How to Look Put-Together in Athleisure (Without Trying Too Hard)
We’re getting into the winter months where the only thing I want to get dressed in is warm, cozy sets (and mayyyyybe comfy jeans with chunky sweaters). If you’re leaning into athleisure, here are a few tips to make it look more intentional and polished, rather than just like you came from the gym (even if you did).
5 Tips to Make Athleisure Look Elevated (Not Just “Gym Clothes”)
1. Stick to a Cohesive, Neutral Color Palette
Athleisure looks instantly more intentional when the colors coordinate. Think tonal browns, creams, charcoal, black, olive, or muted pastels. Current trends lean heavily toward espresso brown, warm neutrals, and soft monochrome sets—all of which feel elevated without trying too hard.
Bright neons or loud patterns can skew sporty (skip the bright orange matching set, even if you wear it for working out); neutrals make even simple leggings and a hoodie look polished.
If you don’t want a full matching moment, go for a tonal look wearing different shades of the same color. Think a cream top, light brown sweatshirt, and dark brown bottoms.
2. Upgrade Your Sneaker Game
Your sneakers make or break an athleisure outfit. A pair of clean, modern, neutral sneakers elevates the entire look and keeps it grounded in “street style” rather than “headed to HIIT.”
Stick to:
- On trend colors: Brown, beige, cream, or black are easy but you can easily do burgundy, olive, or a fun animal print (love these cowprint ones)!
- Sleek silhouettes: We’re seeing a lot of lower profile sneakers right now and I love how they balance a more oversized atheleisure ‘fit. These sneakers are currently on top of my list.
- Clean, well-kept shoes: I always spray my sneakers with a protectant before regular wear and this helps them stay clean and wipe down more easily.
3. Add Intentional Accessories
It only takes one or two small details to make the outfit feel styled instead of thrown together:
- Minimal gold jewelry
- A sleek crossbody, belt bag (but NOT an athletic one), or oversized tote
- A baseball hat, beanie, or scarf in a coordinating color
These accessories add a layer of polish and make the look feel like an outfit—not just activewear.
4. Layer on a “Real Clothes” Piece
This is the secret to elevated athleisure. Add one item from your everyday wardrobe to break up the head-to-toe sporty vibe:
- A tailored coat
- A denim jacket
- A long trench
This single outerwear choice instantly elevates leggings, joggers, or a fleece set and makes the outfit feel styled and intentional. I usually skip the puffer jacket and opt for a long wool coat (but I live in California and back in Boston winter there was nothing coming between me and my down jacket come December).
5. Finish With the Basics
Even the best athleisure outfit looks more polished when you feel put together—and it truly takes less than a minute. I’m not talking about a full face of makeup or getting glam for school drop-off. Think clean girl aesthetic.
Here are the tiny, doable things that make a big difference:
- A quick swipe of concealer under the eyes (especially if you’re not on the caffeinated eye cream yet)
- Mascara to open up your eyes (instantly makes you look awake)
- Brushed-up (or penciled in) brows with a gel or spoolie
- Glowy, hydrated skin—tinted moisturizer or a dab of cream blush if you have time
- A sleek ponytail, braid, or low bun
- A spritz of perfume or body mist just because it makes everything feel intentional
These little steps make the whole athleisure look read as “effortless but polished.” When your skin looks fresh and your hair looks intentional, even joggers and a fleece top feel styled.
Athleisure doesn’t have to look like you just rolled out of bed (but seriously, no judgment if you did).
outfit links: sweatshirt // sweatpants // sneakers
P.S. And if you’re looking for a functional, everyday bag that lets you be hands-free, adidas’s backpacks have so many cute colors right now