Combining Fashion & Function| 5 Must Have Athleisure Staples

Affordable? Say no more! In what way could we combine fashion and function to generate a stylish look? Athleisure wear is the answer. This relaxed trend has made its place within the fashion industry and has become a vital essential in every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you’re into fashion or not it works literally for everyone. You can’t really mess this look up. Giving up on style is not an option! Athleisure wear is designed to be worn both for exercising and general use. This chill style blends sportswear with “ready-to wear” items to create styles that are chic yet comfortable.

For me, personally; comfort is always key, but presentation is ALWAYS everything! It doesn’t matter where you go ladies. Whether you’re running errands, going to the gym, teleworking, traveling, or late night creeping to “ya boo tings” house you gotta look good doing it. We cannot by any means be out here looking like anything. If we’re gonna look homeless we gotta do it with style. The best part is that this trend doesn’t require much effort and can be worn almost anywhere.

My athleisure wear consists of leggings, sneakers, sweatshirt/pants, with mixing a few ready-to-wear items. You can match these staples with a leather jacket, blazer, dad hat, or a jean jacket with some really cool sneakers (preferably running shoes). If you integrate a few high-performance athletic fabric pieces + staples from regular wardrobe = athleisure. Easy right? Whoever came up with turning performance wear into everyday wear is a genius, Bless your soul!

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Taking your activewear out of the gym requires acknowledging when it is appropriate to wear for casual wear ,and when it is not. Ladies this is not the look you’re going for when you have a job interview or something as formal as a wedding. Rule of thumb; the more formal the occasion, the more fashionable your fit should be. The less casual the occasion, the more functional your attire should be.

I am going to show you all at least 5 of my basic staples for athleisure wear. Whether a quick errand run, traveling or having lunch and/or drinks these looks are easy to find and very manageable/affordable.

ESSENTIAL OUTFIT #1: Sweatshirt

A co-ord sweatshirt look is honestly just so clean—especially when layered underneath an oversize coat or jacket like I’m wearing below. The outfit in the all blue was actually one of my favorites. So chill, but still stylish in its own right. But please don’t kill me for the mix of checks and stripes….IYKYK LOL. While I still rely on the OG legging for quick runs or workout, it dawned on me that sweatshirts and pants have been more of a fan favorite for casual wear. You see more of the fashionable crowd wearing more sweat attire, joggers and track pants. As athleisure has been growing, more relaxed and chill with jogger silhouettes replacing formfitting leggings.

ESSENTIAL STAPLE #2: Sports Bra/ Seamless Wear

This look compliments hiking, gym or in public with a high waist legging or spandex and oversized coat. Most fashionistas start their bra wardrobe with sports bras and seamless, activewear bras remain a wardrobe staple. I usually wear seamless pairings like these (i.e. sports bras) when it’s really REALLY hot. I was in LA in the middle of July and when I tell you the humidity was definitely working against me that day.

ESSENTIAL STAPLE #3: COMPRESSION SHORT AKA BIKER

For a garment so simple, this look is so versatile! When I first saw the biker short it was on Princess Diana (pictured below) and I fell in love with her style! She was always so dope from a mother to a humanitarian. For a princess to have so much swag as class is very rare and always a plus.

The compression short (aka the biker or cycling short) is one of my favorite staples! It’s easy to just throw on with an oversized tee, sweatshirt or jacket. I always throw these on whether leaving for the gym or in a rush to the market. For all my avant-garde fashionistas you can also dress this late 70s early 80s look with style up with an oversized blazer and closed toe mini heels. Only if you’re feeling risky and on edge! You can easily find these at any sporting goods store such as Dick’s or Modell’s. For an economical price you can find them at any TJ Maxx, Marshalls or any department store. They’re literally everywhere so it’ll be really hard not to come across them.

ESSENTIAL OUTFIT #4: LEGGINGS

While sweats attire is still the fan favorite it’s only right for me to pay homage to the OG Legging. Many people questioned how long the trend would last and it proved itself as a staple. Leggings can be a stylish hack to sneaking in exercise on the regular without even knowing you’re exercising. These tights are a must-when lounging or working out. Leggings and joggers are a very comfortable and convenient staple because you can wear it outside without anyone thinking you didn’t get dressed for the day. This is an exception to all rules. These dark colors: Dark blue, brown, black and gray are the most popular colors because you can match and mesh it up with the most clothing. On the contrary, if you want more leg room and free space, opt for sweats.

ESSENTIAL OUTFIT #5: Sneakers

Last but certainly not least, drumroll pleaseeee…..

This is my favorite part of getting dressed, SHOES. My choice of sneaker for the day is primarily based on my mood. Your shoes make or break the outfit. It is very important. While everyone has their own taste when it comes to sneakers. I love a bold and colorful aesthetic. If my outfit is giving more of a neutral look I will splash a vibrant color in there with my shoes.it makes me feel so creative to put my shoes with certain fits whether its mixed prints, analogous or complimentary colors.

These are the three choices I reach for the most.

They all set a different tone and give a different mood. Personally, Nike can never do any wrong in my eyes. Can you tell I’m biased?

I love the plethora of styles, colors and prints curated over the years has become iconic in the sneakerhead world. Oh, did I neglect to mention how the brand correlates culture within the brand? They definitely move with the times and innovate with the feedback of it’s supporters.

DO’S and DONT’S

Do wear layers and be creative.
Do gravitate to minimalistic or monochromatic colors until you’re comfortable with bold colors.
Do mix fashion textiles like Demin, leather, polyesters, and high-performance sport fabrics.

Don’t overlook jewelry or accessories.

Don’t overthink or try too hard.
Don’t try to be anyone else just yourself you’ll find your own sense of style.

How To Wear:

Layer sport pieces under regular fashion items such as a sports bra under a leather jacket or windbreaker shorts over leggings, with your own twist on it.
Add neon and neutrals with a boost of color from your shoe.
Use statement sneakers as your go to footwear.
Wear leggings with more streetwear with longer tops or tying a shirt
Mix sporty with tailored pieces.

I hope you all find some great staples and play around with this trend! Get creative and tag me @frvncidv on Instagram & use the hashtag #therichaunt so I can share! Thanks for reading.

Bye Guise,

Auntie Fran

@frvncidv