate athleisure wear into the business end of my closet, and now I don’t think I could ever go back. Since we are all back at working from home this style is perfect to be comfy all day while still looking professional. Rayna has even started to get on the trend and we wanted to write this blog to let you guys know what athleisure is and how you can integrate it into your everyday style! Let's get into it.
Jacket: Ted Baker | Bodysuit: Missguided | Pants: Missguided | Shoes: Dr. Martens
I first came across the term athleisure back when I was working at Ted Baker, and have been interested in it it ever since. The main thing I struggled with in the beginning was the fit. Now the fit is probably the most important part of athleisure and will sometimes make or break an outfit. Essentially you will want a more tapered and fitted look. You can have a nice shirt and a blazer on but if your sweats are to baggy it will throw the whole look off. Trade in your sweats for some joggers instead. Same material, just more of a slimmer and tapered fit. Also, you shouldn’t have your cuff be too long as well, aim for a higher hem, preferably above the ankle or higher. All guys reading this, SHOW THEM ANKLES. I promise you its liberating and makes the whole look that much better. Guys, another great pant for you is chino joggers. They have the same material as regular chinos except they have a drawstring and cuffs on the bottom but make sure to go with a tapered and shorter look! Ladies, biker shorts and leggings will be your best friend, they will give you a super fitted look while still being comfortable.
Blazer: Indochine | Shirt: Topman | Pants: Essentials FOG | Shoes: Converse
Now that you have solidified your bottoms, the top is a piece of cake. Solid colored tees are essential in the wardrobe. They will look best tucked in with a blazer thrown on top (draped or not). Oxford shirts also work well if you don’t feel the need for a jacket. I like to just tuck the front of the shirt in and let the rest sort of fall behind me. As a rule of thumb, always try to give your shirts a little tuck when you can, this gives you a slimmer more put together look. If your shirt is longer than I would suggest tying a flannel around your waist and throwing a denim or leather jacket on top. Hoodies also look good underneath a trench coat or blazer if you find yourself heading into the city.
Jacket: Ted Baker | Sweatshirt: Essentials Fog | Pant: Lululemon | Shoes: Yeezy
Now that we have the bulk of our outfit picked out, let's go to the shoes. Now the shoes tie in with the “fit” on being one of the most important parts about athleisure. Not a lot of people are accustomed to wearing nice shoes with sweats, especially heels! But I promise you its all worth it for the look of the outfit. Yeezy, Vans, and Converse are all perfect well rounded shoes between both genders that can be used with almost every outfit. In addition guys, a nice pair of oxfords will go great with a blazer look or even a pair of Timberland boots for a heavier winter look. Ladies can always integrate a black heel with a nice matching set or a pair of Dr. Martens with a leather jacket. As a rule of thumb try to always keep your shoes clean and well kept to always give you your most expensive put together look.
Overcoat: Ted Baker | Sweatshirt: Essentials FOG | Pants: H&M | Shoes: Vans
On to accessories! For guys this is pretty simple. Most of us will put on a watch and call it a day, but let's do a little more. I like to wear a ring on each hand along with a couple beaded bracelets at a time. My bracelets are from a lot of different places so they are always a fun talking point in a conversation. I also wear a gold chain with a pendent that I have had since I was a baby. For women, this is where you can really elevate your outfit to go from casual to boujee quickly. Rayna always pairs her outfit with multiple gold and silver pieces of jewelry which can include double stacked necklaces, rings, hoops, sunglasses, and watches. All in all your accessories will really pull your outfit together and upgrade your look.
Top: CottonOn | Pants: CottonOn | Jacket: Thrifted
Okay last part, confidence! This is something that I have personally struggled with for a long time and only recently have been able to gain more confidence and feel better in my clothes. Fashion rules are constantly changing, what’s “in today might not always be “in” tomorrow. Confidence is important (especially in fashion) because style is something that we as humans created. We get our inspiration for outfits from magazines and tv shows and often time people we meet throughout the day. Why you feel inspired by those peoples outfits is because they have the confidence to rock those pieces. Once you master confidence, the wardrobe outfits are endless for you because you will feel good in anything you put on and go throughout your day feeling great. We all just have to remember that there is only one of us and this is the only life we are going to get, so why not love and cherish ourselves everyday. Thank you guys for sticking with us for another blog! Until next time.
Sweater: Ted Baker | Pants: CottonOn | Yeezy: Shoes
With love,
Birdi
