Is activewear only for the gym? Just step outside in any city, and the answer is clear: absolutely not. Everywhere you look, people are wearing yoga pants while shopping, stopping by a bakery or farmers’ market after a run, or blending sweats into their everyday outfits. Whether these sporty-meets-stylish looks actually work, however, is another story. There’s a real skill to making activewear feel elevated—and we believe it’s all in how you mix and match.
Vogue’s Favorite Sporty Styles:
Lightweight Outerwear
Nike Storm-FIT Swift running jacket
$150 | NIKE
Stretchy Leggings
Lululemon Wunder Train tights
$98 | LULULEMON
Comfy Sweats
J.Crew Heritage jogger pants
$98 | J.CREW
Activewear—think sneakers, windbreakers, and leggings—has become a huge part of fashion today. Collaborations like Loewe x On Running and Wales Bonner x Adidas create instant buzz, while technical pieces from Lululemon and Salomon sell out fast. We’re spending time and money on these clothes, so why limit them to the gym? If you’re unsure how to style them, Vogue is here to help. Adding activewear to your outfit doesn’t just boost comfort—it also brings a relaxed, effortless vibe. Taking inspiration from stylish celebrities and the latest runway trends, we’ll show you how to pull it off in our fashion-girl fitness styling guide. Keep reading!
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The Jogger
Joggers, like this pair from Prada, offer a sporty but polished alternative to regular trousers. Try them with sneakers and an oversized polo.
– Aimé Leon Dore embroidered polo shirt | $225 | NET-A-PORTER
– Prada Re-Nylon joggers | $1,520 | PRADA
– Nike Total90 sneakers | $125 | NIKE
– Alaïa Le Click E/W medium bag | $2,600 | NET-A-PORTER
More joggers:
– Tibi zip-detailed shell track pants | $495 | NET-A-PORTER
– Splits59 Megan joggers | $118 | SPLITS59
The Cozy Legging
For a relaxed off-duty look, take a cue from Hailey Bieber and layer leggings with a puffer jacket and mini Uggs. Oversized sunglasses add a touch of drama.
– Aritzia The Super Après Puff jacket | $198 | ARITZIA
– Varley Always Warm leggings | $108 | VARLEY
– Ugg ultra mini classic boots | $170 | NORDSTROM
– Miu Miu oversize shield sunglasses | $607 | NORDSTROM
More leggings:
– Skims outdoor fleece pants | $118 | SKIMS
– On performance tights | $130 | ON
The Windbreaker
On your next night out, swap your usual coat for a windbreaker. It adds an unexpected cool factor—and keeps you warm.
– Nike Storm-FIT Swift running jacket | $150 | NIKE
– The Row Johanne maxi dress | $4,350 | THE ROW
– Prada antiqued leather pumps | $1,450 | PRADA
– Lié Studio The Rita earrings | $210 | SHOPBOP
More windbreakers:
– Arc’teryx Altira cropped jacket | $650 | ARC’TERYX
– Uniqlo Blocktech parka | $50 | UNIQLO
The Legging
Whether you’re headed to yoga class or just want the look, elevate leggings with a chic knit sweater, ballet flats, and a slouchy tote.
– Toteme bouclé turtleneck sweater | $780 | NET-A-PORTER
– Lululemon Wunder Train tights | $98 | LULULEMON
– The Row leather ballet flats | $890 | NET-A-PORTER
– A.Emery Wren tote | $430 | NET-A-PORTER
More leggings:
– The Park Josie leggings | $350 | NET-A-PORTER
– Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi leggings | $99 | BEYOND YOGA
The Sweatpant
Sweatpants don’t have to look messy. In fact, they can look especially cute with a cropped button-up, penny loafers, and a structured bag.Crunchy socks.
Hommegirls cropped shirt
$325 at Nordstrom
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J.Crew Heritage jogger pants
$98 at J.Crew
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Uniqlo Heattech slouchy socks
$8 at Uniqlo
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Miu Miu penny loafers
$1,170 at Nordstrom
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Shop more sweatpants:
Skims classic joggers
$88 at Skims
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Everlane Luxe barrel sweatpants
$118 at Everlane
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The Sneaker
Take your sneakers off the track by pairing them with baggy jeans and a shearling bomber for a cool, off-duty look.
Banana Republic faux fur jacket
$250 at Banana Republic
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Cos 24/7 long-sleeved T-shirt
$45 at Cos
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Levi’s Baggy Dad jeans
$108 at Levi’s
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On Cloudtilt sneakers
$170 at On
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Shop more sporty sneakers:
Hoka Challenger 8 sneakers
$155 at Hoka
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APL Athletic Propulsion Labs TechLoom Zipline sneakers
$350 at APL Athletic Propulsion Labs
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The Hoodie
A satin skirt adds a cheeky element to a hoodie and sneakers.
Gap VintageSoft full-zip wedge hoodie
$80 at Gap
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Khaite Nania skirt
$1,380 at Khaite
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Uniqlo Colorful 50 socks
$4 at Uniqlo
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Puma Speedcat sneakers
$100 at Free People
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Shop more hoodies:
Leset Jamie hoodie
$280 at Net-a-Porter
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Rùadh The Scott hoodie
$420 at Net-a-Porter
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The Sporty Zip-Up
A zipped sportswear jacket can add dimension to your typical look. As a bonus, the form-fitting shape creates a nice silhouette.
On cutout jacket
$140 at Net-a-Porter
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Ulla Johnson The Anais maxi skirt
$520 at Shopbop
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Mansur Gavriel square toe ballerina flats
$395 at Nordstrom
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Coach Swing Zip bag
$395 at Coach
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Shop more sporty zip-ups:
Nike Swift Dri-Fit running top
$90 at Nike
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Varley Hayden zip-through sweat
$138 at Varley
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The Track Pant
Lean into the boyish ease of track pants by pairing them with an oversized button-up and chunky loafers.
Alex Mill Jo shirt
$145 at Alex Mill
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Everlane The Luxe rib turtleneck
$58 at Everlane
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Adidas Adicolor Classic Firebird track pants
$75 at Adidas
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G.H. Bass Weejuns mary jane loafers
$185 at Nordstrom
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Shop more track pants:
Splits59 Maxie Rigor track pants
$178 at Splits59
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Wales Bonner Mantra track pants
$690 at Net-a-Porter
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs 9 VogueApproved Ways to Style Your Activewear
Q What does it mean to style activewear Isnt it just for the gym
A Styling activewear means treating your athletic pieceslike leggings sports bras and hoodiesas versatile fashion items Its about pairing them with nonathletic pieces to create outfits suitable for running errands casual lunches or even relaxed office settings not just workouts
Q Whats the biggest benefit of learning to style my activewear
A The main benefit is maximizing your wardrobes value and comfort You get more outfit combinations from the clothes you already own and can stay stylish while feeling comfortable throughout your day
Q Im new to this Whats the easiest way to start
A Start with the third piece rule Take a simple activewear base and add one polished nonathletic item like a structured denim jacket a longline blazer or a sleek leather moto jacket It instantly elevates the look
Q Can I really wear leggings as pants for nongym activities
A Yes absolutely The key is to choose highquality opaque leggings in a dark neutral color Pair them with a longer top tunic or sweater that covers your hips and rear for a puttogether look
Q What kind of shoes should I wear with styled activewear
A It depends on the vibe For a sportychic look clean minimalist sneakers are perfect To dress it up try pairing your activewear with loafers sleek ankle boots or even chunky sandals
Q How do I avoid looking like I just came from a workout
A Focus on incorporating nonathletic fabrics and accessories Swap a synthetic athletic jacket for a wool coat add a simple pendant necklace or hoop earrings carry a nice handbag instead of a gym backpack and ensure your hair and makeup are done
Q Are there any rules for mixing activewear with smarter pieces
A A good guideline is to balance proportions If youre wearing formfitting leggings or a tight top