Think Twice Style: Athleisure

Athleisure: clothing which can be worn in or away from the gym. See also: heaven.

This is perhaps my favorite trend to come about in the last few years. It is the mix of sportswear and street wear. From spin class to the office, if you will. It justifies wearing your sneakers with a blazer and not looking like a complete wacko. Done correctly, it is the ultimate sign of cool.

It’s not your 1980s power suits and sneakers for the walk to the subway. Quite the contrary, it is the blend of luxury fabrics in traditionally athletic silhouettes. A moto puffer jacket with leather detailing. A mesh tuxedo stripe down the side of skinny dress pants. High-class gym shoes and a dress.

I found this dress at J. Crew last winter (sadly, they did not make a new version this winter season … or I’d be broke) and I call it a solid purchase. It can be worn with heels to a business casual event or even a cocktail party just as easily as with flats for the weekend. The shape is the easiest shape for any body type: the shift. A shift dress works on anyone, scout’s honor. The sporty accents like the traditional sweatshirt collar and arm stripe offset the basic black color, making it more like active wear.

Initially, I wanted to wear a pair of basic ballet flats with this dress, but changed my mind at the last minute. I decided to commit to the athleisure vibe of the look and go for a pair of slip-ons sneakers. I have to say that this is the easiest outfit on the planet. Wearing a sweatshirt disguised as work-appropriate attire is the best idea ever.

What do you think about the athleisure trend?

Breakdown:

Dress: J. Crew (similar)
Sneakers: Calvin Klein (similar)