By Kelsey Casselbury
Once upon a time, people bought athletic clothing solely for going to the gym. Those days are over. Within the past few years, athletic gear has morphed into athleisure, appropriate for nearly all facets of life—except for in the office, of course.
But even that is changing. As the athleisure trend continues to grow, it’s spilling over into the business setting. In fact, more than one-third of people who answered a recent survey from Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor noted that they wear casual clothes to work, while more than 70 percent say their office has at least one casual day.
The trick to wearing athleisure to work—shall we call it workleisure?—is to pair items appropriately and make sure they remain in good shape, so you look both professional and stylish (while still enjoying the comfort that athletic wear has always provided.)
The athleisure trend isn’t going away—according to Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm, the athleisure industry will grow to more than $350 billion in global sales by 2020.
Keep your company’s culture in mind before you make the decision to don workleisure wear. Creative positions often have more leeway than customer-facing employees or uber-professionals like lawyers or hedge managers.
During the winter season, the trend is to pair leggings with long sweaters and boots or casual flats, says Yoga Club (an athleisure subscription box) lead stylist Ceci Sanchez. Add a scarf or statement necklace to dress it up without reducing comfort or style.
Top workleisure styling tips from Athleisure magazine co-founder and celebrity stylist Kimmie Smith:
Once upon a time, people bought athletic clothing solely for going to the gym. Those days are over. Within the past few years, athletic gear has morphed into athleisure, appropriate for nearly all facets of life—except for in the office, of course.
But even that is changing. As the athleisure trend continues to grow, it’s spilling over into the business setting. In fact, more than one-third of people who answered a recent survey from Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor noted that they wear casual clothes to work, while more than 70 percent say their office has at least one casual day.
The trick to wearing athleisure to work—shall we call it workleisure?—is to pair items appropriately and make sure they remain in good shape, so you look both professional and stylish (while still enjoying the comfort that athletic wear has always provided.)
The athleisure trend isn’t going away—according to Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm, the athleisure industry will grow to more than $350 billion in global sales by 2020.
Keep your company’s culture in mind before you make the decision to don workleisure wear. Creative positions often have more leeway than customer-facing employees or uber-professionals like lawyers or hedge managers.
During the winter season, the trend is to pair leggings with long sweaters and boots or casual flats, says Yoga Club (an athleisure subscription box) lead stylist Ceci Sanchez. Add a scarf or statement necklace to dress it up without reducing comfort or style.
Top workleisure styling tips from Athleisure magazine co-founder and celebrity stylist Kimmie Smith:
"Athleisure at the office is something like work-appropriate leggings that come in a number of fabrics, from suede to leather to knit, which also have compression across the tummy to keep your silhouette smooth while being comfortable. These can be paired with blouses and blazers to elevate the look.”
Idealfit Core Full-Length Leggings in Dark Berry
$48, www.idealfit.com“Oversized cardigans and sweaters are also a nice way to layer up as well for casual days in the office.”
Aventura Pria Tunic
$85"Make sure you pop on a pair of fun heels, ankle boots, or a cool pair of slip-on sneakers that have visual texture, whether it’s pony hair, an exotic skin, or a suede.”
Fabletics Bess Tank
$29.95, www.fabletics.com
Fabletics Afina Jacket
$59.95, www.fabletics.com“Avoid pants that begin to ‘thin out,’ where you can see your skin through them—this is meant for the gym and not to wear to work.”
BetaBrand Black Dress Pant Yoga Pants
$58, www.betabrand.com
