Sports Luxe - Out of the Gym and Onto the Street

You’ve most likely seen it by now: “dressy” sweatpants, fleece bomber jackets, or sparkling clean running shoes paired with a suit. If you haven’t, then let me introduce you to Sport Luxe (or Sporty Chic). It first appeared in a major way on the runways in 2012 when designers like Calvin Klein and Alexander Wang showcased sportswear elements into their shows. By mixing the best of sportwear (the comfort of sweats, the structure of fleece and vinyl) and pairing it with modern slim cuts, in more traditional colors you can create a look that’s appropriate for the street and inspired by the gym. From FashionBeans August 2012 article on Sports Luxe: “The element of luxury lay in the fabric and the cut, with garish neons being replaced with well placed zips and asymmetrical lines.” And now, in 2015 it’s still on and evolving.

Let’s start with gym pants, or sweats. They’re no longer resigned to lifting weights or running! Instead their appearing in clean, slim cuts with meticulous tailoring and details. Paired with a denim vest or an oversized graphic tee, they’ve now moved into the realm of high street fashion. The fit is most important when trying to achieve the Sport Luxe look. This is not sloppy or lazy. A slim tailored cut will provide a modern, clean look that remains comfortable. I’ve seen some great motocross hybrid action happen in the sweatpants realm. So look for reinforced stitching in the knees and cool zippers along the cuff.

While we’re on pants: there’s some great things happening in shorts in Sports Luxe as well! Again: modern slim fits, cut above the knee, but in sporty materials. We’ve seen some great mesh shorts with sublimated tonal graphics coming down the line this spring. And what’s great about Sports Luxe and shorts is that you can mix things like sweaters and button-down shirts with shorts to make a totally appropriate Southern California street styled outfit!

Another key look to come out of the Sports Luxe trend is the bomber jacket. Not just for the varsity team, these short cropped jackets with ribbed waist and cuff are totally fashion forward in materials like vinyl, leather or floral and animal prints. Pair a floral bomber with a slim pair of black sweats with a white button down for a perfect Sports Luxe look.

The final key to making this look work is the right accessories. Leave your headband and old tennis shoes at home for this look. Make sure to have clean, pristine sneakers or a pair of cool boat shoes. Leather or animal print (but not garish) baseball caps are definitely part of this look. And don’t forget long pendant necklaces and/or beaded and leather bracelets. It’s all about the juxtaposition of gym to luxury.