Fashion notes: Sports luxe isn’t only for active types

There’s something quite entrancing about a sports-luxe look. It makes us feel effortless and look low maintenance, while staying uber-stylish and radiating vibes of health, fitness and fashion.

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There’s something quite entrancing about a sports-luxe look. It makes us feel effortless and look low maintenance, while staying uber-stylish and radiating vibes of health, fitness and fashion – boxes we all want to tick.

It’s a trend that’s actually quite illusory, for many who don athletic-inspired attire lack sporty tendencies altogether. Myself included, because aside from a stint playing volleyball in high school, the closest I’ve come to working out is attending complimentary Zumba classes in college, and I wouldn’t know how to operate any of that intimidating machinery at a gym.

But hey, give me a pair of jersey joggers, a baggy tee with a team name and a fresh pair of Nikes, and I’ll rock them like a genuine fitness fan. I never realised there may have been a disconnect until a few weeks ago, while speaking to one of Lululemon’s representatives of my excitement about the brand opening in the region. They proceeded to ask me which yoga clubs I’m a member of in the UAE. I’m sure my guilty-faced reaction gave me away.

There’s no shame in trying different style trends, though – even the girliest of girls take on the tomboy look once in a while, donning high-tops and tying oversized plaid shirts around their waists. Likewise, while I may not own a yoga mat, I often wear Lululemon leggings, pairing them with oversized shirts and sweaters.

Even the simplest of sports-luxe pieces, such as standard black leggings with a spanking luxe sheen, carry great power, so much so that they’ve surpassed the classification of workout wear and have invaded the mainstream market, maintaining a key position as a style staple for years. But the trend has evolved in recent seasons, moving way beyond mesh cut-outs, baseball tees and skater shoes.

The new and improved sports-luxe trend celebrates racer backs, shapely crop tops and culottes. Bombers have been given a whimsical uplift, track-pant-inspired trousers are made in light crepes, and colours have entered the previously monochrome-dominant trend. For summer, the look can be achieved with cap-like ­visors, Bermuda shorts and loose T-shirt dresses. For autumn, try non-feminine knits and team jerseys in deep hues of oxblood, mustard, hunter green and royal blue. At any time, try wearing white athletic socks with heels or mules for an ultra-daring take on the trend.

Combine sporty pieces with other current style trends for an eclectic fashion mix – an all-grey sports-luxe look could look divine, while a white textured bomber with floral embroidery could become your it-jacket for the season. Wear varsity sweaters with printed denims, or pair pleated skirts with trainers.

Wedge trainers have lost their appeal and are slowly slipping out of the style pages. They were never really functional in terms of genuine athletic wear anyway, because no normal woman has the capability to run or hike in such footwear. In their place, the top trainer brands – not to mention the ­designer ones such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Valentino – have all succumbed to the sporty-look-seeking female customer. Nike, Adidas, Reebok and Puma all have a range of stylish kicks to choose from, featuring metallics, stripes and even floral prints – but for truly classic sports-luxe, stick to all-white.

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