In the past year, working out has become a much more integral part of my routine. Catching a spin class or taking a deep breath in yoga keeps me sane while the world is spins in chaos around me. I even got adventurous and tried a bootcamp-esque class yesterday that just about killed me — I can barely walk today, no joke.
My tips for stylish and functional workout gear are pretty simple:
Pick clothes that fit. Seems like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised. If you are fussing with your clothes, it’s a non-starter. I’m serious! No hiking up your pants, tugging the hem of your top down, or adjusting your sports bra. If you can’t move in it, don’t buy it! Do jumping jacks in the fitting room if you have to. I generally find that a tight fit is better than loose fitting, so that you can see how your body is positioned and moving while working out.
Go the extra mile. I used to be of the persuasion that workout clothes didn’t matter, and I point blank refused to spend money on them. Up until a few years ago I was still wearing sports bras from high school. Ummmm…yeah. Then I found out that just like everything else, when I feel great about what I’m wearing, I shine. I bring a little extra kick ass attitude to my workout when I’m feeling sassy about my look.
Shop sales & resale sites for deeper discounts. Finding cute workout clothes doesn’t mean that you need to break the bank. Shop sales from your favorite brands or try resale apps like Poshmark. Lululemon sells like crazy on there! And with the athleisure trend booming, it’s pretty easy to pick up cute stuff at a reasonable price.
Do double duty. It’s not uncommon for me to incorporate some of the pieces (like a cool t-shirt or cozy yoga wrap) into my everyday wardrobe, and when you get a lot of use out of a piece, it’s a little easier to justify the cost. I’m all about cost per wear.
If you’re looking for stylish workout gear with a boho babe twist, these are some of my favorite brands to shop:
PS: SF peeps! My favorite workout studio, Uforia Studios, is opening up a Nob Hill location TODAY! You can get 2 FREE CLASSES when you sign up with the code: FIRSTATUFORIA. Promotion ends March 15th. Check out the video below to see what Uforia is all about!
Shocker, leggings are a controversial topic. See: Women over 30 should not wear leggings; Principal instructs female students to ‘cover their butts’; and tights are not pants for more info. I DO think that with a few quick tips, leggings can be styled appropriately. Even still, likely not acceptable for a work environment, but a cool off duty look. It’s all about the styling!
Quick tips on leggings:
Cover your butt, please. No, really. I don’t think anything more needs to be said on this topic.
Tights DO NOT equal leggings. Make sure that your leggings are thick and opaque and not the slightest bit see-through. See above post on distinguishing tights from leggings.
Go Sporty. Adding sporty elements creates a cohesive look.
Mix in unexpected elements. This one is probably my favorite. Add in metallics, layers of jewelry, or a bold red lip and you’re good to go!
What to wear with leggings
1. Leggings + High Tops/Sneakers + Flowy Tank/Graphic Tee
Y’all know I love a good pair of printed palazzo pants — and apparently I REALLY like to pair them with denim and basic whites. In accordance with my guiding principle that somehow “everything goes together,” this outfit is well, a little bit of everything. I’m not mad at it.
But onto more pressing matters than how I feel about my clothes…
Recently I’ve seen a lot of people asking how to wear palazzo pants, so I thought I’d put together some of my thoughts for easy {and awesome!} styling.
How to Wear Palazzo Pants {5 kick-ass tips}
1. Elongate, Elongate, Elongate
The trick with a trend that, well, makes you look WIDE {palazzo pants = wide leg pants, ahem}Â is to elongate as much as possible. Don’t think twice. Go for a high waist and heels every time and you won’t be sorry.
2. Lightweight Fabrics for the Win
Wearing palazzo pants made of a lightweight fabric like chiffon is 1. great for summer but 2. has an airy quality about it that won’t weigh you down or make you feel frumpy. Instead you’ll feel happy, light and bohemian goddess-chic. You’ll glide through the day. True story.
3. Prints, Please
Seriously, though! Personal opinion, but plain palazzo pants are maybe too easily confused with your basic wide leg trouser or work slacks. Snooze-fest! Spice it up with a print or pattern. If monochrome or basic is more your style, stick with it, but I promise you’ll be surprised by how FUN wearing a loud print can be!
 4. Layers up Top
Balance out your look with a couple of layers on top. But make sure you keep it slim, and not too bulky {see #5}.
5. Keepin’ it Slim
Tucking in your shirt will show off the high waist AND flatter your figure. Wearing something more body-conscious {like a tank top or body suit — yes, I am seriously recommending a body suit} up top is also a great choice. The slim fit will offset the voluminous nature of the pants and show off the curves. Yes, please!
Head to Toe: ASOS sunglasses, Alternative Apparel white cap sleeve tee, Blinged out denim vest via Poshmark, Leopard print palazzo pants via Poshmark, Alexander Wang Rocco bag via Poshmark, Seychelles sandals {old}
Stumped on what to wear with a crop top? I was too. I’m too old, I thought. I’m too short, I thought. Just uttering the phrase “crop top” sent images of bad ’90s style buzzing through my brain. But in the end, I knew I had to try it; it feels a little daring, edgy, […]
Skinny jeans are perfect for that trim, tailored, polished look. But after seasons of skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans can be a great way to mix it up. And they don’t have to be so casual, either. I’m pretty much living in mine! How to Wear Boyfriend Jeans Wear ’em cuffed For some reason, I have […]
Head to toe: Aviator sunglasses (old), Avia gray long sleeve tee via TJ Maxx, Lululemon sports bra, Teeki unicorn leggings, Havianas gold flip flops, Lululemon gym bag via Poshmark and water bottle.
