Stylin’ Sportswear |
|
| Written by Kristen Eckhardt | |
|
In the words of Stella McCartney, sportswear should be for women who take their sport and their style seriously. She doesn’t compromise one for the other, why should you?
Apparently French women don't exercise. Or at least they don't exercise in public. This means the French have little or no requirement for exercise clothes. I think this goes someway towards explaining how the French have managed to maintain the title of 'most stylish nation' for so long. It's because exercise clothes are generally ugly. They are not only ugly, but we normally feel at our ugliest when exercising. Sweat, no make up and a red face is not a good look. Therefore, as fashion conscious ladies (you are reading AskBronny after all), it is our collective duty to make exercise wear the kind of style statement even the French would consider hanging in their wardrobes. Starting (literally) from the top: Shirts Cute cotton t-shirts are fine for weekends at the beach or for generally lazing around the house; they’re not so good however when embarking on a 5km jog. Despite being a natural fabric, cotton, when combined with sweat, tends to rub in the most unlikely (and painful) areas. I never thought I’d let practicality win over fashion, but, when it comes to breathable exercise gear, synthetic Lycra is best. Lycra has had a bad rap for a long time. This is can be largely attributed to the Flo-Jo (rest in peace) phenomenon of the late 1980s. The one-legged Lycra running tights and bright fingernails did nothing to endear this particular synthetic to our hearts. But, fear not. With Flo-Jo's passing and impressive advancements in fabric technology, Lycra sportswear is now not only acceptable, it’s mandatory for any serious sportswoman. The big name sports labels have developed a range of shirts that come with some pretty lofty claims. Apparently there are certain synthetic fabrics that not only keep you dry, but also have 'high impact revolutionary support'! The claims surrounding men's wear go a step further by declaring that certain fabrics can support your muscles during exercise. I'm not entirely convinced about the muscle support, but any fabric that can help me sweat less and eliminate chaffing, automatically gets my tick of approval. Pants Your exercise of choice will help dictate what you wear on your bottom half. Tracksuit or loose fitting pants work well for the gym or yoga and tights are much more practical on the running track. Wearing tracksuit pants outside of the gym has become increasingly acceptable amongst celebrity trendsetters. However, I'm of the firm belief that just because Lindsay Lohan manages to look fabulous in trackies, that doesn't mean the rest of us mere mortals should take her lead. Adidas have come to the rescue thanks to their very savvy collaboration with Stella McCartney. This stuff is hot, and there is not a pair of tracksuit pants in sight. From three quarter tights to tiny shorts and cute tennis skirts, this exercise gear wouldn't be out of place on the cat walk. I think Ms McCartney sums it up nicely when she declares; 'This collection is for women who take their sport and their style seriously. Why should be have to compromise one for the other?' I couldn't agree more. Shoes I've never been a fan of the sports shoe when it comes to making a fashion statement. Give me a Converse high-top over a shock absorbing, gel inserted, and climate controlled sports shoe any day. Unfortunately though, when exercising, 'street' shoes don't do your feet or back any favours. Luckily there are a multitude of styles and brands out there that are perfect for your personal exercise requirements. Asics have a great reputation in running shoes, and Nike, Addidas, Puma, Reebok and Brooks all have their own specialty sports areas to choose from. It's definitely worth dropping a fair amount of cash on decent shoes. After all, there is nothing more unfashionable than getting injured due to ill-fitting footwear. So now you should be kitted out head-to-toe in practical and fashionable exercise gear. The next step is to get the motivation to go to the gym, join Pilates or take a jog around the park. Either that or you could just move to France and be fashionably unfit! |
|
AskBronny for Men
| Are you a guy and need some fashion advice? Then don't be shy! AskBronny - she's got all the fashion answers for you. AskBronny today. |
Ask a Question
|
AskBronny a question now! She's got all the fashion answers for you! Ask Now |
Famous Fashion Quotes
|
I sincerely feel that beauty largely comes from within. Christy Turlington. |
Product of the Week
 Hot Hot Hot! We just love these heels from Net-A-Porter. Sure, they'll cost you a small fortune but trust us - it's an investment! 289.36UKP Buy Now... |
Specialist Auctions
| Check out the hottest marketplace online SpecialistAuctions. Create an account and start buying and selling today! |
Favorite Online Store
 DestinationStyle We love it because you guessed it, it is just sooooo stylish! Subscribe to Styling and you'll get the special code this week to get a 10% discount when you shop. This offer is exclusively for AskBronny Styling ezine subscribers only. Shop Now... |
Recent Blog Updates
| We welcome to the blog Miss Sandi who will be blogging about everything from fashion through to whatever takes her fancy. We can't wait to see what she comes up with. Check out her first blog now. Read more... |
Fitted For Work
| Fitted For Work is all about helping women returning to the workforce. They take the workforce clothes that you no longer need and pass them onto women who do! How about sending through your castoffs (work appropriate only please). Check out how you can donate Fitted For Work. |
Fashion Tid Bit
A sexy bra can look great teamed with a floaty top! Don't be embarrassed if it is see through - if you have the body to pull it off - go for it.