Style That’s Sporty, But Not Athletic

I’m neither athletic nor sporty, and the Athleisure trend is not my thing. I don’t wear shorts, leggings, skorts, joggers, polar fleece, basic tees and tanks, baseball caps, or gortex for casual wear. I avoid wearing sports gear unless it’s an absolute necessity, like trail shoes for canyon walking, or body-con spandex for yoga practice. But I do have a sporty element to my style, and here’s why.

Elements of sporty style are varied and aren’t necessarily overt. In my case, these elements are subtle, preppy, refined and dressy. Wearing casual knits with horizontal stripes, colour blocked pullovers, structured sweatshirts, cashmere hoodies, polo tops, non-athletic sneakers, casual crossbody bags, puffer jackets and coats, lace bomber jackets, and a white backpack is sporty my way. A sporty and casual integrity, but not athletic and not made of technical fabric.

Here are the items from my wardrobe that I consider sporty:

Boden
Arabella Sweatshirt
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13
COS
Silk-cotton Polo Shirt
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13
Boden
Arundel Puffer Jacket
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6
Boden
Bella Cashmere Hoodie
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29
Gap
Stripe peplum tee
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22
Zappos
SAS Free Time
$157.00
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16

I style these subtle sporty items in dressier ways, and with structure. Fits range from tailored to fluid, and nothing is oversized. I wear sneakers with dressy frocks, dressy coats, fancy suits, and pearls. I combine striped tops with lace skirts. I layer a hoodie under a blazer with pearls. Polo tops are matched with dressy skirts, trousers and pearls. Hi-tops go with structured pants, dressy toppers and dressy satchels. Colour blocked knitwear and sweatshirts go under dressy toppers with pearls. And every outfit is finished with light make-up and styled hair for extra polish.

Over to you. Are there sporty elements to your style? If so, are these sporty elements athletic, or are they more subtle like mine?

Plus Size Side Striped Slit Hoodie Dress

GIVENCHY Striped Neoprene Track Pants

Fashion News Roundup: June 2019

A Manolo Blahnik exhibition, an eco-friendly line of bags from Prada, and other style news that caught our attention this month.

Interesting Fashion Fact

Did you know that espadrilles are named after esparto, a tough, wiry Mediterranean grass that is used to make the rope soles for this Summery footwear.

Outfit Formula: Zebra Fabness

Horsey zebra patterns are just as fab as cat prints. Zebra patterns are most authentic in black, brown, tan and white, but come in any colour combination and in any wardrobe item. Here are four ways to wear neutral zebra-patterned pieces across an assortment of wardrobe items. 

1. Zebra Topper

Combine a zebra jacket, cardigan or coat with a printed top for a fun pattern mixed effect. Wear the combination over bottoms that work with the outfit. Here, the top is tucked into jeans, but you don’t need to tuck. The black footwear picks up the black of the patterns, although white boots would look as fab. The full-length jeans look fresh.

Smythe Peaked Lapel Overcoat

2. Zebra Dress

Combine a zebra print dress with black footwear and Bob’s your uncle. I’d have added red or shocking pink shoes and bag to this outfit to make it look more punchy, but that’s because I like brights. Neutrals like metallic, tan, cognac, shades of white and navy make lovely accents too.

Slayboo Plus Size Zebra Pattern Shawl Collar Belted Wrap Dress

3. Zeba Skirt

Combine a zebra skirt with a black top and footwear, and a straw bag. Here, white espadrilles mix things up and pick up the white of the pattern. A white top would work well too. The casual vibe of the espadrilles and straw bag relax the look. A denim jacket in blue or white would be a nice addition for arctic air conditioning.

Anthropologie Zebra Button Front Skirt

4. Zebra Top

Combine a zebra top with black bottoms and finish off the outfit with shoes that work with the palette. This super trendy pairing is voluminous and might not be to your taste, so create outfit proportions that are. The brown shoes are unexpected, and do a nice job of bookending the outfit. That said, it takes away from the graphic sharpness of the look. White or black shoes would have looked more sharp to my eye. Black, white and bright red is a classic combination, so the red bag is beautifully predictable.

MARNI Zebra Print Long Shirt

If zebra clothing isn’t your thing, try incorporating zebra outfit accents with a zebra bag, pair of shoes, or scarf. I just got the light blue zebra dress from Zara shown at the end of this collection, and I love it.

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Weekly Roundup: Simple & Fabulous

Here are some items that are more basic in silhouette, but just as effective. Some wardrobe essentials, a few wardrobe basics, and the odd statement piece across a range of sizes and colours that might tickle your fancy. Lots of options for high heat sans air conditioning, many rave reviews, and some styles go up to 4X.

  • J.Crew Garment-dyed denim jacket: An oversized trendy denim jacket with a delicious '80s vibe for Team Lilac. Comes in canary yellow too.
  • Gap Mini Bucket Bag: A neat and tidy bucket bag that converts to a crossbody with enough length for tall gals. Comes in navy. Fab faux leather.
  • Lightweight Cashmere Scarf: Lightweight cashmere scarves are essential for long flights because they double up as blankets. They're also cosy and comfy worn as a wrap at home. This orchid is delicious, and it comes in a French blue too.
  • Gap Large Work Tote: Simple, streamlined and practical. Great for laptops as a work bag. Available in three more neutrals.
  • Austin Crossbody Bag: Trendy and fun, and available in neutrals. The drawstring closure is more practical and easy than you expect.
  • Gap Eyelet Embroidered Split-Neck Tank Top: A pretty and fluid eyelet top that works well as a layering top or worn on its own over a skirt or pair of pants. The white is not see-through. Comes in navy and plus sizes.
  • Soft Stretch Seamless Hipster Panties: Our forum members rave about these knickers because they are comfy, stay put, and look nice too. They come in a regular size and a plus size, so if they fit - you're in luck.
  • Banana Republic Cropped Denim Jacket: Extremely comfy soft denim jacket with stretch. It might run a little small if you need a fuller cut on the bust and back, Extremely soft and a bright white. Roomy sleeves. Great over dresses, skirts and wide crops. Comes in two denim washes too. I bought this in the white in my regular size. It's boxy on my waist, but I like that fit. Looks architectural.
  • J.Jill Perfect Reversible Tank: A great tank with a V-neck AND scoop neck because it's reversible. Structured, substantial fabric and many colours to choose from. Might run a little big.
  • Talbots Stripe Linen Maxi Dress: An excellent dress for HIGH heat. Fluid yet structured with a little waist definition. Might run a size big. Hem can easily be shortened.
  • J.Jill Fit Space-Dyed Maxi Dress: A super cute straight cut dress with a party at the back. Might run a size big. Hem can easily be shortened or knotted off to the side for asymmetrical hem interest. Excellent with sneakers and slides.
  • Silk Shift Dress: A repeat EF dress that goes the distance in high heat. A versatile style that can be dressed up or down. Size down, and works on a range of body types.
  • Crossover Linen Tank: A very breezy swing top with crossover back detailing. Unique earth tone for Summer. It doesn't get more ventilating than this for tops. Might need to size down.
  • J.Jill Knit Shirred-Waist Maxi Dress: Semi-structured fluidity with top arm coverage can rock in hot weather. Fun pockets and an easy style to wear casually with flats to just about anywhere.
  • J.Jill Wearever Smocked-Back Maxi Dress: My word, a chocolate brown Summer dress. The sky is falling. UNIQUE. The back smocking adds structure and interest. Might run a size big. Easy to hem to a shorter length.
  • White House Black Market Soft Jacket with Removable Belt: Unusual colour! This is a SOFT jacket that's more like a belted blouse. The belt can be removed if that's your preference. The gently ruffled collar does not lie flat so you have to be okay with that. The front falls open so it's better on a small and regular bust.
  • White House Black Market Pleat-Detail Shell: Easy layering blouse for under toppers. Runs a little big. Fab untucked too.
  • Silk Shift Dress: An easy dress for Team Straight Figure & Narrow Hips. Runs big, and is excellent in high heat. Elegant length, and yummy fabric.
  • Ellery Sandal: A dressy heeled sandal for regular volume feet. Comfy suede and quite supportive of high arches.
  • HOGAN Sandal: For Team Purple who likes to wear sandal booties. Comfy, casual, and good on regular volume feet. The buckle might dig into your ankle so watch for that.
  • Oasis Stripe Tube Skirt: A tube skirt in cool tones is comfy and easy to wear with just about any style of untucked top. Very easy to launder. Moulds to the body and fits most body types. Fab length and streamlining despite the horizontal stripes. Might need to size down. Comes in solid black and two-toned stripes too. Has a matching top for a two-piece dress effect.
  • Sunday Best sullivan pant Cropped, linen-blend culottes: These breezy linen culottes are trendy and fab for hot weather. They look best with a tucked or semi-tucked top, or boxy cropped top. Fits a range of body types and comes in pale lilac.
  • Mesh Yoke Tank Top: A fab better-than-basic tank top to wear OVER bottoms as is and without a camisole. Tailored and well cut.
  • Ashlee Sandal: These are fably comfy and supportive if you can manage the heel height. Best on regular volume and slightly wider feet.
  • White Mountain Women's Gracie Flat Sandal: A fab sandal for low arches. Not too much cushioning but the moulded footbed can be really comfy if it fits the shape of your foot.
  • Everlane The Slouchy Chino Pant: These pleated slouchy chinos have been winners on clients across a range of body types. They've worked with midsection bits a lot better than you might expect, and the rise isn't too high. Fab on curvier and straighter body types because the cut is that good. They work extremely well with boxy or fluid cropped tops if you don't like to tuck tops. Extremely comfy.
  • Handkerchief Hem Midi Dress: A not so simple but very fab frock for a curvier body type. Can work well on petites too. It hugs and glides over all the right places and does not cling. Fun, elegant, and BLUE.
  • 'Laken' Perforated Platform Derby: AMAZINGLY comfy platform oxford for a wider foot with bunions, Comes in navy.
  • Veruca Sandal: Brilliant sandal for a wider foot with bunions that needs arch support. Comes in FOUR neutrals, and read the rave reviews.

Go to the collection page if you would like to see the images alongside my descriptions.

Gap
Mini Bucket Bag
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9
Gap
Large Work Tote
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7
Nordstrom
Silk Shift Dress
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3
Nordstrom
Silk Shift Dress
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2
Nordstrom
Ellery Sandal
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6
Nordstrom
HOGAN Sandal
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9
Nordstrom
Ashlee Sandal
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5
Nordstrom
Veruca Sandal
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Top Pick
8
Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Statement Outfits and Powerful Accessories in DC

We’re excited to check back in with DC-based E from District of Chic, who was first featured here in November 2016. E is clearly having tons of fun with fashion, exploring fashion-forward looks and making vintage items and retro elements work for her trendy style. She wears high heels almost exclusively, has quite the collection of statement bags, fun footwear, and bold jewellery that, together with her polished make-up, complete every outfit to perfection.

“My son was born a little over 3 years ago, so being a mom has definitely had a substantial impact on my personal style. In the beginning, I had to work around spit-ups, accidents, and lack of sleep, which definitely ‘toned down’ my more over-the-top outfits and steered me towards washable fabrics. Now that he’s getting older, I’m definitely finding it easier to be more creative with my closet again. I still love mixing vintage, designer, and inexpensive pieces, but I have tried to become more environmentally conscious with my shopping and only go for ‘fast fashion’ pieces I feel I will get a lot of wear out of. Thrifting is also still a favorite pastime of mine!”

DC E - 1

This elegant look is as much about the gorgeous dress as it is about the statement accessories. E is wearing a sleeveless striped dress in a scuba-style fabric. The asymmetrical handkerchief hemline creates lots of movement, while the light aqua with black, tan and brown is a wonderful colour combo. The bold necklace with oversized resin stone is eye-catching and picks up the earth tones in the dress. Arm candy consisting of a stack of thick and thinner enamel bracelets do the same. E’s hexagonal bucket bag with gleaming D-ring hardware adds extra structure. Finally, the straps on the dainty high-heeled sandals with see-through detail echo the tie belt on the dress.

DC E - 2

E glams up her flared jeans with a vintage blouse and gold accessories. She’s tucked the black, red, gold and white scarf print blouse — a vintage find — which makes her legs go on forever. Adding a thigh-length faux fur vest further accentuates the long lean line. The asymmetrical faux fur style also gives the look a retro ‘70s vibe. A gold skinny belt accentuates our blogger’s waist. Shiny gold pointy-toe booties peek out from under the perfect length jeans. Oversized seashell hoop earrings and structured cream chain-strap bag with interesting gold hardware finish off the outfit.

DC E - 3

Here’s a dressy office look built around on-trend statement culottes. The crisp pleats and banded cuffs add structure to the ultra-wide-leg midi silhouette. Tucking a simple black tank shows off the high-waisted style. Pairing them with a tailored blazer in a neutral that works with the black and grey lets the culottes do all the talking. E jazzes things up with patent pointy-toe stilettos with gold logo ornament and a bold chain necklace with ornamental stone. Small hoop earrings, a structured satchel and dramatic dark red lip are the perfect finishing touches.

DC E - 4

This denim-on-denim outfit with Western vibe is on-trend and creative. E is wearing a fit-and-flare two-toned patchwork denim dress with asymmetrical hemline. The black belt with ornate silver detailing accentuates her waist and echoes the black bag and boots. An oversized black denim jacket casualizes the look and adds a rugged touch. The statement knee-high boots with sharp conical heel and silver metal plaques play up the Western vibe in a fashion-forward way. Pulling back her hair with charming bobby pins showcases the gold and turquoise chandelier earrings. E ads silver cuffs and rings, chain-strap bag and polished make-up, and is good to go.

DC E - 5

A polished casual outfit with a high “crisp factor” thanks to the white footwear and topper. Our blogger is sporting ink slim-fit trousers with a cosy marled sweater in a rainbow of colours. The cropped denim jacket dresses up the look. So do E’s gorgeous pointy-toe stiletto booties with etched buckle. The clear bag with colourful tassels and light blue strap adds a playful touch. The mixed resin circle drop earrings are arty and a trendy nod back to the transparent bag.

DC E - 6

The long tapestry coat in rich brown, black and golden tones is the star of the show. Skinny jeans and a black turtleneck are the perfect backdrop for this vintage patterned gem. Tucking the turtleneck into the jeans, and tucking the jeans into the tall boots (making their second appearance) creates a long lean line that is emphasized by the midi length of the duster coat. The studded belt adds a touch of hard edge. The silver hardware echoes the silver accents on E’s fab boots. Gold earrings peeking out from under our blogger’s polished bob and her go-to dark red lippy complete the look.

Let us know what you think of E’s wonderful style, and be sure to visit her blog to browse the rest of her outfits.