Fashionable Workout Wear: How to Go From Lunge to Lunch Without Changing

I realize you may wear a suit to work or some kind of formal office attire that requires you to change before hitting the gym, but what about on weekends? Or when you leave the gym after a workout? Save time by dressing in fitness apparel that’s more transitional–something you’re proud to be spotted wearing. I’m talking about sportswear that’s sleek, comfortable, and stays dry so that you can easily go from lunges to lunch.

Nux USA makes beautiful seamless body-wear and cover-ups for a stylish, layered street-wear look after the gym. The Refresh Poncho ($40) is a perfect example because it dresses up leggings and a tank. Nike Lunarglide+ 3 Shield shoes ($110) are great for running outdoors because they’re built with reflectors and enhanced water proofing. When it comes to your favorite scene-y lunch spot, their fashionable gray color makes them easier to get away with and it also hides any sign of dirt.

IMPORTANT TIP: The best way to create a transitional look is to invest in activewear that is built to reflect everyday fashion-wear trends. I like to look at fabric construction, embellishments, and fit.

Here are a few trends that will help you shop for some great Fall/Winter pieces:

Snakeskin prints
Drape-y cover ups (“the new hoodie”)
Motorcycle biker chic inspired leggings & accessories (with zippers and faux leather)
Jewel tone colors like sapphire and ruby reds mixed with shades of gray

See how I’ve mixed some of these trends in the fit look below. The gym bag shown is the Stella McCartney for adidas “Fun Bag” ($40)

Stella McCartney for Adidas also has these great Snakeskin Print Ballerina Shoes ($90) (sold in-store) which are beyond comfortable and easy to slip on and off before yoga or pilates. I’ve been wearing them everywhere and they’re easy to throw in your gym bag because they’re light as a feather. Toesox makes these great grippy socks which you can wear during pilates/yoga (for those of you who don’t like to go barefoot), and you don’t have to take them off after class. Just throw your sneakers back on and you’re off.

I’m always talking about BodyRock Sport because their collections are consistently delicious and eye-catching, like their Moto Jacket ($125), pictured at the top. Don’t be scared to push the envelope with pieces that have funky embellishments like shoulder chains. Workout clothes are usually pretty understated and a dressy item will step up your look (people won’t be able to guess that you were just at the gym).

I like to pair the Moto Jacket with a colorful capri or legging but if you want to stick to dark bottoms (which are usually more flattering), I recommend Splits59’s Nova Capri Tight with Sports Lame’ ($98). The vertical lame panels give your legs a longer, leaner look. Plus, it looks like leather, which I love! Both the jacket and capri bottom are made with spandex for stretch and moisture wicking…so even if you did get a little sweaty at the gym, you won’t look like it. And with this outfit on, you certainly won’t get kicked out of your favorite lunch spot.

Last but not least, these Menziessi Runner Shoes ($150) by Stella McCartney for Adidas leave me speechless. The snakeskin silicon print on the outside is trendy but subtle, and the shoe itself is more of a warm-up shoe than a bulky sneaker. Black sneakers always look dressier and the slimmer the shoe, the less attention they call to your feet or to the fact that you were just at the gym.

I think I’ve proven my point, ladies. All it takes are a few transitional items to make getting to the gym (and getting out of the gym) less of a hassle. The more you love your activewear, the easier it will be to pencil in that workout. I promise!

Bianca Jade is the Founder and Editor of fitness, fashion and wellness website, MizzFIT.com. Featured on the Today Show as a Fitness Trend Expert and Celebrity Sportswear Stylist, she brings her readers from around the globe the latest trends in fitness apparel, gear and accessories. Bianca is committed to furthering a movement of feel-good exercise and female empowerment through her writing and webisode series called Fashionably Fit with MizzFIT where she teaches women how to Style Up 2 Shape Up.