Can athletic wear be fashionable? - YouLookFab Forum

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Can athletic wear be fashionable?

liss

I am still trying to figure out my fall/winter wardrobe and what works best with my lifestyle. I am primarily at home with my 3-year old and am also running my 6-year old to various activities. I work at home and don't have an office to go to for anyone reason so casual wear is my go-to.

Right now I have two pairs of great jeans and two pairs of Luluemon pants in my cooler weather rotation. I live in Colorado so we can have an 80 degree October day and snow the next. I love to layer and try to dress with the weather in mind because I am often outside.

I recently received catalogs from Athleta and Title Nine and as I mentioned have been in Luluemon a few times. I seem to gravitate towards that style of clothing because it looks like it would work for me. However, I want to look pulled-together and don't want to fall into the stay-at-home mom sweatpant stereotype.

I would love to hear thoughts on if "athletic" outfits from stores like those I mentioned above can be fashionable. Of course I am building a basics wardrobe as well for special occasions but for my day-to-day I am lost. Thank you so much!

Dressing

37 replies

Latest reply was from crwilson

kimlee

Veteran

Liss - With the plethora of other options (jeans, cargo pants, walking shorts, etc.) I tend to leave my athletic wear for the gym or to wear at home when I know that I will not be going out. I tend to use Angie's Mom-on-the-go formulas for creating looks to wear when I am not working (I work as a healthcare executive). I think that these formulas would be a great starting point for you in creating a basic wardrobe that would work for days at home as well as special occasions out. To find Angie's formulas, go to the block and look at the side bar for "Mom on the Go".

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I get those catalogs too, and I order running and active gear from them, but I've also tried a dress or two for casual wear. I think they have some cute options that are not gear but casual wear, especially for people like you and me who don't go to an office every day! I just pay particular attention to styling, to keep them from looking too sporty, which isn't my thing.

I've noticed those catalogs seem pretty well organized, in that true activewear, for running or yoga or what have you, seem to have their own sections, and then there's a section where the more casual, less gear-looking options start. I take that as my cue.

I don't wear yoga pants outside of yoga class (unless it's running an errand after said class), and as much as I love my Lululemon jackets, those stay in use for activewear only. I have a pretty firm dividing line in my closet when it comes to gear.

Fruitful

Veteran

Hi Liss,

In the name of transparency I will tell you there is a bias against athletic wear at this forum (it is nicknamed "gear").

I don't particularly agree with this bias, but it has a point in that Lululemon etc is something of a uniform for mums (even ones who don't do any exercise!).

My view is that high quality activewear takes figure flattery, flattering colours, and stylish cuts into account. I personally believe it can be an asset to your casual wardrobe, and it certainly fits your lifestyle.

My preference would be to take athletic pieces that look like they could be streetwear, and mix them with stylish casuals. So, for example, bootcut lululemon pants over a pair of flat leather boots/ballet flats with a gauzy scarf thrown around my neck, or an athletic hoodie with a denim skirt and knee boots.

If athletic footwear was part of my street look, I wouldn't wear white ones, I'd choose coloured ones, probably leather, with a more streamlined than chunky style.

Sal from the blog Already Pretty http://www.alreadypretty.com/ wears quite a lot of Athleta, especially dresses, in smart casual outfits.

yellowgirl

Like Janet, I have ordered several dresses from both Title 9 and Athleta. I'm really happy with them so far - they are comfortable and great for my MOTG lifestyle; but worn with leggings or tights, they don't look like gear. I, too, am drawn toward the look of the casual-wear items in these catalogs. They have a good selection of things that are casual without being too "gear".

Queen Mum

Veteran

I guess it depends on what you mean by "fashionable"
If you mean can you look pulled together, current, non-frumpy, and appropriate at the grocery store.. yes, I think you can pull this off with well-fitting well-kept athletic wear and groomed face and hair.
If you mean does it come across as chic, stylish, and in vogue... I'd have to say probably not.
Fruitful is right in that "gear" does not get alot of support around here, but I personally don't think twice about seeing someone at the grocery store in NICELY FITTING, decent quality athletic wear... if her hair is done she gets extra points in my book. It's much better than old jeans and a ratty t-shirt.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have very strong feelings about wearing athletic and yoga wear in non-sporting situations. It's a big fashionable no. Gear is for sport (or traipsing through the snow) - and that's it.

However, athletic brands sell clothing that look more like "normal" casual wear. That's a yes! Brands like La Coste are sporty - but not gear-ish.

Its a shame seeing kids and teens wear athletic sneakers and hoodies day in day out (in countries where they don't wear school uniforms). Where is the creative expression?

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

hullo liss! Janet and Fruitful took the words out of my mouth! for certain climates and lifestyles it's silly not to wear specialized clothing in order to keep warm and dry while going about your daily activities. living in an area where we can go hiking, camping, etc. pretty often i see plenty of gear. sometimes it can be fashionable (not too often). But worn with integrity and creativity, gear can definitely be incredibly stylish.

again, Janet and Fruitful suggest great ways to mix in an appropriate piece of gear if that makes the most sense for what you will be about during your day. And the retailers they mentioned do make a nice selection of clothing that is great casual wear. If you are trying to spruce up your look, i would limit obvious gear to one piece per outfit and only when it really makes sense for what you will be doing. have fun! steph

DressLover

Veteran

I think a lot of people are against athletic wear in general because it is so easy to have it go wrong, just like mini skirts and spaghetti strap shirts. Also, a lot of people don't maintain it like regular clothing. Athletic wear has a high elastic content and will stretch out with frequent wear, especially if it is thrown in the dryer.

I personally prefer to keep my athletic wear for working out, but if it is maintained well and worn with attention to appearance then I don't see anything too horrible about running a couple errands pre or post workout. I wouldn't make it an everyday thing as it is a slippery slope though. And I would avoid these looks.

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Atlantia

Veteran

I'm so sorry to disagree with so many very fashionable ladies. I know my view is way (way!) in the minority, but I love gear. Maybe it comes from being a triathlete, and having friends that regularly do multiple Ironman races a year. When you're working out 20 hours a week, gear becomes a major capsule in your life. And of course it may bleed into your regular clothing rotation. But in my opinion, gear and style are not mutually exclusive. Finding fun ways to mix gear and street clothes is just as fun and satisfying as mixing a low cost top with a designer pair of pants. And after all, isn't YLF all about having FUN with fashion?

http://www.runnersworld.com/ar.....-0,00.html

And more to the point to the original poster: my rule is one piece of gear at a time. Never mix gear with athletic looking shoes. Always carry a great bag, NEVER anything resembling a gym bag unless that is your true destination.

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Angie said: "Where is the creative expression? " no kidding! and there's no reason for it!

a couple of summer ago my husband and i camped by the Gualala river along the Mendocino coast. we were next to a campsite specifically reserved for people who were riding bikes up highway one. These are incredibly fit, dedicated, creative people who carry only what will fit on a back and or saddle pack alllllllll the way up the coast.

i have to say i saw some really stylish people in that camp! one young woman wore the traditional black tank and capri leggings of the rabid bicyclist. when she got into camp, she wrapped a beautiful blue/violet watercolor print sarong around her waist. easy, warm, no fuss and gorgeous with her tan complexion and wavy raven hair. really, it amazes me when i see someone with every excuse to forget style altogether pull off a great look - very inspirational! steph

(sorry if a bit OT!)

Elly

Veteran

I live in Colorado too-- I hike and fish and even hunt and I could get away with wearing my hiking clothing to work here-- let alone pretty much everywhere else. I do a lot of day tripping and weekend outings to high mountain lakes and then hit a restaurant or the shops in the closest town on the way home, so I will admit that my hiking/day tripping "mountain" gear is nice-- a lot like the stuff that Athleta sells.

That said--- I don't wear that type of clothing all the time. Unless you live on a farm, I don't see the need for clothing that is designed to be at least 90% percent purely functional. If sporty is your look, I think you can combine gear with regular clothing-- but I think it takes effort to make it look fashionable. Honestly, jeans, tee, a "stylish" fleece or sweatshirt, and gear shoes is better than sweatpants but it isn't stylish. Ditto on head-to-toe gear.

Wearing yoga and sweat pants at home is fine, but unless you are running a quick errand on the way to or home from the gym wearing them other places is overkill and can potentially send a message that the wearer doesn't care very much about themselves or the other people they see. My mother is a teacher and has a dress code and gets very sick of mothers always in their sweats especially if they end up interacting with her. She understands the yoga gear if parents don't get out of the vehicle, but when they are interacting with other adults that are providing services to them and therefore are expected to wear real clothing and look presentable it can come off as a little disrespectful. This goes for the yoga gear in restaurants, in shops, at colleges, ect.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think it can be fashionable, no question. Yohji and Stella's lines for Adidas etc. come to mind, especially the Stellas.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nice story, Steph

Stella McCartney's sports inspired assortment reminds me of La Coste in it's hey day - with a little more urban flare thrown into the mix. I love adidas sneakers. Their retro integrity is stylish to my eye. Would you call her stuff "gear"? That's debatable!

Atlantia, your perspective is meaningful. The fun-factor of fashion, at the end of the day, is what it's all about. And if you can pull off wearing an item of gear in a fashionable way - I'm impressed! I'd love to see how you do that

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Atlantia, I understand what you're saying -- I'm new to running, but I now know quite a few people who have intense training schedules (and next summer I'm pretty sure I'll be training for a tri myself!). However, my coach is one of those people with insane training schedules (multiple Ironman races and all), and she's not much of a gear person outside of her workouts.

I will always be amazed by people who can pull off a workout at lunch time and go back to the job without a shower. Quite frankly, I sweat too much. I run a 5K in 65 degree weather (granted it's quite humid here most of the time) and my ponytail is soaked. I think that's a huge part of why I like such separation between my gear and my regular wardrobe.

Besides, there are so many cute, fun, and comfortable things to wear other than my gear, I'd rather wear those than gear anyday!

ironkurtin

Veteran

Hm, Angie, I guess I wouldn't really calla Stella's Adidas and Yohji's lines gear. They pretend to be gear, though!

I admit that I wear certain Patagonia and Nau jackets cross-purposefully. They are beautifully made and wear well, and can go from outdoors to even a nicer nonformal dinner without anyone raising an eyebrow. Also they make me feel fab. But those are jackets, and I change what I'm wearing underneath.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think well-designed gear is fashionable if you're working out! Form and function.

Those of us who chase small (or bigger) kids about often feel as if we are working out; hence the appeal of stretchy, forgiving garments. I do understand this. I feel it.

But I'm doing my best to meet my work-at-home, mom-on-the-go need for forgiving, sturdy clothes apart from what I'm now calling my "gear capsule." I work out almost every day and need those workout clothes, but for the most part, they are reserved for at the gym or coming to and from the gym. I will admit to wearing my yoga pants at home as work-at-home wear on occasion, if my jeans or comfy A line skirts are not clean.

I agree with those who have said, with the right mix of elements and good grooming, gear can certainly be presentable. But fashionable is a step up from presentable. And I'm aiming for fashionable these days!

qfbrenda

Veteran

Suz's last paragraph exactly. Actually everything she said, except I work out at home. LOL

Freckles

Veteran

I must stand up for gear...but agree that no it is not fashionable. Can you wear it in a fashionable way...yes of course you can. I remember how horrified my father was that we wanted to wear jeans...

My 20 year old son yes wears hoodies. Not yet, as it is too warm (56 degrees) but he will. They are great for guys who are too warm. Slip a t under it in winter and you are set for -40 with a light jacket. The Nike ones aren't as stylish as others but they wash like a dream, wear extreamely well and DO NOT STAIN or wrinkle. Toss it into your backback at school, go straight to work and leave it in said backpack and then pull it out many hours later and it still looks almost fresh pressed. I'd much rather he wear something dull and still look presentable than a mess of wrinkles and stains. The Nike one I'm thinking of is brown with camel lining and the same brown embroidered logo. Boring as sin yes but not label advertising per se.

He has many different t's both gear and non gear. I much prefer the gear ones and for the same reasons. His Nike white and black or blue striped golf shirts with very inobtrusive labelling wash like a dream, wear well, last forever while still being really white and do not stain or wrinkle. Yes he has a lot of more vibrant, exciting t's but they don't look nearly as nice after a bit of time, especially as my twenty year old is not the best at doing his laundry in a timely fashion and his clothing takes a beating.

Now the few times a year he wears a suit he is totally fashionable and everything from cufflinks to belt buckle, watch and shoes are well thought out. That is not his lifestyle though and I'll take the gear on a daily basis and leave the fashionable suit ensembles for those few times a year.

I don't do sweatpants, yoga pants or jeans but I just put a load of blacks on to wash and in this load my basic boring black long sleeve t's come from Bianca Nygaard, Jones NY or gear. The gear ones tend to wash and wear better than the others but I do prefer the other two brands. A little better fit. If it is a warmth issue and totally covered up who cares which one I wear. I might as well wear gear since it washes and wears better. Are basic black long sleeve t's fashionable...no but serviceable.

Do I wear my Packers fleece out of the house? No, not unless I'm walking to the malbox in the middle of winter and it's under a winter coat that will at no point be opened. Do I wear it in the house? Definately when I'll be home alone.

I think a large part of of looking really great is being comfortable in your own skin. Thus, the blouse I got this summer that felt so me is much more flattering than a dress that was appropriate. Probably also why in my Sens hockey jersey I look and feel great while cheering on my team while attending a game. Do I think a Sens hockey jersey is my best look? Heck no! Is it totally me and appropriate while at the game, heck yes!

Elly

Veteran

My one exception to the whole gear thing mentioned by Freckles above---- generally the gear that washes well and looks new longer is synthetic. Frequently that means that it snags like a son of a gun. That and I don't recommend cooking in it or feeding the fire in it. I melted a nice nike tech l/s to my hand once.

catgirl

Veteran

Where I live, there is no shame in wearing gear everywhere. EVERYWHERE. My eye is completely inured to people wearing gym clothes in any setting. If there is one thing people here value, it's comfort. Who wants to be cold and miserable? And functional clothing often doesn't meet the standards of high fashion.

At the same time, I personally hit a point where I was just bored and tired of being in either my camping gear or fully dressed up for court. It's still a fallback option for me, but it's almost like a form of mental and fashion exercise to make the effort to step it up a little. Kind of like staying in shape by making a little effort - you know, getting on the exercise bike while watching Glee, instead of just sitting on the couch.

I absolutely see adorable, MOTG-appropriate clothing in Title 9, Athleta, REI and other catalogs. I'm not sure if this is a MOTG look, given that she's holding a rifle (what gives, T9?), but here's a cute look:

http://www.titlenine.com/product/162538.do

Another:

http://www.titlenine.com/produ.....y=ourPicks

And I've tried this one on at REI - very cute, forgiving and easy:

http://www.titlenine.com/produ.....y=ourPicks

Freckles

Veteran

I'm not sure if it's a male clothing thing Elly as these Nike shirts do not snag. He has had other brands that do but I swear by these ones...

So true about feeding a fire though...no synthetics or fur!

ironkurtin

Veteran

Good lord, that woman is holding a rifle. In a dress. As a rarified city gal, I don't know what to say.

In terms of gear, I covet this. And I would wear the heck out of it:
http://www.patagonia.com/us/pr.....8230-0-762

Elly

Veteran

Actually, it is a carnival style airgun-- you can see the other one beside her. Shooting is just as easy in a dress anyway-- unless you are trying to shoot from a sitting or kneeling position. LOL

Suz

(website)

Veteran

LOL, what gives? She's panther hunting, obviously!!

ironkurtin

Veteran

Oh. A carnival air gun. My bad.

Mellllls

Veteran

I agree 100% with Queen Mum. Also, I've never been to Colorado but I have heard that it is very casual so I feel that you may be able to get away with there more so than other places.

Nakidra

Veteran

Hi! I'm a runner and love all of the places that you mentioned for my running gear. Did you get the most recent Title Nine catalog? Almost every outfit was a skirt or dress of some type and was NOT gear so to speak. This echos what others have already said that there are some cute and casual pieces in these catalogs that are not even close to gear ... they may be more casual than a lot of people on the forum would wear, but they are well made and pretty cute pieces. A lot depends on styling and footwear. If you wear Lulu pants and Nikes, you'll look pretty causal. If you wear it with cute flats and a cute top, you'll look like a MOTG in my opinion.
Hope that helps

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

ik - HA - I lurve that jacket!!! I was just coming to post about it. And honestly, if you didn't know it was T9, would anyone think it was gear?

liss

Wow--I am so glad I put this out there because all of your responses have been so helpful! I have read them all a few times because the feedback is so good.

To start with, I think I definitely used the wrong term to describe the looks I have found appealing in T9, Athleta, etc. I like the dresses and more casual wear for sure, not true "gear" so to speak. Alaskagirl, I tagged all of the dresses you mentioned in the last T9 catalog! I agree with Janet that the catalogs are grouped by gear and casual wear, which does make it easier to find the looks I am considering so I don't end up looking like the track star I am not. Fruitful, Steph and others confirmed what I was considering doing with these items--mixing in stylish pieces to spruce up these casual looks. And ironkurtin, that Patagonia Pelage Jacket has been on my wish list since I saw in the Garnet Hill catalog a month ago--isn't it fabulous?

Mellllls is right about Colorado, especially where I live. It is incredibly casual, outdoor-focused and relaxed. I love getting dressed up for special occasions such as a date night with my husband or a night out with the girls, but when it comes to the day-to-day, I tend to feel a bit silly in my trouser jeans, snazzy booties and white button down at times. I adore that look, very classic, and that worked well when I lived in major metropolitan areas.

When I wrote down my five adjectives, the first one I put on paper was "approachable." By nature I am very friendly, however, I think being a little too done up at carpool might send the wrong message to those I don't know. I am sure many would say "who cares?!" but I firmly believe in being comfortable in my skin and my clothes creates that "approachable" look.

Your feedback is exactly why I love this forum. I woke up with this question in my head, put it out there, and feel like I now have direction in my search for great MOTG clothes! I'll keep you all posted and maybe (maybe!) post a picture sometime soon of one of those cute T9 dresses, some amazing tights and boots and that Patagonia jacket (or is that too much "gear"?) :o)

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