Sports luxe. Sounds like an oxymoron, right? Not to the fashionistas. Kimmy K, Rita Ora, Rosie Huntington, Nicole Richie (known for marrying a killer leather jacket with her workout gear), Rhianna, Beyonce and local gal Lara Bingle have been rocking the café strips wearing ‘sporty luxe’ looks for a while now. Now we’re seeing everyone from the fashionistas to mums at the school drop off working the trend. But don’t sweat if you’re not up to speed. In a pinch, sports luxe is all about, you guessed it, luxe-ing up your sports look.
Sali Stevanja, co-founder of online activewear store Stylerunner, says activewear evolved from having one use to marrying function with style and flair. “Women owned pieces that were either big, shapeless or boxy with no functionality, or alternatively they had pieces that were high-tech functional designs, with little style,” explains Sali. “Once brands started to merge function and fashion, it allowed women to integrate pieces of their workout wardrobe with other items they owned, like leather jackets and coats or heels, creating a whole new trend – sports luxe.”
How to get the look
“The easiest way to achieve sports luxe is to invest in a pair of really good fashion forward black leggings,” suggests Sali. “They’ll allow you to be versatile, changing up the look and style. For a more edgy look, pair them back with pieces like a rock t-shirt, leather jackets or pistol boots from ACNE (a must-have!). If you want to dress-up your style, then pair leggings with heels and a coat draped over your shoulders. If you invest in the right pieces, you can pretty much wear sports luxe anywhere, from coffee with girlfriends through to dinner or a night out with friends.”
Check out these killer looks and Sali’s top sports luxe tips…
Sports luxe Tip #1
Mix activewear with elegant and tailored pieces
“This look is perfect for a night out for dinner and drinks with your girlfriends or a hot date,” suggests Sali. “Whilst it’s still remains feminie, there is a level of confidence that comes with this look – you can take it up a notch by adding a red lippy.”
Sports luxe Tip #2
Go hell for leather
Masculine pieces like bikey boots and leather jackets teamed with activewear and an elegant clutch = phwarr! “This works for someone whose style has a little more edge,” Sali explains. “It works because whilst it is edgy, there is still a sense of a relaxed, easy going style with the grey crew neck. The perfect look to run your daily errands or go for a coffee or lunch date.”
Sports luxe Tip #3
Break the rules
Can’t decide between the feminine florals, masculine leather, sexy stilettos and cool aviator look? Don’t – team them together and add a bohemian shoulder bag and you’ll be rockin’ sports luxe.
“For those who love to turn heads or make a statement, pair your look with bold statement print leggings, like these from THE UPSIDE,” suggests Sali. “Whether you are going to dinner or cocktails, this look works when teamed with on-trend statement pieces and your choice of bag and heels. The key is to not go over the top – let the tights do all the talking by pairing it back with a basic tee.”
About Sali
Sali Stevanja is the Director and cofounder of online activewear store Stylerunner and cofounder of Poppy Renegade, a community of women built to inspire, empower and celebrate one another.
Sali will be speaking at Online Retailer Conference & Expo, 22-23 July 2015
