https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:15:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable/page/2#post-438974 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:03:29 +0000 crwilson 438974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm more forgiving of gear than some because I've found that for me, I'm a lot more likely to play hard with my girls (who are young) if I'm wearing something more "gear-like" (which means a casual Athleta dress or pair of pants) than if I'm wearing even jeans and a cute top. I came to this conclusion this summer when I went to the playground with the girls after I'd just been to the gym for my own workout. I wore my workout clothes, and I noticed that I played a lot more - I went down the slides, climbed, and ran around - than I did when I was wearing regular clothes because I didn't have to worry about my top gaping, my skirt riding up, or flashing anyone. While my girls are young, I'm willing to sacrifice style on the days that I'm home with them, especially since I can express my fashion sense more when I go to work during the week. I still want to look nice because I feel better then, but I also want to be able to run outside, dig in the dirt, and get out the fingerpaints without the rigamarole of changing my clothes.</p> <p>My ultimate answer is this: I don't think that most of the clothes from T9 or Athleta can really look "fashionable," but I do think that they can look very nice, and that's good enough for me since they are quite functional. Part of my hesitance to call them fashionable is because sporty is just not my style, but I'm willing to trade my style for clothes that I still like a lot and that meet all of my comfort, machine washable, non-wrinkly needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable/page/2#post-438913 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:47:02 +0000 Isis 438913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually love gear. When I'm using it for swimming, rafting, running, yoga or biking, I love the utilitarian aspects of it. I love the functionality. I don't wear it outside of those activities though as I don't like the way I look in gear, and I prefer to change out when I'm sweaty. </p> <p>So, as someone who loves gear, I actually don't think any of the dresses or skirts are gear. What sport/task/job are they used for? They are casual clothing and can be worn in public. IMHO, of course. (exception are those wierd running skirts, which I think are lousy gear.....) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable/page/2#post-438903 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:37:06 +0000 liss 438903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Elly that the Lucy skirt is a casual skirt. I can see it being very cute with a short sleeve white button down and some espadrilles. </p> <p>Am I getting the hang of mixing these types of pieces? I hope so! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable/page/2#post-438242 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:10:22 +0000 NK 438242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah...thanks for the answer, Elly. It's getting clearer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable/page/2#post-438240 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:07:35 +0000 Elly 438240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NK-- imo that is a acceptable skirt, but a very casual one. Gear is more along the lines of clothing that's main purpose is function-- for an athletic-type activity. If an item is meant to be worn for running or hiking or you bought it for wearing to the barn or cleaning, it is probably gear. Cargo pants in ripstop nylon from a sporting goods store are gear, running skirts are gear, yoga pants are loungewear or gear. There are companies like Athleta that make clothing that is crossover clothing, for things like day-tripping and adventure travel which are more along the lines of the skirt you posted and the dresses the ladies posted. Generally these things aren't gear as long as you wear them in appropriate situations and with appropriate mates. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable/page/2#post-438238 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:52:40 +0000 NK 438238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to be butting in but I'm still trying to understand the difference between 'gear' and...well, everything else.</p> <p>Would this skirt be considered gear or would be it an acceptable part of a regular outfit?</p> <p><a href="http://www.lucy.com/Solaris%20Skirt/223102_SALE,default,pd.html?cgid=Skirts_Dresses&#038;dwvar_223102_SALE_color=ASPHALT" rel="nofollow">http://www.lucy.com/Solaris%20.....or=ASPHALT</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable/page/2#post-438236 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:32:43 +0000 catgirl 438236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps I can interest you in a pink down mini-skirt? See:</p> <p><a href="http://www.skhoop.us/skirt-mini-plum.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.skhoop.us/skirt-mini-plum.html</a></p> <p>A friend of mine markets these here, and a group of us are getting them in hot pink to ski a 26 mile race in February for my BFF's 50th birthday! </p> <p>Seriously, I think those dresses are way cute, air rifle or not... </p> <p>I have to say at the risk of being political that I was highly irritated that T9 made a positive reference to Sarah Palin in one of their bra descriptions. Whatever your political party, here in Alaska we feel she jumped ship to serve her own interests. and for T9 to give her props made me cranky.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable/page/2#post-438150 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:20:22 +0000 Fruitful 438150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would love to see your outfits - with the jacket! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438116 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:36:13 +0000 liss 438116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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?</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438097 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:14:53 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 438097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438092 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:05:27 +0000 Nakidra 438092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.<br /> Hope that helps </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438079 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:42:16 +0000 Mellllls 438079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438074 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:37:32 +0000 ironkurtin 438074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh. A carnival air gun. My bad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438065 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:22:28 +0000 Suz 438065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, what gives? She's panther hunting, obviously!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438060 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:19:45 +0000 Elly 438060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438059 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:17:09 +0000 ironkurtin 438059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good lord, that woman is holding a rifle. In a dress. As a rarified city gal, I don't know what to say. </p> <p>In terms of gear, I covet this. And I would wear the heck out of it:<br /> <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-pelage-jacket?p=28230-0-762" rel="nofollow">http://www.patagonia.com/us/pr.....8230-0-762</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438057 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:15:31 +0000 Freckles 438057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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...</p> <p>So true about feeding a fire though...no synthetics or fur! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438052 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:09:07 +0000 catgirl 438052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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:</p> <p><a href="http://www.titlenine.com/product/162538.do" rel="nofollow">http://www.titlenine.com/product/162538.do</a></p> <p>Another:</p> <p><a href="http://www.titlenine.com/product/skorts-skirts-dresses/casual-dresses/165201.do?sortby=ourPicks" rel="nofollow">http://www.titlenine.com/produ.....y=ourPicks</a></p> <p>And I've tried this one on at REI - very cute, forgiving and easy:</p> <p><a href="http://www.titlenine.com/product/skorts-skirts-dresses/casual-dresses/162539.do?sortby=ourPicks" rel="nofollow">http://www.titlenine.com/produ.....y=ourPicks</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438041 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:50:57 +0000 Elly 438041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-438036 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:42:49 +0000 Freckles 438036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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...</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437814 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:37:40 +0000 qfbrenda 437814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz's last paragraph exactly. Actually everything she said, except I work out at home. LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437797 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:32:30 +0000 Suz 437797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think well-designed gear is fashionable if you're working out! Form and function. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437791 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:25:25 +0000 ironkurtin 437791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, Angie, I guess I wouldn't really calla Stella's Adidas and Yohji's lines gear. They pretend to be gear, though!</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437786 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:19:58 +0000 Janet 437786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Besides, there are so many cute, fun, and comfortable things to wear other than my gear, I'd rather wear those than gear anyday! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437729 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:11:21 +0000 Angie 437729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice story, Steph :)</p> <p>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! </p> <p>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 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437700 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:52:34 +0000 ironkurtin 437700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it can be fashionable, no question. Yohji and Stella's lines for Adidas etc. come to mind, especially the Stellas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437685 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:43:27 +0000 Elly 437685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437628 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:42:09 +0000 mrseccentric 437628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie said: "Where is the creative expression? " no kidding! and there's no reason for it!</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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</p> <p>(sorry if a bit OT!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437626 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:40:44 +0000 Atlantia 437626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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?</p> <p><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-320--14026-0,00.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.runnersworld.com/ar.....-0,00.html</a></p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-athletic-wear-be-fashionable#post-437621 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:38:05 +0000 DressLover 437621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p>