You don’t need a gym membership to see how fitness has taken over the way we eat, dress and socialise. Active living, as touted by influencers, social media and trend reports, has become the new ‘it’ thing.
Even our local socialites and celebrities are stepping up their game, getting creative with athleisure or ‘athluxury’ by adding fitness pieces to chic getups as spotted at fashion events.
Get inspired by these trendy ladies on how to rock and style the 6 most versatile (and essential) activewear.
Jacket
A surefire way to ramp up sports luxe is to put a jacket on it. Whether it’s a poncho or bomber, jackets with lightweight and a sheer or satin sheen, as worn by Datin Nurul Husna, ticks sophisticated and sporty when paired with a track-inspired skirt.
Wear it:
Shiatzy Chen Cutting Clouds collection green and yellow windbreaker
Pair it:
Loewe puzzle cloud-print shoulder bag
Sneakers
If they’re enough to make Victoria Beckham hang up her heels, sneakers have officially earned fashion royalty’s stamp of approval. Easily the most versatile athletic essential, sneakers, minimalist like Jane Chuck's, or embellished, pairs easily with the casual denim skirt as much as a crisp button-down.
Wear it:
Dolce & Gabbana printed leather sneakers with embellishments
Wear it:
adidas by Stella McCartney Parley UltraBOOST X
Crop top
Crop tops, sports bras, or midriff-baring blouses ooze sexy and sporty appeal at the same time. Fitness is all about confidence and discipline, and hours at the gym pays off when, like Kim Raymond (right), you’ve got a chiseled torso to be proud of in a polished crop top-blazer ensemble.
Wear it:
Alo Yoga Work It Out sports bra in black data
Pair it:
La Martina white quilted backpack
Laidback suits
There’s got to be a balance between gymming and working and nothing nails it best like a two-piece suit in the most laidback silhouette and flexible fabric. Shir Chong, queen of comfortable, roomy styles, opts for a floral, bomber-style suit as a nod to classy cool.
Wear it:
Max Mara tropical print structured suit ensemble
Pair it:
Chanel tweed cap in pink, yellow, blue and orange accents
Striped dresses
Dresses too can’t escape from a sporty upgrade. Light and flowy numbers dominate as an athleisure trend, finished with flattering stripe print around the bodice and dress length. Monica Valiram and Venice Min flatter in halter-style dresses with sport-influenced stripes.
Wear it:
Versace pleated chevron knit maxi dress
Pair it:
Fendi rainbow cat-eye glasses
Platforms Footwear aims for lofty heights in the sports department, with a strong platform trend for sandals and flats. Adding inches minus the discomfort, platforms are a clever way to elevate shoes, proving a popular option for covered styles, like the ones worn by Angela Chee and Jessey Tan.
Wear it:
Salvatore Ferragamo Elettra canvas flatform sandals
Pair it:
DKNY Pure jacket with hoodie
Brand products courtesy of respective brands.
Personality photos provided by respective brands/ Malaysia Tatler archive.
See also: The April launches that are shaping up this season.