How two activewear brand founders actually style their activewear

Pieces that move with you.

I’m sure you’ve heard that famous (or infamous, depending on who you are) Karl Lagerfeld quote, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants.” When leggings were at their peak of popularity, many fashion snobs held a similar opinion about them. For a long time, the general consensus seemed to be that activewear doesn’t have a place in fashion.

With all due respect, I simply must disagree. I love activewear. I love being a comfy girl, whether I’m on a hike, in Pilates class or even at work, if I’m being perfectly honest. And I don’t think that should indicate anything about my mental state or my ability to dress myself.

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There’s been a rise in the idea that clothes don’t have to be just for one purpose. Pilates instructors are wearing button-up shirts to class. Carhartt, a brand created for blue-collar workers, is now worn by men working on their laptops in Fitzroy cafes. People are wearing glasses without a prescription for the sake of a look. There are truly no rules anymore.

Activewear can look incredible (high-end, even) when styled well. To show us how it’s done, two founders of our favourite activewear brands told us how they style their activewear pieces for looks that are just as elegant as they are functional.

Lorna Jane Clarkson, Founder of Lorna Jane

As someone who truly lives in activewear, my approach to styling is grounded in elevated simplicity. I believe great style should move with you, taking you from an early morning workout to the rest of your day. I love combining performance pieces with a fashion edge, mixing my favourite active silhouettes with pieces that elevate my look. 

I feel like this works well when I incorporate an oversized shirt, a tailored blazer or statement accessories. It’s activewear with intention, designed for women who want to feel comfortable, confident and stylish, wherever their day takes them.

The three-quarter shorts are officially back! For today’s outfit, I’ve paired our Snap To It Shorts with one of our ribbed logo tanks (tucked into my sports bra) and then elevated the look with a Lorna Jane Black Blazer and some Christian Louboutin heels. 

What I love about this look is that it still feels professional but also has a relaxed sport aesthetic that makes me feel like I can take on the world. Investing in these all-black pieces is timeless, proving that mixing activewear into your day-to-day life can be a statement look in its own right. 

Lucia Townsend-Sim, Brand Manager at Pinky and Kamal

Today I’ve styled the Asym Tank and Day Bralette from Pinky and Kamal with a relaxed tailored pant from Venroy and my favourite DOF Studios baby blue kitten heels. At Pinky and Kamal, we pride ourselves on designs that are refined enough to dress up yet still functional for movement. We focus on wearable, elevated and easy-to-style staples. This reflects how I like to dress: relaxed yet elevated. I often play with styling and layering multiple Pinky and Kamal tops. 

If you’re feeling stuck when it comes to activewear, I recommend choosing pieces that can move with you and your mood throughout your day and make you feel supported and confident.

To learn more about styling your activewear, head here.