YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:15:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php trendin1234 on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1287266 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 09:09:34 +0000 trendin1234 1287266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ pictures are good and with awesome pair of dress they will be awesome Cindy Fontan on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1275324 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 13:08:28 +0000 Cindy Fontan 1275324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great discussion. It's so easy to get sporty luxe wrong. Like Angie, I'm not the sporty type in any way but...thanks to the dressy jogger pant, I now feel dressed up, chic and yes...comfortable this season. I can't get enough of these pants. Here's my take on the sporty chic look. I hope you like it! Aida on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274895 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 23:54:22 +0000 Aida 1274895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hah Anna what a great find ^^ As an aside, how amazing was Bea Arthur's voice!? *swoon* annagybe on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274893 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 23:52:09 +0000 annagybe 1274893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok this is really bad video. But this is also not allowed <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sTd1pH1LHs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sTd1pH1LHs</a> Aida on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274836 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 22:47:41 +0000 Aida 1274836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You may all remember those silky track suits with less fondness, but as a kid I just looooved how colorful they were. Especially after heading into the sea of black that was the '90s. Of course, I didn't have to wear them Suz on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274830 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 22:44:13 +0000 Suz 1274830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hahahah, Caro!!!!  That is hilarious. I had half-forgotten those track suits, but Joy, you brought them painfully back. Is there such a thing as an "eye worm"?  I must say that the sporty luxe trend does definitely owe something to the 80s, though. No wonder those  of us old enough to remember that decade need to tread carefully (in our leather high tops).  Caro in Oz on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274803 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 22:00:52 +0000 Caro in Oz 1274803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How did you find that photo of me Gaylene? SandyG on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274617 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 17:23:30 +0000 SandyG 1274617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a really interesting discussion! Here's my personal take on the issue. In hot walking weather -- and in and out of stifling hot parked cars that have really baked in the sun -- sporty and gear items wick heavy sweat better and look sleeker, less messy than anything else in my closet. It was 106 yesterday. It's all about managing the weather with a nod to style. The fashion world could take a hint about performance fabrics and style and offer more. I'd love slouchy stylish items that weren't wilted rags by the end of day. Gaylene on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274611 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 17:17:20 +0000 Gaylene 1274611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks everyone for the boost towards pictures. My experimenting might have to wait for a week or two. We are currently engaged in a significant downsizing at Chez Gaylene and are aghast at how much stuff we have stuffed into our house over a quarter century. Right now I'm wearing gear I dug out of the going-straight-to-the-garbage bag and my style cred, such as it is, lies at the bottom of a heap of unused furniture, gardening tools, and stinky, old camping gear. And, Joy, that image of those color-blocked silky tracksuits with enormous shoulder pads was EXACTLY what popped into my head when I heard the term "Sporty Luxe".  I've also got a pair of those silky track pants hanging, with tags still on, in my closet. Every time I put them on, I feel like I'm entering a time machine... Anonymous on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274564 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:02:56 +0000 Anonymous 1274564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've not read all the responses, so please overlook anything that may have already been addressed. When I first heard the term " sporty lux", it brought to mind all those silky color-blocked, track suits with big shoulder pads of the 80's and I wondered if we were being groomed to return to that look. As an older woman, I agree with Caro in oz that real silk and cashmere make the difference. To my eye, I don't want to see more than one or two sporty pieces per outfit, although silk track pants with silk bomber and fashion sneakers sounds doable. It is going to be tricky. I bought and returned silky track pants (polyester) because it felt too young and casual unless I was wearing heeled sandals and I didn't want to move that direction. This is a great thread. viva on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274532 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:15:17 +0000 viva 1274532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes to pictures, Gaylene, and I will post pictures as well when I get my suit/sneakers look together. BTW, your long response acknowledging everyone's contributions was pretty amazing. Alassë on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274527 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:07:07 +0000 Alassë 1274527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pictures? Who would turn those down? Angie on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274496 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 14:43:15 +0000 Angie 1274496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Of course, Gaylene. The devil is in the detail.  Lisa on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274432 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 13:22:14 +0000 Lisa 1274432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm another vote for lots of photos to show the difference between gear and sporty luxe.  It sounds like a fine line and easy to crossover into no-no territory. abhicreative12 on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274259 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:04:15 +0000 abhicreative12 1274259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent questions and yet awesome answer from many..... By reading only i got to know so much info..Thanks for the help Caro in Oz on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe/page/2#post-1274257 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:00:41 +0000 Caro in Oz 1274257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A big yes please to the pictures from me Gaylene on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274256 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 06:43:45 +0000 Gaylene 1274256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, thanks for all the comments. And I feel so much better knowing that I wasn't the only one struggling with how to actually make this SportyLuxe trend work. Deb: I know we can figure this out, as long as we can find some guidelines to avoid falling on our not-so-stylish backsides. Rabbit: Oh, I think you've given me my first definitive guideline--The MUD test!  Caro: I think you are on the same wavelength as me. My silk bomber and leather sneakers are fine, but my fleece jacket and trail runners ought to stay strictly in the gear closet.  And I LOVE commenting on your threads--you are my hair inspiration! Anna: I figured those trail pants ought to stay in the gear closet. Thanks for the lead about the blog and the designers (I didn't know Marni was into a sports sandal look.) Zibbets: Welcome to Club Trying-To-Figure-Out-SportyLUXE. Viva:  I LOVE the idea of a suit pant with leather sneakers; as a matter of fact, I think I'm going to try that combination first! And thanks for another guideline: The look crosses over, but the item doesn't. CCiele: That juxtaposition is where I need help. So another guideline might be make sure that part of the outfit is LUXE or non-sporty. Sort of like Viva's idea to wear a pantsuit with leather sneakers? Or a cashmere sweatshirt and silk track pants worn with heels? Rachylou: I'm thinking that wearing actual gear might be for those who are at the master class level... Umfrumped: I think I could really warm to Sporty LUXE because the shapes seem so familiar to me, but I'm a bit worried that my familiarity with gear is more of a pitfall than an asset here. Another guideline: Sporty Luxe is not likely to be found in a gear store (unless you are at the master class level). Aida: I'm beginning to realize that crossover could be dangerous for beginner-level SportyLuxe. Jackiec: I think the potential for frump is definitely there because ironic and grey hair are difficult companions. Lyn: Another guideline: Think Anna! Echo: My gear is probably like your gear--works well, but no one would consider it really fashionable--well, except for my cool, high-tech ski jacket--I get lots of younger women asking me about it--but my golf skirt--not so much! Shedev: Another guideline: SportyLuxe is probably impractical for actual sports. Angie: Thanks for the additional examples. But am I right in thinking that the Casual Client Outfit has to have exactly the right elements to avoid looking just--I don't know--ho hum casual? Kiwigal: I'm learning that my sports closet should stay my sports closet. And then there is the MUD test. Angie: I can see how, if you know your stuff, shopping a gear store COULD work, at least theoretically. But it would also be easy to go off the rails. And thanks for the encouragement. KKards: Good guideline: If you wear it IN the gym, it's gear, not fashion. Suz: You've hit on why I'd like to figure out this SportyLUXE trend--it would so fit my lifestyle and my fashion comfort zone. Super examples of how careful crossovers can work--but I'm thinking the key word here is "careful". Peri: You describe exactly how I felt in my golf skirt and top. I probably looked better than most of the people in the market, but the whole outfit just felt better on the golf course than in the shop. And, like you, my knees and hips are so much much happier in an athletic-style shoe than a thin-soled flat, so that is another reason to figure out how to work this trend. Adelfa: Yoga pants at a funeral, even nice ones, seem a bit off to me, too. Maybe another guideline: SportyLUXE doesn't fit all occasions. Anne: Thanks. I've learned a lot from this thread. Thanks everyone for all your help. I think I'm ready to give this trend a chance with these guidelines posted in my closet. Do I need to post some pictures as part of my coursework?  :) anne on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274213 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 04:09:39 +0000 anne 1274213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very good questions raised in this thread. Thanks Gaylene! Adelfa on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274210 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 04:06:05 +0000 Adelfa 1274210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find this very confusing! I think it's all too subtle for someone like me! I will say that in the Spring of 2011 I went to rural Oregon (outside of Salem) for a cousin's funeral. An aunt (by marriage, my age, my dad's twin brother's young widow) wore long yoga pants to the funeral. She wore them with a nice top and cute black booties. She is gorgeous and slim and actually looked nice, but I could tell they were yoga pants by the fabrication and the Nike swoosh on her hip. She is from Seattle and so I wondered if that's how they dress there? Is this what we're talking about? Oh my goodness!!! Peri on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274159 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 02:32:56 +0000 Peri 1274159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wore my Prima capris into the mall today and felt okay but definitely not fab. I had just come from PT and my outfit was nothing like Janet's inspiration photo...I had on running shoes and a T shirt (although a nice one) and felt very "gym". I was not the least bit proud of myself. But...every third person looked like me, so I didn't feel awful either. I just felt like what I was...someone who made a quick mall stop after PT, short errand in and out. I would love to get ahold of this trend because the idea that the only shoes I can really walk in can now pass as fashion is just too good for words. But I understand the confusion Gaylene! I don't know what I'm doing and as in everything else, need different stuff to make this work.  Suz on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274155 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 02:24:41 +0000 Suz 1274155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent questions, Gaylene.  I love rabbit's guideline -- if it's got mud on it, it's not crossover!  For me, on the whole, I've chosen to go Viva's route. The look crosses over. The actual items cross over less. Example: I have three pairs of true gear training shoes for different purposes. And one pair of "sporty fashion sneakers."  These are not interchangeable, not least because I want to preserve my true gear items as gear. I need their functionality and don't want to wear them out on city streets.  Meanwhile, my sequinned sweatshirt, rugby striped sweaters and skirt, cashmere hoodie, and white accessories do not come into the gym with me for workouts. They DO however form the backbone of my work-at-home casual style. What I respond to in the "sporty luxe" trend is both the comfort (it fits my active-even-when-not-working-out lifestyle) and the "luxe" which makes it feel fashionable, pretty, and more fun.  Some exceptions to the separation of spheres:  A red puffer vest that I have worn with denim, heeled booties, etc. in the city (vs. its usual setting of the cross country trail.) A bright coloured waterproof raincoat that I have managed to wear occasionally in town by accessorizing carefully so it looks intentional and not just thrown on because it's what I happen to have.  A striped mariner-style cotton sweater (part of my regular casual capsule) that I have worn on hikes in the mountains.  kkards on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274068 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:36:52 +0000 kkards 1274068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i've been thinking about this, and i think if you would actually wear it in the gym, its gear....if you would wear it to the gym, it could be fashion.  Angie on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274057 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:27:18 +0000 Angie 1274057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Echo, actually, you CAN shop for gear and make this look work. The lulu lemon capris and Zella zip-up jackets are excellent examples of that. So are athletic shoes - see Anna's pins. But you have to know what you're doing though.  Gaylene, you are SO on the right track.  Sal on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274055 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:24:35 +0000 Sal 1274055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Most of my sports gear does not translate to fashion...partly I think of my shape, and partly because I work out hard and it gets worn and well used and while fit for purpose does not have a fashiony -vibe any more. My black lightweight bomber, my pink adidas trainers, and a purple down ski jacket can look fashionable worn with the right other pieces..... Angie on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274054 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:22:49 +0000 Angie 1274054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zibbets, incorporating the luxe piece is not essential - although that is how I like to interpret the trend (and with a good dose of pretty). For example:  Casual Client Outfit: Tan chinos rolled at the hem, partially tucked drapey tee, distressed belt, Converse and cross body bag. No Luxe.  My Version: Tan chinos rolled at the hem, partially tucked boxy white tuxedo shirt, white perforated Nike golf belt, white athletic sneakers and very refined white back pack. The luxe comes in with the shirt and bag. Items below:  shedev on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274053 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:20:33 +0000 shedev 1274053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think of sporty luxe as more sports inspired than sport. It might be due to fabrication, not many people at my gym are wearing silk track pants. (I mean no offense if you love to work out in yours). I also think the hi ness could be, due to the heel being impractical for sport. I have a sporty shadow style and incorporate many sporty pieces, including gear. I really don't see anything wrong with that as long as my outfit doesn't scream gymwear.  I wear this crop top  by Zella for fashion, but not to the gym. Echo on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274052 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:19:53 +0000 Echo 1274052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ IMO, and according to the photos accompanying Angie's blog post, "gear" doesn't count, period. There is actually very little crossover in my eyes, as the fashionable items I would never wear to work out or hike, etc. and my gear would never make the cut as fashionable.  I love my running pants/capris and my workout tops with all their bright colours and crazy designs. But none of them could ever cross over into my everyday wardrobe. No matter how sporty fashionable clothing gets, they are still two entirely separate animals. Wearing sporty fashionable clothing is fashionable right now; wearing actual gear on a regular basis (not counting stopping at the store after a workout, etc.) is more along the lines of "I don't care what's fashionable." lyn* on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274031 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 23:49:50 +0000 lyn* 1274031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I first heard of "sporty luxe" I thought that this is what Anna would wear (i.e.: a sweatshirt), but "gear" is more what I would wear!  jackiec on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274027 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 23:46:01 +0000 jackiec 1274027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great discussion topic! I really think it needs to look intentionally ironic in order for it to work. This is why I haven't really navigated this yet. I am scared to verge on frump. I'll be watching this look closely and will give it a stab soon too. Aida on "Gear Vs. Sporty Luxe" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-vs-sporty-luxe#post-1274023 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 23:42:18 +0000 Aida 1274023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great thread! Good questions and good answers. I echo everything Angie, Anna and Cciele said. For anything that's not truly casual, I don't think you'll find much crossover with those other active capsules you listed. Although you might be able to do a mix with one of those+luxe sporty item+normal nice item, will take some experimenting with. For true casual or active-casual, you'll probably be able to mix more of those items in. Of course, the longer this trend continues to encompass more and more "gear" the more those things will start to look "normal". (Great pins Anna, she does a good job of working the luxe and fashion aspects. It almost feels like the sporty is fully integrated as opposed to juxtaposed, even though it is).