It’s quite different from your typical gym gear of a racer back top, sports bra and track pants; this season’s sporting goodies are of a different rank altogether. Instead of typical breath-easy cotton or dri-fit materials, you can opt for the luxe version of your active gear by choosing pieces that essentially keep the sporty shapes (think drawstrings, racerback, large cargo pockets, 80s bodysuits and shorts), but are a dressier option. Think out of the box by purchasing a cute drawstring tennis skirt in a pastel satin or track pants that are cut harem style, but still have the racing stripe on the side. Mix everything up a little, and you might find that you can take pieces you thought were strictly for gym out and about into your everyday wear and into the clubs.

Here is some inspiration taken right off the runway:

At Abaete, a sporty cardigan is worn with high gladiator heels and cropped bike shorts-looking pants.

A sporty hoodie dress is layered over a black latex-like shirt and skirt and peep toe boots at Alexander Wang.

Balenciaga went for a futuristic look with a tank dress and grey tights.

BCBG Max Azria played with colour blocking and went for sporty orange and grey combinations which look sleek with black pumps.

Behnaz Sarafpour‘s slim fit cropped pants paired with orange espadrilles and an orange tank top and cardigan are just the right combination of active gear and casual wear.

DKNY showcased plenty of sporty inspired looks. This one was in denim and accentuated by the neon yellow scarf and high top laced-up sneaker heels.

DKNY went a little street for this look and layered gold chains to dress up a sports vest with a striped tank and black skirt.

Gucci loved the zipper detail on their dresses and played up the sporty element with the flashes of aqua underneath this number.

In products:

A functional tote with plenty of pockets and a twist lock by Botkier goes with any outfit, and will look especially good with a bight coloured tank dress.

One of DKNY‘s sneaker heels, but in wedge form. The straps and perforation make this a sporty shoe and can be worn with a pair of denim shorts and an off-shoulder slouchy printed tee.

Layer this DKNY drawstring jacket over a floral dress and match with laced up ankle boots.

Elizabeth and James combines a party dress with an exposed zipper with a hoodie, giving a streetwise style some active edge. You can pair this with gladiator flats for comfort.

Larok‘s playsuit is roughened up with the drawstring neckline and rumpled texture to the fabric. Even if you wear this with sneaker heels, the look is still playful and not too much like gym workout gear.

Drawstring shorts in pale pink by Lounge Lover are only for the svelte-limbed as the ruching will emphasise the thigh area. Wear this with a plain tank top with ballet flats for a girlie option or sneakers with racing stripes for an active alternative.

A navy blue skirt with cargo pockets by Miu Miu will look great with any top. You can even pair a sports top with this and some dressy flats for a cute daytime look.

A dress like this one by Richard Nicoll is perfect dressed up or down. During the day you can wear it with running shoes and some bangles, and for night, slick your hair back and don some sky-high platform heels with a bright clutch.

Tapered pants like this pair by Rick Owens is still flattering as it will conceal a fuller leg. Always pair with a patterned or bright coloured top to draw attention away from your lower half.

See by Chloe canvas shoes are great tennis shoes look-alike and will be ideal paired with a graphic print and oversize sling bag.

Colour blocking does wonders to slim the figure. This diagonal blue print on the dress will break up a top-heavy figure and draw eyes downwards.

Even mesh and chains can look sporty because of the dress’ tank top shape. Perfect for a party, pair this with black sculptural heels and a metallic silver clutch for a night out.

What do you think of the sports trend?

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