WIW 9-8: "Formcore" - YouLookFab Forum

So I realized that I spend most of my life in gear. I work out or do cardio 5 days a week, so that's 5 days of sports bras and needing to wear some kind of fitness gear so I can swiftly transition to sweaty time without stripping to the skin. (I work, I'm a mom, I have limited time and need to maximize every moment I can get!)

Basically this means dressing around a core of sweat-wickery at least 5 days a week. And more money into items that can do both workout and "pass" as real clothing, or at a minimum can be paired with workout gear to tone it down, and less money toward "real" clothes. I'm battling this emotionally but the reason I don't wear a lot of my things right now is because I only get 2 days a week TO wear them!

I'm calling my approach "formcore" because let's face it, workout stuff is spandexy tight. So really it's all about layers.

- Inhabit linen-cotton cardigan
- Lululemon dress, bra, and leggings
- Vera Wang Lavender Label boots

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10 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I like this, I really like this.
You should look into Stella McCartney for Adidas. She does some really interesting work out wear.

Laura

Active Member

That is brilliant how you transition from an exercise outfit to an outfit that is appropriate for a casual office or going out. The cardigans, leggings and boots look really good on you plus it is tight enough to show off the great figure you have as a result of doing cardio 5 days a week.

ironkurtin

AG, I do look at her stuff, but I never love it. It looks good but it doesn't really work when you sweat. Same for Y3 - it's got a look, but no function.

Laura - I do weights 2 days a week and high-intensity short-duration cardio 3X a week. I'll be honest and say I would never, ever have been able to get this definition without my trainer and a lot of weights.

Anonymous

Looks great! I love the long tunic-like dress. Great boots too. Your hair looks good. You can really see how it's getting some length now from the back view.

Super great! I really like the soft grey with the dark tights and heavy boots.

Janet

I think this looks great on you and I wouldn't have known it's workout gear.

It's great that there are now some really nice options for gear that doesn't look like gear! Say what you will about Lulu but they do that really well.

Count me as another who admires your dedication and how fit you are. My arms, well, let's just say that even swimming will never make them look good. Too bad I really don't care for working out in a gym.

I like the idea of "form core". This is me too during the week - and I rely on Lululemon pieces, and have found some from a new yoga brand (well new to me , anyways) called Alo. I also found some pieces by Lole that work really well too- including a golf dress that is perfect for popping over tights and a sports bra after a workout. Sounds weird but I wore it all the time this past summer.

Alana in Canada

Way to make lemonade. This is a great look for you.

viva

This is really interesting IK. I've been sort of living in workout clothes or shorts this summer and have amped up my activity. This fall/winter, now that work is kicking into gear, I will be spending more time at the office -- and also dressing more. I'd like to think more about how to go from Barre 2x a week right to the office. I'm typically not sweaty, so if I can pop off my top and find something to pull on over leggings and boots it would be great. Maybe a dress like this. Hmmm. Thanks for the ideas.

CocoLion

You look amazing. I love the outfit, and would not have guessed that working out forms the core of the look (got your form core in there somehow). I am usually not a fan of high contrast black tights or leggings but I really like this.

catgirl

This looks great. The Athleta stuff I tried on would have been suitable for hiking in terms of material so that may be worth a look too.

rabbit

I really love the pearl gray layers, and the boots with leggings are awesome, great look to span activities!

shedev

I really like this, but then I love gear. My idea of a smaller wardrobe means having gear that can transition out of the gym and into fashion. You are doing that really well.

jackiec

Hey cool dress. I love the transitional look like this. You'd fit right in here in Vancouver home of Lululemon....

Angie

Fashion Stylist

IK, why don't you change into your workout wear at gym? It's a matter of taking a few more minutes, and that way you have more opportunity to wear your other clothes throughout the week.

That said, I really like #1. Will you workout in that outfit? (Minus the cardi).

Go Team Sporty Luxe.

Beth Ann

You're looking amazing in your "formcore." I think footwear makes or breaks the styling, really, setting it apart from straight up active wear.

Angie, I have a trainer, not a gym, and I drive there immediately from work to make my slot. There just isn't time to take off, fold, put in bag, put on new, drive to gym. I have some leeway on my cardio days, but then it's at least 2 sets of clothes (tops, sports bra, sports pants) to be laundered each time. It just doesn't max out.

And yup, just worked out in this minus cardi and boots and plus sneakers.

Caro in Oz

This works so well for you - love the boots too.

I love it. It's a really good, original look. Way to dress for your actual lifestyle!

Thistle

Sounds like it works well for you, both in terms of style and function. Had you not said it was workout wear, I wouldn't have thought it was.

Deborah

It's a great outfit, and I would have never considered it was work out gear. Thanks for explaining the situation, I was also wondering why you don't simply change your clothes. Clearly your commitment to your fitness is serious and I really respect that. I will be interested to see how your wardrobe evolves in relation to this.

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