image: H&M
love it or hate it, the advent of athleisure in the last few years has one big upside: it's never been easier to look good in your gym clothes.
thankfully, stylish workout gear is also much more affordable than it used to be. you don't have to be stuck with the lululemon price point anymore, which is great news for all of us who want to look good in performance basics, but would rather save the splurges for more substantial wardrobe items.
there's been some discussion recently on whether athleisure is 'over'. i suppose it depends on how you define its purpose for your lifestyle. personally, i find it more perenially relevant as a versatile category of workout essentials. gym clothes that can also serve as travel essentials and casual basics for running errands = a good buy in my book.
these are my picks for the best athleisure basics, all (except one) under $50:
1. basic workout leggings // these inexpensive but well made alternatives to lululemons are the LBD of the workout lineup. also essential as travel leggings, and work-from-home pants (at least a couple steps up from your pjs!).
2. mesh panel yoga leggings // same as above, but injected with a higher dose of 'fashion'.
3. space-age track pants // the loose track pant is generally hard to find in a stylish version, but these have just enough of a space-age, Bowie vibe to go from gym to (almost) everywhere else.
4. ankle socks // my go-to sock silhouette any time i'm wearing sneakers.
5. minimalist chic sneakers* // all of the characteristics of the perfect chic sneaker: clean lines, minimal logo, ultra cushiony sole.
6. seamless sports bra // a stylish low-impact foundation piece that's simple and comfortable (for more mid to high impact workouts, i find that Under Armour makes the best ones.)
7. strappy yoga tank // i prefer a fitted tank for yoga so there's no excess fabric bunching up and getting in the way of different poses. love these colorways and subtle styling of the straps.
8. loose racerback tank // the universal tank for nearly everything else at the gym and beyond.
9. sleek layering jacket // i've found that the thumb holes in the l/s thermal workout jacket are particularly useful for chilly days. the sleek profile also makes this a warm but not bulky layer under a little black leather jacket or coat.
10. lightweight down vest // a perennial favorite in my basics rotation – the ultralight version by uniqlo is still the best inexpensive down option for travel, workout, and getting out and about with a trusty layer of warmth.
do you have any athleisure favorites in your wardrobe?
*these are a bit over $50, but still a great value and price on sale.