Key Takeaways
- Athletic shoes, classic sneakers, sneaker mules, and other versions of tennis shoes can be dressed up or down to match your athleisure wear.
- Leggings, sweatpants, sweatshirts and hoodies, tennis skirts, shorts, tank tops, tee shirts, and button-downs are all apparel to focus on.
- Look for pieces made of high-quality, breathable materials, sleek and comfortable silhouettes, and neutral tones, so you can mix and match for many different outfits.
- Focus on quality over quantity when building your refined athleisure wardrobe.
There’s no denying that over the last few decades, upscale athleisure wear has become extremely popular. And what’s not to love about a sporty-chic aesthetic that can go from the gym to lunch with friends and still be considered stylish? Athleisure wear is all about a casual lifestyle, inspired by athletic looks but suitable for everyday wear. It’s where active, on-the-go lifestyles meet fashion.
Before we highlight the hottest athleisure outfit ideas, here are answers to your questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elevated athleisure?
It’s a style that uses sporty apparel and athletic footwear to create a refined yet casual aesthetic that prioritizes comfort. Hallmarks of the style are high-quality, breathable materials, sleek and modern silhouettes, and neutral tones with the occasional pop of color.
How to build an athleisure capsule wardrobe?
Invest in quality over quantity, focusing on versatile staples: 2-3 pairs of leggings, 1-2 pairs of joggers or straight-leg sweatpants, 3-4 loose and fitted tops, 1-2 hoodies, 1-2 jackets, 1 knit midi dress, and 3-4 pairs of sneakers.
What is the difference between activewear and athleisure?
Activewear is designed specifically for exercising and other athletic activities. Elevated athleisure uses high-end activewear to create cohesive, casual outfits that are appropriate for daily wear.
1. Sporty Minimalism
For a sleek, streamlined look, wear black leggings or yoga pants and a black or white crop top. A black or white baseball cap adds visual interest while still fitting the sporty aesthetic. A subtle silver necklace brings a hint of luxury without overpowering the tasteful style.
Footwear Recommendation: Cross-Trainers
The cross-trainer is one of the most popular forms of sneakers around. Perfect for any general athletic activity, these sporty-looking elevated athleisure shoes tend to be colorful, lightweight, and breathable. Asics has been a leader in the active lifestyle market since 1950. Their supportive shoes and innovative designs inspire people all over the world to get out there and start moving.
Topo sneakers are perfect for the novice runner who’s just getting started and the student sprinting across campus to get to their next class. If you’re looking for an athleisure shoe that leans more towards sport than fashion, then the cross-trainer is perfect for you.
2. Cohesive and Cozy
We recommend adding a matching, neutral-toned jogger and hoodie set to your elevated athleisure capsule wardrobe. That way, you always have a comfortable outfit that looks put together and requires minimal effort. Accessorize with a tote or crossbody bag and a longline coat for chillier days.
Footwear Recommendation: The Slip-On Tennis Shoe
Most people associate the classic slip-on sneaker with skateboarders and Southern California, but the style has come a long way since then. Slip-ons are the perfect athleisure shoe because they combine comfort, style, and ease. No need to waste time lacing up. Just step in, and you’re ready to go.
We love that this super casual style is now getting a fashionable upgrade by brands like Vionic that make elevated athleisure slip-ons in leather and suede. Don’t let the upscale looks fool you, though. This brand is known for using innovative technology to make shoes that are extremely supportive and comfortable.
3. Contemporary Prep
Pair a tennis skirt with a form-fitting tank top and matching athletic jacket, a subtle gold chain necklace, and a headband. The look is preppy and luxurious, which are both characteristics of the best athleisure outfit ideas!
Footwear Recommendation: The Mary Jane Sneaker
Athleisure styles are all about versatility and function, which is exactly what the Mary Jane sneaker gives you. A shoe that’s as comfortable as a tennis shoe but dressy enough to be worn to work or paired with skirts and dresses. As you put together your athleisure capsule wardrobe, remember that there’s nothing wrong with being feminine, stylish, and comfortable at the same time. We especially love the Mary Jane sneakers made by Mephisto, which can be worn all day with yoga pants and then transition seamlessly to dinner in a nice dress.
4. The Sporty Adventurer
This easy-breezy look is perfect for running errands or exploring the town. Wear form-fitting leggings or biker shorts and an oversized athletic tee or long sleeve. Carry your essentials in a sporty fanny pack.
Footwear Recommendation: Walking Shoes
A comfortable pair of walking shoes with orthopedic support is a must for women who enjoy taking long strolls. A versatile all-white pair is perfect for capturing an elevated athleisure look with ease. FitFlop makes some fantastic white canvas kicks with a chic, minimalist vibe.
We know what you’re thinking. What’s the difference between walking shoes and regular sneakers? Quite a bit, actually. Walking shoes have a lower heel with a wider, heavier sole. They promote a stable, even stride. Running shoes and high-performance sneakers are all about lessening the shock of impact on the soles of the feet and heels. Walking shoes are all about stabilizing the foot and ankle to prevent injury.
Athleisure walking shoes have the added bonus of being a bit more stylish and upscale than traditional sneakers. These elevated athleisure essentials are perfect for a capsule wardrobe and for traveling because you can spend all day walking the streets and not think twice about enjoying a nice meal in them.
5. The Elegant Athlete
If you’re seeking athleisure outfit ideas that lean more on the classy side, try this one on for size! Pair shorts with a tucked-in crewneck tee. Finish the look with a sporty structured blazer that ties the upscale aesthetic together.
Footwear Recommendation: The Sneaker Mule
A mule is a style of shoe that doesn’t have a heel enclosure, so they’re easy to slip on and off. The sneaker mule is one of those elevated athleisure styles that has evolved over the years, and we’re grateful for it. Because, as much as we love the look of a classic mule or clog, sometimes they aren’t as comfortable as we’d like. This is why we’re crazy about the ones that Vionic makes, which combine their award-winning Orthaheel orthotic technology with premium materials and stylish design.
6. The Playful Statement-Maker
Elevated doesn’t mean boring! Here’s a fun outfit idea that lets you flaunt your vibrant personality. Start with neutral-toned wide-leg knit pants and a white graphic tee or bright crop top, and add a splash of bold color with a neon baseball cap or patterned bucket hat.
Footwear Recommendation: Textiles & Knits
Just because an elevated athleisure capsule wardrobe is comfortable and functional doesn’t mean some pieces can’t be eye-catching, too. The latest trend in athleisure styles utilizes textured knits and vibrant textiles to make statement shoes that can be worn every day.
We can’t get enough of the unique and vivid woven patterns that Twisted X uses in their textiles. Made from sustainable materials and bursting with pops of colors, these shoes definitely stand out in a crowd. Fun and incredibly comfortable is what we’re all about.
7. The Laid-Back Go-Getter
If you’re searching for athleisure outfit ideas that aren’t overly sporty, try this one. It borrows from the elevated athleisure aesthetic, but it’s a bit more feminine and polished. Wear leggings with a black crop top and oversized white button-up. Accessorize with a neutral-colored baseball cap.
Footwear Recommendation: The Classic Tennis Shoe
The classic tennis shoe is all about that retro style. Simple, clean lines with canvas or leather and white vulcanized rubber. Everyone loves these classic athleisure shoes because they make us think of our childhood and simpler times.
Vionic, FitFlop, and Mephisto all make classic tennis shoes with timeless looks that never go out of style.
8. The Chill Professional
This snazzy look is great for women seeking a cooler twist on traditional business casual apparel. While an elevated athleisure capsule wardrobe isn’t usually appropriate for the office, this one should fit more casual dress codes. Pair tailored black joggers with a fine-knit fitted top and a long, flowing cardigan. Accessorize with tasteful hoop earrings and a matching necklace.
Footwear Recommendation: Dress Sneakers
Perfect for combining comfort with fashion, dress sneakers can be paired with suits, designer jeans, and even shorts.
Vionic and FitFlop both make stylish dress sneakers with the same comfort and support as their athletic shoes.
Find Athleisure Footwear With End-of-Season Deals
With so many stylish and comfortable elevated athleisure shoes to choose from here at What’s Hot Clothing, you’ll be able to fully master the aesthetic. This is a trend that’s here to stay, so shop our selection of women’s sneakers, and bring these outfit ideas to life!
