Alright, it’s time to get something off my chest. Strap in because this is going to be an unpopular opinion post but I don’t like the athleisure trend.
Don’t get me wrong, I love being comfortable. I just don’t think that means leggings can replace pants in my everyday life. Leggings aren’t pants. The same goes with joggers. I have a pair of joggers I wear at home, I just don’t think they should become my staple uniform for everything in my life.
Granted, I don’t have kids so I may be singing a different tune someday. Friends of mine who are moms talk about athleisure like it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread and I understand why. It’s casual sports attire that gives you full range of motion while being quick and easy to throw on in the morning, but don’t jeans do the same? Can’t a pair of loose pants like these culottes also give you the same ease and comfort?
Overall, I feel like athleisure has made us lazier in how we dress. Seattle is already a casual city so the introduction of athleisure as a fashion trend has only made it more so. It’s not uncommon to see women going to work in sports attire like leggings and sweatshirts.
Part of my dislike of this trend comes from how I was raised. Growing up in a time when Ugg boots and Juicy tracksuits were commonly seen on casual Friday (I think my school called it Dress Down days or something like that), I was always reminded that sweats are clothes you wore at home or at the gym, not to places like school, work, or church (yes, I’ve seen people in sweats at church).
Now I’ll make my way off my soapbox by concluding that it’s not wrong to want ease and comfort in what you wear but the answer isn’t necessarily the same thing you’d wear to your spin class.
What do you think of the athleisure style? Are you a huge fan or do you reserve your leggings for the gym? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time,
Ana Luiza
SHIRT: Target // Pants: J.Jill c/o // SHOES: Brooks c/o // BAG: Amazon (more options here) // SUNGLASSES: ZeroUV (only $10)
OMG! I totally agree, it seems like lululemon is all I see these days! Save it for yoga class and have some style!
xx
Jonathan
You’re outfit is stunning and a perfect example of how you can dress casual and comfortable and still stylish. I totally agree with you and I don’t understand the trend either. I’ve actually tried a few times dressing up in the athlesiure style to run errands and I just didn’t feel good about it. I’m a homemaker and so I don’t have the opportunity to dress up much, so when I leave the house why do I want to wear the same clothes I’ve already worn indoors all week. I want to wear something different!
I totally agree with you! Leggings are for the gym and my biggest pet peeve is seeing people in the grocery store dressed in work out attire who have obviously never been to the gym! Atheleisure is really hard for most people to get right, and no, it’s not for church either.
Your opinion is not unpopular with me! I agree completely. In fact, just yesterday I was discussing with my husband what I should wear for a casual at home dinner party with friends that we are hosting. He suggested leggings. I was horrified! Leggings are not clothes, they are loungewear for days when I will not see people! Unless the off chance that I am wearing them on a very cold day in place of tights under a dress. And sweatpants and joggers! Don’t even get me started. They are for working out or sleeping in! That is it. I will get off my soap box as well…but also know that I am a stay at home and I have never embraced the athleisure trend. There are many ways to be comfortable and remain in actual clothing! Although, I do see some women who look darn cute in their athleisure wear. It is just not for me. By the way, your outfit is adorable. I love it from head to toe!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
More often than not, I am over dressed. My friend’s daughter calls me “the fancy lady”. I love it. My husband, however, is my antithesis. He either wears scrubs (work) or old khakis with old T shirts (everywhere else). But…. gotta love him – he is true to his nature, as am I.