Athleisure Office Wear Guide: 7 Ways to Wear Athleisure at Work
The mood I’m in these days – lazy with a dash of dull (in a good way though) – I don’t need no guide to help me take my sweatshirt or sneakers straight into my office. But I have this hunch that we’re not all alike. I know #groundbreaking… hence a mid-week office wear guide to wearing athleisure at work. Because 1) athleisure, or athletic wear, or active wear is still the #1 trend. #hallelujaaaaaa, and 2) we all want to look great, but also feel comfortable and kinda sophisticated, all wrapped up in effortless.
Leggings to work?!!! I know. It sounds insane and inappropriate, even to moi, but fear not my little professional gurus out to conquer the world every day. The key to rolling out of bed and looking like you give a fuck, sartorially and socially is easily done with a few details: great shoes (heels make anything look office appropriate), great jewellery, a very big professional bag, a blazer or a coat.
And if you work in a more creative field you’re lucky cause you can easily pull off more sporty styles without worrying if that tee is too slouchy or those pants look more like trackpants rather than office trousers.
1.Wearing athleisure at work: SWEATSHIRTS
For the longest time ever sweatshirts have become a massive top staple to go way beyond the gym life or some Saturday hangover attire. The fact that wearing a sweatshirt to work is a non-faux-pas anymore is a huge step for fashion, more so it’s a coveted look that oozes coolness, and some laid back vibe.
How to wear tip:
Pick a sweatshirt that looks more like a blouse rather than some big cozy comfy gym style hoodie, and go for black, grey, white, nudes, taupes, red, blue. You can pair it with a pencil skirt, or high waisted office pants with side pocket (tuxedo-like-inspired), heels and a coat. It really looks effortless and chic.
You can even layer a button down shirt underneath, if that’s your thing.
Get the look:
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2. Office Athleisure: LEGGINGS
Wearing athleisure to work has never worked bestest as right now. I’m not saying to put on your hottest gym attire, and some printed or nude version of high waisted leggings that show your booty gains a little bit too much… but you can opt for black leggings, leather leggings, deep solid one colour leggings that you always always always must pair with something long enough to cover that bum. For office.
How to wear tip:
Pair your leggings with a very long button-down shirt, a long cardigan, a t-shirt and a long blazer, a cozy sweater long enough to cover your bum, a sweatshirt. Flats are a great option, like sneakers, or brogues. If you feel like heels, wear heels, but leggings do balance out more with flats.
Get the look:
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3. SEPARATE TRACKSUIT PIECES
A tracksuit jacket can certainly replace an otherwise boring or regular blazer, or leather jacket. It does look insanely sophisticated paired with an all black outfit with heels. Trackpants can be trickier, unless you work in a creative job. Treat them as a pair of wide legged pants and pair them with heels and a blazer.
How to wear tip:
Like I just told you, OR have fun with tracksuit inspired details: mesh, stripes, zippers, polyester, see-through.
Get the look:
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4. SWEATPANTS.
Tbh if you’re not Victoria Beckham or you don’t work in a very relaxed and creative field stir away from these. There was a time when everyone was wearing them with heels and leather jackets… so maybe there is a way to do this.
How to wear tip:
If you’re really stuck on these make sure you choose a black pair and wear them with classic pumps, a t-shirt and a jacket over. If you don’t work with fashion people, chances are nobody will even know you’re wearing sweatpants.
Get the look:
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5. Athleisure Business Casual: T-SHIRTS & HOODIES
They may be gym inspired but they’ve crossed that line billion years ago. When you wear them for office they give out a very effortless vibe and balance out a stiff smart outfit.
How to wear tip:
Aways pair them with more formal pieces for that balance I was telling you about. The t-shirts look amazing with anything. Always opt for simple pieces, color and design wise, those that have staple quality to them. Black or white t-shirt, a black or red hoodie paired with high waisted pants.
Get the look:
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6. Office Athleisure: SNEAKERS
Need I say more? There are so many brands and styles out there these days, that I’m guessing 90% of y’all have worn them at least once for office. If not… you’re probably running the world presidente style.
How to wear tip:
Anything works with sneakers, but the more formal wear will look more sophisticated and laid back but still professional. If you’re not one to love white sneakers go for black sneakers styles.
Get the look:
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7. Athleisure Business Casual: JERSEY ANYTHING
Okay… these may not all be gym wear, but they’re athletic inspired and pulling them off for office ain’t so easy. A jersey pencil skirt or dress looks so good in all situations it’s insane. It’d be a shame to not wear it for office too. I wore one to a wedding ceremony once, and nobody fashion-died… With a pair of heels and the right accessories jersey skirts and dresses can go a looooong way.
How to wear tip:
Pair a jersey pencil skirt with flats or heels, a simple white t-shirt, and a coat or jacket. Jersey dresses with long sleeves are perfect for autumn. Mid length, they look great with heels, boots, ankle boots, and a fab necklace. A jersey top can work as well paired and tucked in a pair of office trousers.
Get the look:
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Street style inspo:
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I don’t know about you but I think this idea is pretty do-able. Seriously. Athleisure is growing more and more out of its comfort zone and I see no reason to resist the trend. Unless of course working out of sweatpants, as fancy as they may be, is no bueno for your job.
What do you think?
xoxo D.
