The Northern Southern Belle: How to be fashionable while participating in the athleisure trend
Ever since lockdowns kept us all cooped up inside, the desire to wear sweats or leggings and stay comfortable has exponentially risen. Quarantining in bright leggings and comfy jackets have skyrocketed the athleisure trend, which was already taking shape in 2019 but is not expected to go away anytime soon.
I’m all about being comfortable. I come home from work or class and am eager to put on a pair of comfy leggings and a tee-shirt, and many mornings I’m tempted to let that be my daily wardrobe choice. However, while I enjoy the comfort of this new fashion fascination, I do not want to lose my personal style in the shuffle of it. So, with that being said, I would love to suggest some ideas on how you can keep your style while remaining comfortable and feeling relaxed.
I am a huge dress girl. I love wearing dresses, especially when the weather is starting to change as it is now. While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of athleisure, I believe that knit swing dresses are a perfectly good option for the trend. They’re lightweight and easy to wear, do not require much thinking when it comes to putting together an outfit, and they are super cute! Some of my favorites are from Loft, but Old Navy and Nordstrom offer a variety as well, and the price range for these three stores is pretty broad, so you have plenty of options. 
If you’re not on board with the dress, a good alternative is a lightweight skirt. Lululemon has definitely made these popular, and they can be paired with a knit tank or vintage tee. Amazon and Athleta have similar product offerings as well, and you may be able to find these at lower prices.
Leggings have always been fashionable and trendy, but there seems to be more of a variety now in the offerings. Bright patterned pairs and sets that are popping with color have been added to store lineups, allowing for these essentials to be dressed up or down. I think leggings can be worn with anything – a tee shirt and flip flops, an oversized sweater, and boots, or with a nicer top and kimono or wrap. You can find leggings almost anywhere, but one place I’ve noticed that has really stepped it up is TJ Maxx and Marshalls. They offer tons of activewear, including a large assortment of leggings — from your classic blacks and grays to pastels and brilliant hues, as well as eye-catching patterns.
When it comes to athleisure tops, retailers everywhere are offering knit tops and moisture-wicking tees that will be comfortable and helpful for this active lifestyle. Dick’s, Gap, and Madewell all offer some trendy pieces that can be dressed up or down, but in my opinion, you can wear whatever kind of top you want with a knit skirt or pair of leggings.
Comfort and ease are definitely things we have turned to in this past year, and having clothes to match that desire is not unexpected. I hope that these suggestions have sparked your imagination on how you can stay unique and true to yourself while still participating in today’s style trends, keeping you comfortable, happy, and fashionable all at the same time.
Stay comfy, trendy, and fabulous!
