5 Tips for Rocking the Athleisure Trend
Happy Wednesday ladies! Raise your hand up real quick if you like looking good for running errands but don’t always want to spend a ton of time getting dressed in the mornings? (Raises hand up high)
Although I love getting dressed up in dresses and skirts when I want to look “fancy”, most days I’m all about low-maintenance looks that don’t require a ton of time or effort.
Super soft tees, leggings, sweatshirts, and sneakers are pretty much my jam on the regular, and that’s where the amazing athleisure trend comes into play.
What is Athleisure?
Although athleisure is defined in the dictionary as casual clothing that can be worn for both working out and everyday wear, it’s basically the perfect balance between functional and fashionable and it was made for all us busy gals out there.
In case you’ve been wanting to try out some athleisure looks yourself, I’m sharing two, affordable styled looks from T.J. Maxx today plus my 5 tips for rocking the athleisure trend that will have you looking comfy+chic in no time!
5 Tips for Rocking the Athleisure Trend
1. Find Cute, Functional Pieces- Athleisure is NOT an excuse for you to pull out that ratty tee you always wear to do chores around the house. Instead it’s all about mixing function with fashion and finding those pieces in your wardrobe that can double as comfy and chic. Save the tired, worn out clothing for another time and put your best sporty pieces forward.
(Outfit Details: Top- T.J. Maxx (c/o), Leggings- T.J. Maxx (c/o), Plaid Top- Wal-mart, Hat- T.J. Maxx (c/o), Sneakers- Burkes Outlet)
I simply adore this soft pink pocket tee I found at T.J. Maxx. Unlike a plain tee, this shirt has a unique braided rope neckline, which makes it perfect for pairing with casual leggings like these adorable distressed ones I also found at T.J. Maxx for under $8! You simply can’t beat that price and they’re so incredibly comfy!
2. Go for Neutrals– When choosing pieces for your athleisure outfits, aim for neutral colors like black, gray, white, and tan, which are versatile and can be easily styled multiple ways. Avoid bright colors and patterns that will overwhelm the look, but don’t be afraid to add in a pop of color or a statement tee to let your personality shine through.
(Outfit Details: (T-shirt- Target, Jean Jacket- Belk, Leggings- T.J. Maxx (c/o), Hat- T.J. Maxx (c/o), Sneakers- Burkes Outlet)
Any Mean Girls fans out there? 😉
3. Layers Are Your Friend– This fashion trend is all about the layers, so feel free to mix tanks, tees, jackets, and sweatshirts depending on the season you’re in. I personally love how you can define the level of casualness simply by switching out the layers. Going for super casual? Throw on a zip-up hoodie or plaid button up. Want something a little dressier? Add in a jean or leather jacket for a more pulled together look.
4. Accessorize– You can take an ahtleisure look from bland to amazing simply by accessorizing with the right pieces. Focus on simple, yet functional items like comfy sneakers, sunglasses, hats/beanies, watches, and crossbody bags.
I’ve been really loving the metallic pieces in stores lately, so I just had to pick up this cute hat from T.J. Maxx to pair with my athleisure look. Of course no look is complete without some cute shoes, so white sneakers were the perfect choice for this casual, comfy outfit.
5. Dress for the Occasion– Last but not least, one of the most important rules to keep in mind when rocking the athleisure trend is to remember that it isn’t always appropriate for every occasion. While it’s perfectly acceptable for dropping off your kids at school, running to the grocery store, or heading out for a casual lunch, it’s not going to be appropriate at a wedding, a business meeting, or for date night, unless of course you’re keeping it super casual. 😉
Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with T.J. Maxx, a brand I truly love! As always, all opinions are my own.
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I hope you enjoyed today’s post on how to rock the athleisure trend and hope you’ll give this trend a try if you haven’t already. What are your thoughts- are you a fan of the athleisure trend? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for stopping by!- Cara
That’s a cute tee you got there dear! I love athleisure too, it’s so comfy to move with, and yes, I get to layer it with jackets or cute cardigans.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank-you! I love mean girls so that tee is a fave of mine! 🙂
This is one of my favorite trends! You look amazing!
Thanks Chelsea! Mine too!
This trend is my favorite! Girl, you are rocking this look!!
Thanks Alexis! Gotta love comfy/cute!
I like what you say in the beginning – it’s mixing function with fashion. Great point and one I often forget because I just want to throw on my ratty tee and go! Also, I totally underestimate the cute functionality of my jean jacket and now I feel like it needs a place at the front of my closet!
Thanks! I sometimes think we all forget we can still be cute when we’re wearing casual looks. Glad you enjoyed the post, Joy! 🙂
I really love the idea of athleisure wear!!! And the way you have styled those pieces is perfection! You look both comfortable and super cute!
Thank-you! It’s one of my favorite styles to wear!
Okay that shirt with the Mean Girls reference is epic! I love that one so much 🙂
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
Thank-you! That movie is my fave!
That Mean Girls tee is THE CUTEST. I’m totally obsessed with TJ’s…and this reminds me, I’m overdue for a trip to buy way more than I need. Ha!!
Coming Up Roses
Thank-you! I am too, every time I shop there I always leave with so many cute items! 🙂
I LOVE the athelisure trend- especially at my son’s soccer games when I want to look cute still but be comfortable. Love the pieces you chose!
Thank-you! I’m the same way! I don’t want to look like a bum when I pick my kids up but I don’t want to be wearing a prom dress either lol.
I’m obsessed with the athleisure trend, sooo comfy and cute! Love all the outfits you put together babe! xo, Brittany | http://www.theblistblog.com
Thank-you! 🙂 Who can resist comfy pieces?!
You look so adorable in this outfit. I love the ripped leggings, denim jacket and hat. This is a more classic, trendy spin on athlesiure wear.
Thank-you! The ripped leggings are my fave!
I love the outfits you created. Super cute! I have been wearing this trend for quite a while. I live in yoga pants/leggings as they are super comfy.
Thank-you! I do too! So comfy!
“Athleisure” I love it! That is my first time to hear that word. It makes perfect sense. I guess I have been living in Japan too long!! You are rocking your style, love it.
Thank-you Lynda! 🙂 I lived in Japan for awhile and loved it!
Loving these looks on you! I love a relaxed look especially on the weekends to run around after the kids. xo, Sierra ~ Beautifully Candid
Thank-you! Yep you definitely want to still be able to move and function which is why these are the perfect looks! 🙂
YES YES YES!! I love styling athleisure outfits. It’s so comfy and casual. But you can definitely make it look chic/girly as long as you have some good accessories.
Agreed! You definitely don’t have to look like a mess if you style it right lol.
You look awesome. Fun and happy in this outfit for sure. I like the bright top and darker pants, great outfit!
Thanks Thena! I’m all about comfy/cute!
Super-cute look! I love how you paired the flannel and the denim jacket with your pieces. Looks so cozy and cute!
Thank-you! It’s all about balancing out casual/chic pieces. 🙂
adorable! i’ve always dressed up at work but now that I’m staying home with littles and working out more often finding the balance in outfit choices was hard! I’m in need of pieces that I can look cute in but also sweat a ton in!
I was the same way. I had to dress up in dresses/dress pants everyday so now that I’m at home I want to be comfy yet still pulled together. Thanks so much!
I love love love the athliesure trend! It’s so comfortable which is my goal every day 😉
Agreed! Nobody has time to feel stuffy and not comfy when running errands lol
I’m definitely loving both of these looks! I’m all about comfy and fashionable!
Thank-you! Gotta love comfy/cute pieces!
The first look is my favorite! Can’t get much comfier than a flannel and leggings.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Thanks! I agree. I love a good flannel this time of year too!
I love this trend! I’m constantly wearing it. Plus neutrals are my go too!
Me too! Who doesn’t love comfy/chic?
I love this trend. So comfy!
Me too! I’m all about comfort!
You’re definitely rocking this! Love those leggings and shoes 🙂
Thanks Corey! The leggings are the cutest!
You definitely rock that look! I feel like I can never pull this off. It’s so adorable though and your really make it look cute. Plus comfy…yes please!
Thank-you! You definitely could rock it too girl! 🙂
Great looks! Love athletic wear.
Thank-you! I do too!
I love athleisure. My most recent layered look on the blog is athleisure but with a skirt – come check it out. You rocked these looks with those fun distressed leggings – need a pair. Also, you look so cute in a baseball hat and I love the graphic tee.
Happy Hump Day, Cara!
I definitely will, Ada! Thank-you! 🙂
I’m into the athleisure trend, especially footwear.
Agreed, I love a good sneaker!
Functional is so key! Love your layers here.
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
Thank you! 🙂
You’re adorable! I’m sharing one of my go-to athleisure looks on the blog in a few weeks and I can’t wait. Athleisure is the best!
Thank-you! That’s awesome and I can’t wait to see –it is one of my fave trends! 🙂
I need tips with wearing athleisure because I usually end up looking like I’m in pajamas. You make it look sexy cool.
Thank-you! It’s all about balancing out casual and chic. 🙂
You certainly did rock this trend..fabulous outfit! I am so into dressy mode and many times want to be more casual..so this is my insp to do so!
xo
Valerie
Thanks Valerie! It’s nice to dress up but some days it’s good to keep it casual! 🙂
I love to wear me some comfy clothes through the athleisure trend. Love all of your looks!!!
Thank-you! Gotta love a good comfy outfit!
Legit liveeee in athleisure! Its like all my husband and I wear, even to work lolol best trend everrrr
Agreed! Lol like I don’t understand the people who are against this trend.
I’m obsessed with the athleisure trend, one of my favorites! I love both looks girl, you are rocking them!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Thanks Lily! I love the look you recently styled with the hat! It was so cute too!
The pink top is awesome! I love the quote. 🙂 You look adorable in everything!
Thanks so much girl! I couldn’t not get it! 🙂
One of my favourite trends! You look amazing
http://thelondonthing.co.uk/foreo-luna-mini-2-review-clear-skin-in-one-minute/
Thanks Tania! 🙂
The outfit with the blue jean jacket is one of my favorite outfits to wear! You look super cute with minimal effort! P.S. Love the pink shirt! <— Mean girls fan for sure!
Thank-you! Gotta love mean girls! 😉
Love your looks! Athleisure is the best because it’s so dang comfortable!
I agree! And nobody wants to wear a dress everyday lol
Athleisure is my fav because you can look cute while still being comfy! And I need that Mean Girls tee <3
Green Fashionista
Exactly! And it was the perfect target find! 😉 0
Athleisure is so my jam! I really love your tee and that leather hat!!
Thank-you! That leather hat was so adorable I just had to get it!
So cute!! I really need to take your advice, and invest in more neutral-colored items. I am always drawn to the bright-colored pieces, and then i have trouble putting together an outfit!!
I used to be that way but I try to always ask myself in the store if I can style it at least 3 ways. If I can picture myself in it with 3 different looks I’ll get it, but if not I usually leave it on the rack. It really does help with both your budget and in finding versatile pieces! 🙂
This is such a great style. Love the layering. Super cute!
Thanks Leslie! I’m all about comfy pieces!
Love this!!!
Jaymie
http://www.jaymieashcraft.com
Thanks Jaymie! Gotta love casual/chic!
Both of these looks are so cute! I absolutely love athlesiure with a jean jacket. So fun and comfy! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Thank-you! I love adding a jean jacket to looks too!
You look super adorable! I especially love Athleisure in the fall in this outfit is perfect!
Thanks Andrea! Cute and comfy is my favorite!