The weather’s heating up (finally)! Now, it’s time to switch out the drab winter wardrobe for some chic sportif women’s clothing.
Activewear and athleisure have been huge trends for years. But this spring/summer, these athleisure pieces are getting more girly, fun, and stylish.
You may be wondering, what exactly is the sportif trend? I’ll walk you through it and give you some of my top picks to try!
The Trend Driven by NYC & L.A. Cool Girls
Like many stateside trends, the coasts are driving this style. Sportif women’s clothing is quickly becoming a favorite of young matcha and pilates lovers, busy moms on the school runs, and everyone in between.
Sportif clothing is basically sportswear that has an emphasis on style, and it can be casually incorporated into your closet.
Influencers and celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Rihanna have been spotted in sportif clothing. However, it’s not only an exclusive trend that’s driven by influencers. The trend is all about wearable, comfortable, sporty yet feminine clothing that’s easy to throw on.
Busy NYC and L.A. girls know all about running from work, to the gym, to a chic restaurant. While we can’t (or don’t want to) all live that cool city life, sportif clothing is still made for the rest of us.
The Head to Toe Track Outfit
If you love the appeal of coordinated sets, then why not start your journey into sportif women’s clothing with a tracksuit? Don’t worry, there’s no requirement to actually run in this outfit.
Start With a Pair of Track Pants
If you love comfort, track pants could be a good choice for you! They are not the thick, frumpy joggers of the past (think COVID-era homewear). Now, they are straight-legged, elegant yet sporty trousers.
They come in a range of colors, but you could play it simple with a black or maybe a gray pair.
Adidas is a good go-to brand for on-trend track pants, thanks to its recognizable stripe down the side.
Grab a Matching Track Jacket
Track jackets ooze Y2K activewear at its height. Think Bring It On and those countless dance and cheerleading movies that seemed to come out every month.
You might be unsure about wearing a fully matching set. But you don’t have to match; this is an opportunity to buy a jacket that you can throw on with just about anything. While you can coordinate the jacket with track pants, you can also wear it with jeans, T-shirts, and shorts.
It’s a versatile jacket that’s perfect for transitioning from spring to summer and then back to autumn.
Oval Frames Add Some Retro Appeal
If you’ve seen the TV show Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, then you know that Carolyn Bessette Kennedy made oval sunglasses a key eyewear trend in the ‘90s. The retro appeal of the shape has endured and looks just as stylish today.
Pair your tracksuit with these black Miu Miu sunglasses. The simple black frames will complement your sporty look without overpowering it.
The Casual-Chic Sportif Womens Clothing Look
If you’re not a fan of super-sporty, ready-for-a-5k-run kind of sportswear, a casual yet feminine outfit is what you need.
Flared Leggings for Gym to Coffee Break Attire
Tired of skin-tight, non-breathable leggings? They aren’t comfortable enough for all-day wear, and they can look too sporty for activities outside the gym.
So you’ll be relieved to find out that flared leggings are part of the sportif trend. They also look more ‘presentable’ for running errands, picking kids up from school, and meeting friends after a yoga class.
Choose a color that suits your personal style; the key is practicality and wearability. More subdued colors like gray and brown are easy to wear while out and about.
Spaghetti Strap Tops are Taking Over
For a while, thick-strapped white tank tops took over. While they are comfortable, they can look a bit too much like they belong in an Eminem video from 2010.
The spaghetti strap top, on the other hand, is equal parts elegant and sporty. They’re accessible as you can find them in every store from Zara to TJ Maxx, and they pair well with flared leggings.
If you need extra support, layer a sports bra underneath or wear a top with built-in support.
Aviator-Tinted Sunglasses Add Some Glamor
Ride the wave of Y2K fashion by finishing your look with a pair of tinted aviators. Pink is the perfect color to bring out that Malibu energy. You could even opt for gradient lenses if you’re feeling extra fun.
These Oakley sunglasses pair perfectly with feminine looks like flared leggings and spaghetti tank tops. They’re also the ultimate summer accessory with their luxurious gold and brown frames.
Fun Meets Comfort
If you remember Paris Hilton’s velour Juicy Couture tracksuits, then you know how comfortable sportswear used to be. Luckily, the pendulum has swung back in favor of logos, bedazzling, and pants you can actually move around in.
Sequins, Logos, and More
If you think sportswear has become boring, you’re not alone. But now, the younger generation is discovering the joy of sparkly tank tops and oversized logos on Tees.
So pull out your vintage Bebe top, pair it with your Nike hoodie, and wear it with pride.
Three-Quarter Leg Pants are Having a Moment
Three-quarter leg pants are back with a vengeance. These slouchy staples made getting dressed easy. You can wear them with your track jacket and sports bra. Or, just throw on a basic T-shirt for your busy day.
Oversized Sunglasses Courtesy of Victoria Beckham
Victoria, or Posh Spice, was the original lover of massive sunglasses. And now, she has her own line, including this thick black pair. They will go well with your slouchy pants, sparkly tank, and baseball cap.
TL;DR
Sportif women’s clothing is all about finding the balance between femininity and sportiness, making it wearable for daily tasks.
- Inspired by the looks being worn by L.A. and New York girls, sportif is a trend that is easy for anyone to pull off.
- For a classic Y2K outfit, opt for a tracksuit. You don’t have to wear the jacket and pants together. Pair with ‘90s-inspired oval sunglasses.
- If you hate suffocating leggings, swap them for a flared pair. They look elegant, and you can actually work out in them.
- Spaghetti tank tops are taking over, and they look great with any pair of pants or shorts. They’re easily complemented by retro aviator shades.
- Fun is finally back in sportswear. If you still have your vintage sparkly Bebe vest or velour tracksuit, pull it out and pair it with glamorous oversized shades.
