10 Athleisure Pieces That Are Anything But Lazy
Updated: Jan. 11, 2018
Athleisure has gotten a bad rap for being too lax, too cazh. But the secret to looking stylish while staying comfy starts with a few edgy pieces.
Athleisure for women & all the right angles
Into every athleisure wardrobe a hooded sweatshirt must fall. But the rule doesn’t dictate graphics and colour. Make a standout choice by reaching for a calming hue that’ll give your complexion a boost and wear just as easily as basic heathered grey.
Nike Sportswear Modern Hoodie, $95 at nike.com.
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Twinkle time
As if your go-to puffer can only be solid black! Primed as an easy layer for added warmth, a gradient of metallic tones takes the outerwear essential into new, and very stylish, territory.
Gap Ombre Puffer Vest, $108 at gapcanada.ca.
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Line dance
Perforations give a striped tee an instantly sporty vibe. When chilly temps demand a long sleeve base layer, look to a stretch knit scoop neck bodysuit to keep things casual and comfy. Try a light shade or colour for maximum contrast.
Winners Striped T-shirt, $16, at Winners locations.
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Walking on sunshine
From Louis Vuitton to Kendall Jenner, everyone in fashion is falling for old school, chunky-soled sneakers. A pair in a bright hue earns the highest style points, looking chic with everything you’ll wear them with, but the secret sauce in this high-performing design is the responsive foam soles that can carry you through a legit run with ease.
Asics GeL-Nimbus 20 Sneakers, USD $160 (approx. $200) at asics.com.
Let loose
We’ll never not love leggings but with a perfectly tapered shape in a four-way stretch material these drawstring pants attain must-have status. Ideal for travel, or brunch, or shopping, chances are high you’ll put ‘em on… and never want to take them off.
Lululemon On the Fly Pant, $108 at lululemon.com.
Ace of base
It pays to start your casual look off right from the start, i.e. with undergarments designed to perform. Besides the moisture-wicking benefits that await, choosing a luxe colour and sassy details makes for a supportive sport bra you’ll never feel meh about throwing on.
New Balance Strappy Crop Top, $65 at newbalance.ca.
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Fuzzy feelings
You know that one item that instantly makes an entire outfit better? This. Is. It. A woolen texture transforms the simple baseball cap into a MVP athleisure accessory.
The Group by Babaton Jaleh baseball cap, $35, at aritzia.com.
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Fit to be tied
As a head to toe look, there’s nothing wrong with zeroing in on comfy shapes in an all-black palette – if you spike it with something extra. With faux pearl embellishment and fancy ribbon ankle ties, these sleek sneakers balancing form and function are built for just such a task.
Call It Spring Nydessa sneakers, $50 at callitspring.com.
Going green
This sporty-chic bomber scores big thanks to a deep jewel tone and plush faux fur-lined hood. The extra wide elasticized waistband and cuffs that help define proportions, with bonus thumb holes for an athletic twist, are also worthy of an honourable mention.
Bench Rich Look Bomber, $229 at bench.ca.
Got your back
Where ever you and your laidback athleisure look may go, an amazing backpack shall follow. Look for luxe textiles like pebbled leather and unexpected details (oh, hai, asymmetrical zipper) to keep things interesting.
Vince Camuto Small Giani Backpack, $280, at nordstrom.com.
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