Style Out your Work Out
Gym kit styling
It’s not just lockdown that has us reaching for our gym leggings in the morning. Lots of us live in our gym kits (even if we don’t make it to the gym) because it’s easy. So why not do it with conviction, make it stylish and let it carry you through the whole day. If you look good, you feel good. Style sparks creativity, good mood, drive and confidence. You might just be motivated to do that work out!
Let’s be honest: what you're wearing whilst you are exercising doesn’t need to match; although ironically most of us have co-ordinating gym sets but not necessarily clothes.
I’m talking about the complete co-ordinated ensemble here; the outfit that will take you from the school run, to a coffee with friends (we will be there again) but still with the convenience of your gym kit beneath. Therefore, I’m mainly concerned with leggings, as those are, most likely the only ‘gym bit’ on show (during winter months anyway).
The 5 steps to style up your gym kit
1. Pick your colour palette
Start by looking at your gym kit (the stuff you actually work out in). Is it mostly neutrals? - black/grey/white with splashes of colour? Or do you have a bright rainbow assortment of gym clothes? Even within that colourful array, can you see consistent colour families that are present throughout?
Next up: Do any of those colours pop up frequently in your regular wardrobe?
Most often that is black! Black is popular for gym wear; it slims, trims, hides and disguises. Worth noting that any dark colour will do the same and may be more flattering - and motivating!
If black is that linking colour; identify at least one other colour that features in, the most worn pieces of, your wardrobe. That might be camel, grey and at least white?
You want the leggings and any other pieces you consider ‘gym on show’ clothes to tie back to the rest of your wardrobe. The colour(s) from your gym attire should be in your favourite colours that suit your complexion and shape. This will enable you to tie in and therefore easily wear the rest of your wardrobe regularly and not be limited to only wearing gym clothes.
For example a RECTANGLE/HOURGLASS might wear the following:
Black gym leggings with or without a flash of pink and/or white and their (probably coordinating) sports bra top.
To make it work as a day outfit, add a white vest or tee, then add a pink/white (or black) sweatshirt/hoodie/jumper in a similar shade of pink from the legging. Leave a tail/band (depending on whether the white top is loose or tight) of the white tee popping out under the sweat. Throw a leather jacket and/or a camel coat over the top (pop out the hood if applicable) and add a white trainer.
2. Use Colour/Print to balance your body shape
When choosing your gym pieces, as well as selecting the colours that will work back with your wardrobe, consider how they will flatter your shape. As a PEAR/APPLE, I always wear bright, light colours on my sport tops to increase my bust and wear patterned leggings to disguise my ‘mum-tum’ and skinny legs.
For example an APPLE might wear the following:
Patterned ankle/long length gym leggings. Solid colour dark leggings will further slim an already slim leg, flatten your bottom and therefore highlight a fuller mid section. Avoid 3/4 length leggings or gym pants as these will shorten the legs and also, in turn make the mid section look bigger. Patterned leggings on the other hand will disguise any lumps and bumps, show off slim legs, dance your eyes over the torso and give shape to your bum. Flashes and patterns that grow up the legs from the ankle will draw the eye down, away from the tummy. Add a V neck or scoop neck jumper or sweatshirt in a colour from your chosen palette. If choosing a loose top, it must be long enough to skim your tummy but no longer than your hip or you’ll make yourself look bigger.
Try a tight fitted tee/vest with a close fitting jumper over the top and layer over a parka or the ‘must-have’ slim line puffer coat. Add a walking/hiking boot and contrast sock and you’re all set to walk the dog!
3. Layer
Adding layers is the secret to styling up your gym kit. Long line cardigans, coats and waistcoats will work for all shapes by showing off the lovely high waist effect of the leggings, whilst hiding your (quite) exposed behind at the same time. There is something very elegant about revealing just the slimmest part of your leg beneath a long coat /cardigan - not only that, but a chunky trainer/boot will add to the flattering effect!
I’m a bit of lily guilder when it comes to layering - I have to be careful not to get too carried away, and over layer an outfit, and end up looking like a coat stand. I heed Coco Chanel’s famous words - and hopefully that keeps me in check.
“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”
The key piece of layering advice is to make it work for your shape.
For example a STRAWBERRY might wear the following:
Brightly coloured or patterned leggings with a deep V-neck jumper or off-the-shoulder sweat with a dropped shoulder cardigan or a long waistcoat over the top. Tying a sweat or shirt around your waist will work as an alternative bum coverer and also add volume (and style) to your lower half thus balancing out your shape.
4. Style it up
The high waist, sculpting nature of gym leggings is a brilliant foundation to style up from. A bit like a good primer before applying make-up. We’re already highlighting our waist and/or giving ourselves that Spanx effect.
Layering, in ways that flatter your body shape, is styling in itself but try adding the following tips and tricks:
Turn up the hem of your legging (if you’re wearing a printed option, the contrast reverse side will amplify the effect).
Always ensure you roll/turn up your legging high enough to show a little triangle of ankle, when wearing a boot. If you tuck your legging into your boot, you’ll widen the appearance of your leg. Or add a thick, ruched (ideally in a contrast colour) sock - 80’s leg warmer style!
Half tuck your sweat top/ jumper/ loose tee into your leggings. This flatteringly covers half of your behind and lengthens your leg.
Tie up a loose vest in a knot at your waist over your sports bra top. This covers your mid-riff, whilst highlighting your waist. I’m noticing an 80’s theme here!
Layer joggers over your leggings, leaving the high waist of the legging exposed. Make sure the jogger has a flat front with minimal gathering detail to avoid bulk at the hip. If you’ve an HOURGLASS figure - wear with a cropped sweatshirt.
If wearing a long line top or jumper, layer over with a shorter fitted piece, like a gilet or a single breasted (waist creating) blazer.
Pop out your hood
Add a co-ordinating scarf to pull the look together. Also super handy for Savasana, if you’re a yoga lover.
5. Add an every day shoe choice
Finally, to make the whole ensemble sing, add a regular trainer, fashion boot or walking shoe, not your technical training shoes, this will make it clear that this is a day outfit and NOT your gym gear.
Top tip: A white trainer will go with EVERY outfit, meaning you will never be left with the dilemma:
“Now that I’ve got my outfit sorted - what shoes?” - And you will look effortlessly cool!
Take your gym kit for a style work out!
If you’re unsure of your body shape, you can download my FREE 3 step body shape guide below. It’s full of tips of what to wear - and what not to wear for your shape.