https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:36:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style/page/2#post-179079 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:21:12 +0000 RoseandJoan 179079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I view preppy to be more refined than it's more relaxed sporty counterpart. Fi I also thought of Lacoste. I view Elle Macpherson's day time style to be well executed sporty style. I do not view sporty style as lacking in components more that each simple element works so well no further details are required. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style/page/2#post-179067 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:01:22 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 179067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So what is the dividing line between boho and sporty or sporty and preppy? In my mind sporty and preppy are very close to the same thing, but then preppy is a word that is very much an American concept.</p> <p>I was going to suggest Fred Perry as a sporty style as well. Gap I think as beening sporty and Tommy Hilfinger. Also Gant and Lacoste.</p> <p>Is a sporty style a stripped down version of other styles - especially boho and classic? Classic is what I think of when I picture Jennifer Aniston and Kathrine Hepburn.</p> <p>In my mind I would have chinos, a breton stripe top and perhaps a blazer. Well fitted, no fuss, all natural materials. I think that it is a look that you actually need to be very fit to wear well - which is why Jen Aniston looks so good in it - wish I had her arms! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style/page/2#post-178939 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:42:42 +0000 Maya 178939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I meant that like bohemian, it is essentially restricted to casual wear only, not that they are the same. I don't see sporty style or bohemian style as being as versatile as some of the other styles because they can't really be elevated to much beyond smart casual. I suppose you could add small touches like amber jewelry or something for bohemian. I guess I just don't understand sporty style. To me it seems like bohemian style once you take all the interesting elements out that define boho (earthy jewelry, rich textures, etc). You're left with a jersey dress and some shoes..</p> <p>The styles Julie posted still look more preppy to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178932 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:31:50 +0000 Ariadne 178932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, RoseandJoan, great link! That is what I'd call stylish sporty style. Most people I know who describe their style as "sporty" wear, say, Pumas, jeans, t-shirts and hoodies, though. Or what Maya described (which isn't really boho to me...) That'is just "sporty"--not sporty STYLE. </p> <p>Sportswear is an entirely different animal, isn't it? It's a specific type of designer collection. Couture, resort, sportswear. Or am I confused on that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178926 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:12:33 +0000 Maya 178926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess the problem I have is that I don't see sporty as being a distinct style category. It is basically bohemian to me, minus all the creativity and artistry that makes bohemian style interesting. Merrel slip on sneakers, a sun visor, and a knit Patagonia dress might get you a "cute" rating but can never be truly killer to me. Once you start adding any other touches...a belt, a necklace, a bag...it just becomes a completely different style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178887 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:09:30 +0000 RoseandJoan 178887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianne, here is a visual of classic British sporty style (IMO)<br /> <a href="http://www.fredperry.com/women/" rel="nofollow">http://www.fredperry.com/women/</a><br /> In fact that pinafore looks quite appealing hmmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178872 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:20:55 +0000 marianne 178872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought sportswear is a term for anything that is not business formal, not necessarily nautical RL look.<br /> Angie, is Esprit sporty or not? The word sporty seems to feature in their item descriptions, but I am not sure if they mean the same thing, but if it's sporty then so am I.<br /> Tara, that is a cute jacket! I wouldn't have been able to classify it though.</p> <p>Edit: just looked at Sarah's links and I guess I am not sporty but I am getting confused again about at what point athletic becomes athletic-inspired. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178871 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:12:20 +0000 RoseandJoan 178871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been such an interesting discussion, is it not strange how the term sportswear and in particular American sportswear has altered in the last fifty plus years. I think of American sportswear in terms of Rat Pack era day wear, alligator handbags and pearls. I guess the term sporty style results from the 'casualisation' of our society, I now think of mid wash blue bootcuts, leather thongs and simple shaped tops in cotton when I think of sportswear or sporty style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178862 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:25:58 +0000 tarzy 178862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! I'm very glad to go down the "arty/boho" road, although Jean has the patent on that look. (Now if I can just figure out my hair. I'm way overdue for a cut!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178861 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:23:27 +0000 Angie 178861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tara, we posted at the same time :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178860 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:22:48 +0000 tarzy 178860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh - thank you, Jean and Angie! I'll take arty or bohemian over sporty any day! </p> <p>I don't want to be sporty spice, so even though I'm attracted to clothes that are comfy/casual, I try to style them with layering, scarves, and interesting necklaces and shoes. (Although when it gets hot, like it's starting to get now, I am very limited to how much I can add on.)</p> <p>I guess I'm a bit off in my interpretation of "sporty" too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178858 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:22:12 +0000 Angie 178858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Jean, that jacket looks more boho, Tara.</p> <p>Sarah is on the right track - although I don't think of LAMB as sporty. </p> <p>Dani, there is nothing wrong with being preppy. JCrew offers great looks. </p> <p>Frances, I 100% believe that you need to work out in great and PROPER workout clothes. I have blogged about that several times actually :0). Look and feel fab when you work out! But I am *very* strict on when NOT to wear workout clothes. You never wear gear unless you are going to engage into a sporting activity. So no running around doing errands for hours before or after you've worked out. I'm not awfully popular with this way of thinking but I'm not budging I'm afraid. If we don't set the boundary, you'll end up in work out clothes all day every day - without even working out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178838 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:38:00 +0000 Sarah 178838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right or wrong I have always considered clothing inspired by athletic clothing or activities to be sporty.</p> <p>I have been wearing more athletic inspired style lately as I've been doing more involved sports, or combining sports (swimming, running, cycling) and it's just becoming a bigger part of my life as a whole.</p> <p>Instead of Converse, I'd reach for these<br /> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/puma-speeder-m-black-griffin-gray-online-lime" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/puma-spe.....nline-lime</a></p> <p>But the clothing or shoes don't have to be an athletic brand. I think a lot of LAMB apparel is sporty.<br /> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/lamb-gw3032-optic-white-taupe" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/lamb-gw3.....hite-taupe</a></p> <p>And I'd consider this bag sporty too<br /> <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=12815&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=753358&#038;scid=753358072" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=753358072</a></p> <p>...and these<br /> <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing" rel="nofollow">http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing</a>?.out=jpg&amp;size=l&amp;tid=14123570</p> <p>...and this<br /> <a href="http://img13.beso-images.com/resize?sq=450&#038;uid=1761066099" rel="nofollow">http://img13.beso-images.com/r.....1761066099</a></p> <p>In fact, Lucky Magazine did a sporty spread in the July 2010 issue, pages 84-93. I was surprised to find myself attracted to so many of the looks.</p> <p>So I could be wrong, and could be just approaching this from my personal lifestyle. Who knows! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178834 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:18:39 +0000 Frances 178834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to be a dunce, but I'm still a bit confused. I'll confess, I quickly scanned through the thread, but I'm not quite clear on the terminology and which retailers might be representative of each. I get confused when all the terms like "gear," "sportswear," "sporty," and "performance wear" get thrown around. I think of "gear" as being more like something you would pick up from REI to go hiking, mountain biking or backpacking. I think of "sportswear" as being a somewhat outdated term from mid-last century for casual, nautical-type wear for the affluent set to wear on yachts on the weekends. I think of "performance wear" as being geared to a specific sport, like yoga or running pants and moisture-wicking technical fabrics, and then I think of "sporty" as being a more casual version of performance wear, kind of like what Athleta and Title Nine sells. And I don't even know if I dare ask about "leisure wear!"</p> <p>Marianne, I'm an avid runner and have always been a big fan of Athleta's clothing, but I agree with you completely about the patterns making them look too boho. I've been buying Athleta's running clothes and swimwear for years, and while the swirly patterns have always been around, I've noticed that they've come to dominate their offerings since the Gap bought them out. It's a trend that worries me. I count on Athleta for clothes that stand up to the elements and perform well, and I'm worried they'll go the same route that Title Nine did and shift their focus to casual leisure wear.</p> <p>Angie, I don't know if you've addressed this in any of your blog posts before or are looking for new ideas for blog posts, but I would love some guidelines that addressed this. While I understand the reluctance to link style to performance wear for fear that even more people will start living in yoga pants, fleece and Tevas, we all know the importance of having a fitness routine in our lives. And having a fitness routine necessitates being out in public for an hour or two a day in your fitness clothing while you're running, heading to the gym, a yoga class, etc. I'd like my clothing to look as stylish as possible, and I have seen a significant shift in the past decade toward fitness wear that is much more stylish, IMO. But I think I would still like some style guidelines around WHAT is considered acceptable to wear, and WHEN is it acceptable to wear it? For example, I know that swimsuits are acceptable to wear on the beach, in the water and by the pool, but that you should throw on a cover-up anywhere outside of those spots. What other style guidelines exist around "performance wear?"</p> <p>Whew! Sorry for the long-winded response! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178833 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:16:12 +0000 greenglove 178833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That jacket looks arty and/or boho to me-mainly because of the unfinished hem and and casual feel. It does not seem sporty but I could be wrong.<br /> Cute jacket by the way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178812 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:27:57 +0000 tarzy 178812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I don't think I'm preppy at all, but I am drawn to comfortable clothes for my WOTG style - "writer on the go" - similar to MOTG, without the kids!</p> <p>For instance - this jacket from Lucky. It's basically a hoodie, but the style is slightly more adult. (I hope.) I wear this all the time (when the weather is not hot) to go to the grocery store, etc, and I don't want to wear a blazer. It's definitely not trendy, or urban, or elegant. </p> <p>So is this sporty or just WOTG casual?<br /> <a href="http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo313/tarzyYLF/Sporty/IMG_1636.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i387.photobucket.com/al.....G_1636.jpg</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178676 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:15:31 +0000 crwilson 178676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think that I've shown much of a sporty style in my actual clothing choices, but lately I've been drawn to certain sporty elements, leaning toward the boho-sporty rather than preppie-sporty. Part of it is that some sporty clothes seem more practical for a MOTG, and part of it is my secret desire to be an outdoor adventure guide/yoga teacher instead of an English professor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178672 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:06:54 +0000 Kristen 178672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's so funny that Dani popped into this thread, because she was the example of sporty style that popped into my head! :)</p> <p>Of famous people, hmmm, I guess I would say Cameron Diaz in her casual clothes has a sporty style. Carole Lombard, back in the day, and Katherine Hepburn wore it a lot too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178611 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:35:02 +0000 Dani 178611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My style hasn't changed dramatically (I haven't gone to exclusively wearing gear while I've been away). I guess I just have a strong preppy streak I can live with that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178507 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:58:56 +0000 Jonesy 178507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marni did a sporty collection a few springs ago, combining their signature nerd-chic look with sporty pieces like capri-length leggings with racing stripes down the side, etc. Pretty cute!</p> <p><a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2007RTW-MARNI/" rel="nofollow">http://www.style.com/fashionsh.....RTW-MARNI/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178506 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:58:54 +0000 marianne 178506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dani and Tara, it's great to see you! I am very happy to have coaxed you out of lurkdom with my post. Tara, I know exactly what you mean, and I don't like the same things as you and I am always attracted to simple clothing.<br /> Thank you everyone for the input. I thought that I was sporty-ish, but if it's Athleta and EB, then I am guessing I am not as much? Also, is sporty, unlike other style personas, is limited to casual?<br /> And if anyone has pictures of well executed (in light of today's post) sporty style, I would be curious to see! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178491 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:02:24 +0000 Angie 178491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eddie Bauer and Athleta are quite accurate. So is Lulu Lemon, Roots, Patagonia and some of Rei. But not the gear. </p> <p>Dani and Tara, have not noticed sporty elements in your styles. Tara is more modern classic and Dani is preppy. But then, this may have changed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178489 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:01:26 +0000 Anonymous 178489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I think of sporty, I think of a friend who wears what I can best describe as golf-inspired clothing. There's not much pattern unless small geometric, but clear colors and pastels with tan or khaki, a-line skirts or those with an inverted pleat, collarless jackets. Maybe this is preppy instead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178487 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:55:21 +0000 Dani 178487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianne, I'm so glad you started this thread as I think I definitely have a strong sporty streak (as well as a bit of a preppy streak) to my style and I'm curious to get a better definition. I don't have any concrete examples for you. I'll be anxiously awaiting a clearer definition! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178483 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:47:35 +0000 Mellllls 178483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, sporty style would be wearing cons and bootcut jeans, particularly non-dark wash bootcut jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178482 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:46:35 +0000 Anonymous 178482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I may need visual examples, Angie. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178480 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:45:24 +0000 Anonymous 178480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd be curious to know more what Sporty Style is...how it is defined. I assumed it was somewhat in the vein of the Eddie Bauer look which is a step up from gear. You look casual...in a current way...but not like you are about to go hiking up a mountain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178445 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:35:40 +0000 tarzy 178445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianne - this is something I've been pondering, too! I sometimes feel I veer toward sporty. </p> <p>For me, I think it means I pick clothes that are simple and not overly feminine/frilly. I sort of think of it as an "Eddie Bauer" look, which is not really current or overly fashionable. Just comfortable and serviceable for the most part. I usually add my own twist with scarves or accessories though, which I feel saves me from looking TOO boring.</p> <p>I pick clothes mostly based on my body type (curvy.) I usually stay away from frills and ruffles (makes my bust look bigger), cap or puffy sleeves (makes my arms and upper body look huge), or any kind of pockets anywhere. I don't like floral prints (most prints, actually.) I also don't like bright colors. I look for clothes that are simple - but not too tailored, as I find those types of clothes seem to work best on more angular bodies. </p> <p>I currently work at home, writing, scrunched up in a chair, and I rarely wear skirts or dresses. I'm mostly in jeans, which, combined with the simple tops I look for, I think tends to add to that "sporty" feeling. I'm not edgy, I'm not trendy, I'm not Boho, I'm not Euro Chic, and I'm not classic/tailored. I feel by default I sort of end up somewhat "sporty."</p> <p>I'm in my 50's now, and it's even more of a challenge to find that sweet spot between shapeless J. Jill tunics and "cute" young looks. </p> <p>Does this sound anything like what you're thinking of as "sporty?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178432 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:53:30 +0000 marianne 178432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, yes, I know! I am not guilty of that Looking forward to your thoughts on the subject.</p> <p>Hehe Amanda, I think non-gear Athleta clothing has a boho element because of thier patterns... but a lot of it still looks like gear to me.</p> <p>I am not up to date on celebrities, but I always thought Jennifer A is mostly modern classic... hmm</p> <p>GG, thanks for examples - to me RL also comes to mind, but it doesn't excite me, and it's also preppy-colorful, and I wasn't sure how it overlaps. I could see how Katharine Hepburn was sporty in her day but would she look classic now? I am also confused about the whole preppy casual and sporty relationship, because preppy to me feels like an exclusively American look, or am I totally off?</p> <p>Another brand that I can think of is Esprit, and I do like their stuff a lot, but many of looks seem quite young. So I guess I am having trouble picturing a good example of sporty style for an older person that doesn't look like RL Polo ad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sporty-style#post-178424 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:52:12 +0000 florida 178424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianne, when I think of sporty style, I think of non-gear clothing you might see in Athleta. They have some cute clothes but they are boho-sporty (did I just invent a genre) in my book. </p>