Sporty Style

Get your game face on

What’s your favorite sport? Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is shining, there is no better reason to throw your sneakers on for some outside activity. Whether you define yourself as a yoga girl, basketball player, or tennis champ, there are limitless options for you to incorporate dimensions of your favorite athletic activity into your everyday look. This season, what used to be your workout gear has now transformed into your new fashionable essentials.

Sport was the dominant theme at the Alexander Wang show, where models wore football-inspired sweaters, lots of shorts, and cool sweat pants the track team could run laps in. Shapes were slouchy, and leather detailing added a tough, masculine feel. Don’t be afraid to show off you game face this spring and throw on a pair of sweats instead of jeans. Wear them low on your hips and make them edgy with a pair of killer booties to tone down the casualness. This city-girl-meets-top-notch-athlete look will definitely score you a touchdown.

To make athletic influences more high fashion rather than tomboy, think of adding utilitarian details. They exude strength, competitiveness, and a serious drive without being overwhelming. Cargo, khaki, leather, and gray athletic cottons are utilitarian in nature, so don’t be afraid to layer these fabrics on this season to make a sporty look more suitable for a day out. Try pairing a slouchy cropped crew shirt with classic chino shorts for a classic look, or a rugged baseball tee with leather shorts for an understated edgy look. Either way, the combination will be interesting and unexpected.

Hermès and Lacoste shared the same athletic aesthetic this spring. They showcased pleated skirts, tennis shorts, crisp polo shirts, and stretchy bodysuits. The looks were more “country club member” than “pavement pounding sports star” because they were in classic shapes and preppy color combinations. The sporty country club girl doesn’t like to get her whites dirty, and plays to be seen rather than to compete. If you prefer this clean-cut sporty look, try pairing together sneakers, crisp white shorts that hit mid-thigh, a preppy belt, and a navy bodysuit. Now pull your hair back into a sleek ponytail. You’ll look like you are ready for a fashion-conscious game at the tennis courts, or a relaxing day at the golf course.

Adding just a tiny hint of athleticism to your fashion routine will make all the difference. It’s casual, cool, but most of all comfortable. Just don’t overdo this trend all at once. Stick to one really sporty piece at a time, or else you’ll look like you just came from the gym. Try these pieces I’ve chosen below.

Published June 11, 2010 on LVCMag.com