Fitness Finds for the Holidays Vol. 4: Fancy Activewear
If there was ever a time to get “fancy” with your activewear, December is it. I know it sounds a little (actually, a lot) ridiculous to use the words fancy and activewear in the same sentence, but activewear has become so much more than just clothes to sweat in. We are basically living in these pieces now, so why not make them a little special during the holidays? And when you see what I picked out, I think you will agree with me that fancy activewear is actually pretty fabulous.
Let’s start with some shine. “Metallic”, “liquid” or “shine”, as this fabric has been called, does wonders on the booty and can elevate any workout or everyday look immediately. Typically, metallic leggings do not have as much stretch as the other performance fabrics. Go true to size or even size up in some brands. And with this trend picking up speed over the past few years, shiny leggings have become a wardrobe staple— same as your pair of plain black leggings.
The pair I am wearing here from Athleta is a more subdued metallic legging. The shine isn’t as in your face. And I love how these leggings look with any of the Athleta sweatshirts or sweaters for a great everyday look.
These from IVL Collective are more of that “liquid” look. IVL runs really, really small. While I am usually a size 4, I wear a size 8 in this brand (both top and bottom).
Here are a few of my favorite shine leggings:
shop these pieces here
Alala has the largest, most versatile shine styles. My favorite is this gorgeous navy set called the Surf Bra and the Surf Legging. Not only is the color absolutely stunning, but I love the ribbed texture for added interest.
I also love how the Alala Raya Rib Tight and Bra incorporates the rib texture all over with their shine.
The Upside is a newer sustainable brand that pairs great activewear style with modern fashion. I love how some of their leggings have a drawstring.
You can see what I am talking about with my favorites and shop any of these looks on my LTK page. Simply click on the product links.
Animal print is another fun way to take your activewear up a notch. Add one print piece to a solid top or bottom for a little spice this holiday season. Or make it next level with a full print set. With the right look, animal print can be just as neutral as a pair of plain leggings.
shop these looks here
An excellent example of neutral animal print are the TNuck Sport taupe and cream zebra pieces in the latest collection.
But, if you really want to make a statement with your prints, make it shiny and add some color! We are past the days of only wearing black leggings so have some fun and mix it up a bit.
IVL Collective really does a great job with the wow factor but remember to size up 1-2 sizes in this brand.
Texture is another way to up your athleisure game and velvet is my favorite cozy winter texture. Velour is festive while being comfy. I never met a velvet legging that didn’t pair well with slippers and hot cocoa.
This season, I am really digging the velvet sets from Athleta. The colors are absolutely stunning. And they even make a few velvet Athleta Girl pieces. You know how I feel about miniature versions of the grown up styles!
shop these looks here
I also love the velour lounge sets because regular cotton sweats are so 2020.
This sporty set from Tory Sport is my favorite. I am digging the gathered elastic hem on the bottom of the pants. The Tory Sport tracksuit jacket that I own from several years ago is still one of my most worn athleisure pieces. And I love how a velour set takes me right back to the late 90’s!
Alo Yoga has some really nice velvet lounge pieces, too. Not sure I would walk around the house in a velvet sports bra and joggers… but… Alo has a bunch of other velour options. I love this soft gray-blue color.
While these really are special pieces, the good news is that you can wear them all season long and turn heads in the best of ways! I find that new activewear helps motivate me to workout. So use these gorgeous pieces to get your new year off to a successful start! Shop all of these fancy activewear looks on my LTK Page.
*This article contains affiliate links. When you click on some of the links, I may receive a very small commission at no additional cost to you. I only write about products that I genuinely use and love, and that will never change!