Let's Get Physical

No, we not talking about fitness-induced sweat stains or hideous gym pants and headbands, instead we’re talking about sportswear becoming street wear this summer. Dressing sporty doesn’t mean dressing without style. Style can be implemented in every and any outfit, as long as you do it with good taste.

Dressing sporty but chic is a solution to looking fabulous every time even when casually dressed. But this trend can easily go wrong as you need to know which colours work together to enhance the outfit. The key is not to look too sloppy (like you’ve just spent hours in the gym) nor too glamorous.

Here are a few styling tips to help you be chic, as well as stylish even when dressing sporty.

• The first tip when thinking about sporty outfits is not to think baggy t-shirts and overly loose fitting sweat pants. Think leggings and an over-the-thigh fitted T-shirt, your hair pulled back and a great pair of sunglasses.

• Find a pair of casual pants that suit you perfectly. The pants can be a bit loose and worn with a simple top or even a printed top to add some fun into the mix.

• A pair of sweat pants, long or Capri are also great, and can be worn with a nice pair of sneakers or even flip flops. Team this up with a simple tank top, an oversized bag, a scarf and a pair of sunglasses, and you ready to go. Bright coloured sweatpants are popular this season so don’t be afraid to indulge.

• Work in the hot pants trend as well as bodysuits and cut off tees, these are three very popular and stylish items for this summer.

• Cross-lacing, particularly in leather is reminiscent of baseball gloves and boot laces and adds a fun and unique aspect to this trend.

• Incorporate knee high socks, cut-out back socks, sporty socks with stripes and bobby socks with your attire as this is all the range on and off the runway. The right kind of leg warmers can also work.

• Utility elements like plastic buckles, snap closures and rope ties are also great.

• There is nothing wrong with adding a bit of accessories with this trend. Eye catching items such as a baseball or trucker cap and a statement handbag are great accessories to use.

• Mix and match to create gorgeous one colour or multiple toned outfits, but make sure the colours you choose blend well together.

• Add a touch of sexiness with a super-high yet sport-inspired heel.

• And last but not least, don’t be afraid to style your hair by either keeping it dead straight, curly, in a pony tail, a messy bun or the side braid. A good hairstyle always adds that little extra to a stylish outfit.

Author: Andrea Albertyn