Activewear Trends That Have Overstayed Their Welcome
Whether you are working out, running errands, or having a cozy night in, activewear is a necessity. In the past couple of years, we have learned this more than ever and many of us have filled our wardrobes with more activewear pieces than we ever thought possible. From leggings to tennis skirts, we have it all! Even if we're going out, we've learned we don't have to give up these athletic pieces. Instead, we're making them more minimalist and luxe-focused. This can be seen in new activewear trends.
Activewear is taking on new silhouettes, colors, and even new quality. Bandier founder Jennifer Bandier tells The Zoe Report that activewear has become a staple in many people's wardrobes, whether they work out or not, as activewear trends are going beyond the gym. She adds that Bandier is describing the trend as "athluxe." With new, more luxe trends taking shape, many of us are looking for new pieces to fit the trend and what we should donate in order to make room for these pieces. If you are ready to luxe up your looks, look no further! We've curated some of the hottest activewear trends for you to rock.
Swap neons for neutrals
While neon activewear was once a staple in the gym, now that we are wearing activewear everywhere, the trend is now nowhere to be seen. Just a few years ago, bright purple tank tops and galaxy print leggings were showing up on our Pinterest boards like clockwork. Now, elevated neutrals have taken their place. Black, gray, navy, and brown activewear are easy to elevate with other staples in your wardrobe, like an oversized blazer, a designer handbag, and gold jewelry (via Instagram).
Flared leggings are replacing traditional leggings
Trends from the '70s have officially invaded activewear with the appearance of flared leggings. Move over, traditional skin-tight leggings; flared leggings are on the scene! If you were a '90s baby, flared leggings are the new "cool girl" way of saying yoga pants. Gen-Z influencer Emma Chamberlain is often credited for starting this trend after posting pictures of herself on Instagram wearing flared leggings. Shortly after, brands known for their leggings, such as Aerie and Lululemon, began advertising their own versions of the look.
Windbreakers instead of knit zip-ups
Speaking of vintage trends, windbreakers are back on trend and taking the place of knit zip-ups in our wardrobes. Whether it be in the form of a pullover, zip-up, or full set, you cannot go wrong! The look is super cute over your other favorite activewear and is a great way to stay warm on those early fall days. Celebrities are eating up the trend, too, and even outside of the gym. For instance, Rihanna was seen in January 2022 breaking all of the rules, pairing her blue and black windbreaker with heels for a night on the town (via News Track Live).
Trade legging and bra sets for onesies
Onesies are the biggest fashion hit most of us never saw coming. This season, leggings and bra sets are moving aside to make room for onesies, which basically connect the leggings and the bra. These one-piece bodysuits come in both short and long versions, often in a neutral color palette. Like most of the season's trending activewear, this trend is easy to elevate when paired with the right accessories, such as a classy jacket or overshirt (via Instagram). Not to mention, it's easier to throw on, as you have a full outfit wrapped into one simple piece.
Classy black and white over bright colorblocking
Meredith Blake's preppy style in the parent trap was trending on TikTok over the summer, particularly in the camping scene where she elevates color-blocked black and white activewear with a nylon Prada backpack. Perhaps this was the final push that knocked bright color blocking out of the picture. Instead, we are now focusing on classy black and white activewear that gives major Chanel vibes. Some top retailers like Reformation seem to be loving this trend as well, as it has created the popular Milana Ecomove Dress.
High-quality staple pieces over poorly made fashion pieces
Sustainability never goes out of style, which is another reason that many of the year's trends revolve around neutral colorways that never fade from popularity. Unfortunately, 92 million tons of clothing go into landfills every year, and we can all make a difference in lowering this number (via the BBC). Any of these neutral pieces we buy should be high-quality "forever" pieces rather than fast-fashion that may fall apart after just a few wears. Since these are staples, we should be able to enjoy them for years to come no matter how the trends change.