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?
