Lookin' Fresh: Workout and chic, dressing for both

So, what to wear today? Oh, maybe this adorable outfit. Wait! Today’s the day some UNM students have a fitness class or exercise time. Should students wear their workout clothes? Should they wear their everyday street-chic clothes and bring workout clothes in a separate bag? Ah, decisions, decisions.

Decision made: wear it all. Students can mix and match their workout clothes and everyday threads to make cool outfits. Start off by pairing yoga pants or leggings with a sports bra. On top of the sports bra, wear a cute shirt that complements the yoga pants or leggings — a loose top, perhaps. Wear any type of jacket, allowing a versatile look that can be used on and off the treadmill.

Next, add any type of shoes. The things most students have to change into are workout shoes (if they aren’t on already) and tops. Wearing workout clothes under everyday outfits allows for some saved time and less hassle carrying a gym bag.

When it comes to choosing certain pieces of workout clothing to mix with everyday pieces, students want to choose them based on what they already have.

For example, if someone has a leather jacket and they need to find the right workout shirt to mix with it, they may want to choose one that isn’t too bright. A lot of workout shirts are colorful and may have motivational quotes or brand names on them. Students should pick neutral colors with minimal print to balance out the look.

In contrast, if one decides to wear a fierce shirt that’s motivational, bright and loud, then they may go for simpler outerwear and yoga pants or leggings. Outerwear should be of neutral color and the yoga pants or leggings can have colored panels to balance out the shirt.

An alternative to buying a brand-name shirt would be a crop top. Crop tops aren’t restricting, and they look good with a lot of jackets.

Coordinating workout clothes with personal style pieces can be a game of strategy. It’s all about feeling comfortable and happy with what one has on. Just know that at the end of the day, students are going to do a little business, workout and sweat out their style anxiety.

It’s all about making it work and being comfortable with the outfit of the day.

Courtney Salinger is a fashion columnist for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @lookinfresh23.