How to Pull off the Athleisure Outfit Trend Beyond the Gym

Lauren Tappan

June 29, 2021 at 1:32 PM·7 min read

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Woman wearing an athleisure outfit. — Credit: Getty Images

My weekend mornings usually begin with a quick trip to the gym, followed by running errands, meeting up with friends for coffee, and going on leisurely strolls around my New York City neighborhood. These moments often call for comfortable looks that are stylish enough to function outside of my workout routine, and that’s really when my athleisure outfit capsule wardrobe comes into play.

The formula is easy. I’ve learned that the key to creating a trophy-winning athleisure look involves seamlessly blending traditional sportswear (like ultra stretchy yoga pants, moisture-wicking T-shirts, and skin-tight biker shorts) with foundational pieces that are inherently more elevated, like crisp button-down shirts with sharp collars, glossy handbags that have a timeless appeal, and refined jackets and coats that can offer an extra layer and added dimension.

Of course, this high-low styling hack isn’t a huge novelty in the fashion world. Plenty of designers favor the juxtaposition between sporty and chic—just take a glance at several Fall 2024 collections. Sandy Liang styled a rosette-adorned sweat set with ballet-inspired slingback pumps; Phillip Lim championed the capri pants trend by way of leggings paired with a bulky sweater and a denim jacket, and Lacoste teamed a relaxed satin tracksuit with a ladylike handbag and a silk scarf accessorized around the handle.

Fall 2024 collections Sandy Liang, Phillip Lim, Lacoste

You can also easily master the same look to take your activewear and athleisure outfits beyond the gym floor or pilates studio. Ahead, shop Marie Claire's curated edit of 10 athleisure outfits you'll want to pin to your weekend style mood board.

Game, Set, Match

woman wearing crewneck, tennis skirt, and sneakers

You don’t have to be a tennis pro to wear a pleated skirt. Fashion folks are styling this sporty style alongside zip-up track jackets, polo shirts, and cable-knit sweaters (check out Marie Claire’s tennis outfits guide for reference). Choose this styling route or coordinate your tennis skirt with a matching crew neck top, as seen above. Balance your monochromatic set with high-end designer accessories that whisper, "quiet luxury."

Banana Republic Caro Cropped Lightweight Cashmere Sweater

Alo Yoga Doubles Only Skirt - Ivory

Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage

Toteme Leather Bucket Bag

Crystal Leather Strap Watch, 27mm X 34mm

Ferragamo Crystal Leather Strap Watch

Oscar de la Renta Love Knot Stud Earrings

Sambas for the Win

woman wearing crewneck, shorts, and adidas sneakers

It’s no secret that Adidas Samba sneakers are dominating the fashion trend cycle. These neutral soccer shoes are so easy to style, so they deserve a top spot on your footwear roster. Dress them up with a white mini skirt and a soft cashmere sweater. Add a bit of texture to the mix with a woven raffia bag.

Pure Splendor Cashmere Button Front V-Neck Cardigan

Eleven by Venus Williams One More Time High Waisted Skirt

Adidas Originals Samba Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

'47 Brand NY Yankees Hitch Relaxed Fit Baseball Hat

Mango Natural Fiber Basket Bag

Madewell Chunky Small Hoop Earrings

Zhuzh It Up

woman wearing jacket, black tee, black shorts, and loafers

How does one make an all-black athletic outfit feel not-so-basic? Look no further than this style formula for answers. Throw a slightly structured yet lightweight jacket over your shoulders, slide into a pair of preppy patent leather loafers, and include polished finishing touches like cat eye sunglasses, gold jewelry, and a leather handbag.

Banana Republic Ribbed Cutaway Tank

Nike Printed Plissé Dri-Fit Adv Shorts

ASTR the Label Tracy Jacket

Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer

Maui Jim Lychee 52mm Polarizedplus2? Cat Eye Sunglasses

Easy 14k Yellow Gold Huggie Earrings | Mejuri

Mejuri Easy 14k Yellow Gold Huggie Earrings

Trendy Track Pants

woman wearing button-up, bandeau, and adidas track shorts

If your TikTok algorithm is saturated with fashion content, chances are you’ve noticed that track pants are rising in popularity. Savvy content creators are even styling athletic short versions with every top imaginable—from office-friendly button-down shirts to tube tops for a night out. Try the trend for yourself by following suit, or pair your track pants with a matching bandeau and a cropped collared shirt styled open.

Susana Monaco Strapless Crop Top

Nordstrom One Pocket Short Sleeve Button-Up Shirt

Adidas Superstar Track Pants

Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Bag 2L Metal Hardware

Blue Nile Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings In 14k White Gold

Blue Nile Freshwater Cultured Pearl Twisted Cuff Bracelet In Sterling Silver

Retro Flair

woman wearing t-shirt, biker shorts, and sneakers

Flip through the pages of Princess Diana’s sartorial playbook, and you’ll find that the late style icon had a fondness for coupling tight-fitting biker shorts with oversized graphic sweatshirts. Copy and paste this look into your collection of athleisure outfits by shopping the pieces below.

Topshop Circa 84 Oversize Graphic T-Shirt

Vitality The Cloud Biker Short

Sam Edelman Ethyl Low Top Sneaker

JW PEI Joy Faux Leather Shoulder Bag

Nadri Chiara Imitation Pearl Drop Earrings

Jenny Bird Noa Bracelet Noa Bracelet

On the Move

woman wearing tank, sweatshirt, leggings, and sneakers

If you're anything like me, your weekend schedule likely involves running errands before or after hitting the gym. Spruce up your post-workout look by swapping your sports bra with a laid-back tank top and throwing your gym bag aside in favor of a leather tote. Make sure to carry a zip-up sweatshirt just in case you get chilly.

Reformation Tasha Tank

Alo Yoga High-Waist Airbrush Legging - Black

Year of Ours Classic Zip Up Sweatshirt

New Balance 1906 Metallic Faux Leather-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers

LongchampmLarge Le Pliage Tote

Pandora Round Sparkle Stud Earrings

Subtly Revealing

woman wearing mock neck, leggings, and converse sneakers

Show a hint of skin without going overboard with a slightly midriff-baring boxy top paired with high-waisted yoga pants that play up proportions. Complete the look with an old-school pair of lace-up sneakers, a slouchy leather tote, and over-the-ear headphones, which have become somewhat of an accessory in their own right.

Lululemon Ultralight Waist-Length Tank Top

Splits59 Clare High Waist Rigor 7/8 Leggings

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Sneaker

Pandora Moments 18 Mm Charm Hoop Earrings

Staud Valerie Shoulder Bag

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

A Cold-Weather Alternative

woman wearing sweatshirt, leggings, and coat

Given that fall is around the corner, brisk temperatures are lurking near. Prepare your collection of athleisure outfits accordingly with extra layers—like a mid-length coat and a crew neck sweater that you can easily wear over a tank top. Lean into fashion’s latest chunky sneaker trend with trainers grounded with thick cloud-like soles.

AMI Paris Double-Breasted Virgin-Wool Coat

Nike Gray Phoenix Sweatshirt

Free People Top U-Neck

Solely Fit Performance Action High Waist Leggings

Asics Gel-1130? Sneaker

Blue Nile 7.5" Paperclip Bracelet In 14k Italian Yellow Gold

Transitional Dressing

woman wearing coat, sweater, t-shirt, biker shorts, and sneakers

This sporty look will also fit right into your transitional wardrobe. In addition to featuring extra layers (like a cozy cashmere sweater and an insulated wool coat), this look embraces an autumn-friendly color palette with dusty brown and midnight black shades.

Loulou Studio Black Maisun Coat

SNDYS Cecilia Jumper

Shein x Deborah EZwear Solid Drop Shoulder Tee

Vuori Studio Pocket Bike Shorts

Veja Women's Volley Low Top Sneakers

Bombas Women's Solids Half Calf Socks

Sophisticated Sweats

woman wearing white t-shirt, sweatpants, a baseball cap, and sneakers

If you're not convinced you can wear sweatpants outside the house, this sophisticated set might make you change your mind. The short-sleeve trench coat is an anchor, while the shimmering jewelry and embellished loafers add an elevated touch.