Living in Los Angeles or the Venice area, you are used to seeing people on all parts of the sartorial spectrum. Everything from A-list celebrities to crunchy beach hippies, the people-watching and amazing fashion found in the people-watching at Venice Beach are second to none. No matter your style, most of us have creature comforts in our wardrobe that are our go-to’s, whether catching a sunrise yoga or lounging on the couch binging a new season of our favorite show. If your wardrobe needs a little bit of an update, especially in the athleisure department, keep reading for the must-have pieces that should be in everyone’s wardrobe.
Leggings
Did you know that the skinny jean style dominated the trends longer than any of its predecessors? While the trend may be on the way out in favor of a looser leg fit, their comfier cousin, the legging, isn’t going anywhere. Whether you opt for printed leggings to add some flair to your look or want to stick to basic neutrals, having several pairs of leggings in your wardrobe is a must, even for the strictest minimalists. Leggings are perfect for working out, but they’re also perfect for a day out shopping, even layered under skirts and dresses.
Performance Bras
What is athleisure without a stylish performance bra paired with shorts or leggings? From jogging along the beach to throwing on a hoodie over your bra as you shop at the farmer’s market, performance bras make the look. You work hard for the body you’ve got, and thankfully, it’s now commonplace to show it off through your athleisure set, which includes a cute performance bra. While crop tops have made a big impact in the fashion scene in the last couple of years, we can’t help but wonder if the athleisure movement’s performance bras had a lot to do with it.
Zip-Ups
Depending on what weight of jacket you feel comfortable in, you can opt for a lighter sporty jacket, a quilted zip-up vest for the chilly mornings, or a cropped hoodie, but zip-ups are essential for the athleisure wardrobe. In the same way athleisure’s benefit goes beyond workouts to just plain comfy, the zip-up is an easy throw on as you head out the door. If you want a more pulled-together or less “sporty” look, you can get the same benefits of zip-up with a cute denim jacket.
Supportive Soles
While you may be into working out because it supports your spirit and soul, you want to get your workout in comfortably and safely by wearing supportive sneakers. So, invest in a few pairs of comfortable, fashionable, and, you guessed it – supportive athletic shoes. You can spend as much or as little as you want on the sneakers, but everyone feels great in a high-end pair of designer sneakers. Another added benefit of solid and supportive tennis shoes? They can help show off all the gains you’ve made with your squat routines.
Sweater Weather
Though California is known for its majestic views, it’s also heralded for its idyllic weather. Virtually all year is beautiful in the golden state. Still, layers are a must whether you’re local or will be in the area for a visit. Sweaters look perfect paired with leggings, shortie shorts, and athletic skirts. The bigger, the better, so don’t shy away from oversized sweaters if that’s your thing. You can go with a hooded sweater or a tight-knit sweater, or both! Sweaters are a key element of the ideal athleisure wardrobe selection. Invest in sweaters composed of natural textiles like cotton or linen for their breathability as well as comfort.
Short Inseam Shorts
Summer beach fashion calls for shorts, and if you’re doing an athleisure look, you’ll want to parlay that fashion sense into your athleisure shorts. Historically, running shorts have always been short, but you’re not limited to just running shorts when searching for short inseams these days. Not only are they more flattering on everyone, but they’re also a lot easier to work out in.
So there you have it. If you use the above-mentioned items as the bones of your athleisure wardrobe, you’ll be well on your way to looking sporty, feeling comfy, and down for whatever the day brings. Happy Trails!
