For years, my wardrobe was filled with tailored dresses, fitted blazers, and heels that clicked confidently across newsroom floors. As an editor and publisher of titles such as The Australian Women’s Weekly and Harper’s BAZAAR, “power dressing” meant sharp lines, structure, and sophistication.
But as I transitioned from running magazines to running my own business — and setting my own pace — my definition of power evolved.
Now, as a self-employed media owner and digital nomad, I literally live in my activewear. I exercise every day, I work generally from home and I need to feel comfortable, supported, and ready for movement. My yoga pants are snug and high waisted — just how I like them — because nothing rolls down when I’m heading into a meeting, which is often held at a cafe nowadays. It’s practical, confident, and aligned with how I live and work today.
The Activewear Revolution
For years, people rolled their eyes at those who wore activewear outside the gym. But what started as a practical choice has become a global movement — one that’s as much about confidence, mental health, and motivation as it is about fashion.
Activewear helps women feel empowered, capable, and comfortable in their own skin. It’s an experience where you feel good both inside and out — and wearing the right clothing just makes everything align. My workout clothes go far beyond the studio door: I wear them to the grocery store, to the airport, to coffee with friends, or even just at home. Wherever I go, I feel good — and that feeling inspires me to move, stretch, and stay active.
And it turns out there’s science behind that confidence boost.
Sarah McMahon, Psychologist and Director at BodyMatters Australasia, explains:
“Exercise is well researched at having many benefits to our physical and mental health – particularly regarding positive mood and increased energy levels. By simply wearing activewear we vicariously experience some of the benefits of exercise by association. People report feeling fitter, healthier and even more active when wearing activewear, regardless of their actual behaviour.
Activewear is now a wardrobe staple that is associated with an active lifestyle and this is something that is socially desirable. This is one of many reasons why people report feeling more confident when wearing activewear.”
Tech Meets Textiles: The Smart Side of Style
The activewear revolution isn’t just cultural — it’s technological. Modern performance fabrics are feats of innovation, blending comfort, function, and sustainability.
We now have moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and compression fabrics that support movement while maintaining shape. Many are made from recycled fibres and eco-friendly blends, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable fashion.
Wearable Tech
And then there’s the rise of wearable tech — the perfect partner to this lifestyle shift.
- Garmin smartwatches such as my vívoactive® 6 offer detailed performance insights, heart rate tracking, and GPS monitoring — all while looking sleek enough to pair with leggings or more dressy evening wear.
- Oura Rings track sleep, recovery, and readiness, empowering women to balance productivity with wellbeing. You can even get them in ceramic with shades of midnight or baby blue and white.
- Devices from reputable brands like Garmin, Fitbit, Withings, Samsung and Apple Watch have turned health data into personal motivation, turning every step, stretch, and breath into an act of self-awareness. And what I really love is the data from these devices is helping us understand more about women’s health and habits including their sleep more than ever before.
- Lululemon Fast and Free collection is engineered with proprietary Nulux fabric, the range is ultra-lightweight, breathable and styled for both performance and everyday wear.
These accessories are the new power tools — symbols of a lifestyle rooted in strength, self-care, and intelligence.
Comfort Is the New Confidence
I don’t miss those bygone days of power dressing – and I’m still paying the price for wearing high heels. For me today, it’s about freedom, function, and feeling good. And I’m not alone. Look around. Activewear has become the modern woman’s uniform — practical enough for movement, polished enough for work, and empowering enough for life.
This shift represents a reflection of how women are redefining success — balancing ambition with wellbeing, and confidence with comfort.
As I’ve discovered, trading heels for high-performance sneakers wasn’t a step down — it was a step forward. My wardrobe now reflects my pace, my priorities, and my purpose.
Because when we feel good, we move better. And when we move better, we live better lives … for longer.
