Sunday, April 18, 2010

ways to be fashionable when you hit the gym

So sporty clothing has made it big as a 2010 fashion trend. But just because your slouchy grey tracksuit pants have made the step up from your gym bag to your Sunday morning coffee date, doesn't mean your workout gear should stop getting your love and attention. Au contraire, it can work both ways. Your fashion purchases can now find their way into your gym bag, too.

So without further ado, here are 5 ways to turn fashionable daytime trend-pieces into effortlessly hot workout wear, right now.

1. The one-shouldered sports bra

Alexander Wang put the idea in all our heads: turning the one shouldered trend into sportswear. Not the most practical or supportive idea, to be sure; but layered over and under other pieces? From streetwear to bang-on-trend gym wear.

Alexander Wang Spring 2010
Alexander Wang Spring 2010 runway collection

Alexander Wang sports bras

2. Sex it up with sporty sheer mesh

Breathable, sporty and dangerously sexy. Not much more needs to be said.

Lara Stone sheer bodysuit
Lara Stone in Vogue UK, April 2010

Gucci Spring 2010
Gucci Spring 2010 runway collection

3. Work your butt off in hot pants

If you're a keen investor in the hot pants trend but aren't getting as much wear out of them as you'd like, move a pair into your gym arsenal. Not only are they practical for fitness (in the right fabrics of course), they're also great incentive to work your butt into shape.

Natasha Poly hot pants
Natasha Poly in Vogue Italia, March 2010

Eniko Mihalik hotpants for Gentlewoman
Eniko Mihalik in hotpants: Gentlewoman issue #1

4. Stripey sports socks

An affordable and versatile 2010 gem, striped sports socks can add volumes to both a daytime outfit or a workout one - whether it's at the gym, on the tennis court, or the soccer field.

Sporty socks, Ashley Smith
Ashley Smith in Elle US, March 2010

Natasha Poly striped socks
Natasha Poly in Vogue Italia, March 2010

5. A luxe sun visor

Rule number 1: don't wear it indoors. Rule number 2: make it sleek and modern. For outdoor excercise you can't go past a sporty sun visor both to top off your outfit and shield you from any harsh rays.

Sporty sun visor, Hanne Gaby
Hanne Gaby Odiele in Vogue China, February 2010

Sporty sun visor, Ashley Smith
Ashley Smith in Elle US, March 2010

Sporty sun visor, Ashley Smith
Ashley Smith in Elle US, March 2010

And there you have it - no excuses to look drab at the gym anymore. To read more about sportswear clothing as a fashion trend, follow that link.