Fashion Worthy

Activewear Trends for 2021

Cute, Comfy, and Hard-Working— Just Like Us!

By Holly Bell

As a more casual fashion sense engulfs us, we have been turning to activewear for our wardrobe needs. It’s so versatile! We can exercise, run errands, cook dinner, work from home, and relax in the evening, in the same cute and comfortable outfit. Activewear pieces can integrate seamlessly into our wardrobes. Many people have decided to embrace a wellness journey for 2021. Whether you’re exercising at home, suiting up for the gym, or going for a walk outside, you need to get in the right frame of mind! Let some new workout duds inspire you to keep going with those resolutions and push forward into the new year.

Activewear trends this season will feature ultra-stretchy, sustainable fabrics, along with playful finishes and bright colors. Bold shades offer many people a great mood-boosting lift! For those of us who are into less vivid colors, many shades of brown will also be on the 2021 horizon. Matching tops and bottoms that range from warm terracotta to deep, striking chocolate are a classic look. A word of caution when you’re choosing outfits in this color family: Make sure you don’t choose a head-to-toe look that’s too close to your own skin tone—you don’t want to give off a naked vibe!

Contemporary fashion trends have spilled over into workout wear this season. Strategically placed cutouts modernize the basic stretch top. Runway-inspired asymmetry and multi-strapping add drama and elevate the basic workout bra. Fun designs will feature one-shoulder looks, along with cutout backs and other peek-a-boo features. Another hot trend for spring and summer will be biker shorts.

It’s all getting very matchy, with tops, shorts, and even backpacks and hats all in the same floral patterns! It seems that everything has to match these days. If you love matching sets, this is the year to invest in more activewear. Head-to-toe looks in active tops and sweatpants or joggers are the fashion rage. High-end designers love the look of sweatpants and sweatshirts in matching tie-dyed or dip-dyed hues. You can find these looks trickling down to everyday prices in stores, too. Recently, fashion has renewed our love of jumpsuits, and this look is now inspiring activewear. Workout jumpsuits can easily go from the gym to a coffee date by just popping on a skirt over the top.

Workout clothing is usually close-fitting and not bulky, which makes it a great base for a layered look. Waistlines will be high at the natural waist this year, and your workout bra may extend a little longer. This is great for comfort and coverage! Add a hip-length sweater over the top as a quick coverup. Extended sizes will also be readily available this year, as they should be! Workout and leisurewear fashions are for everyone.

Top layers are an essential part of the activewear puzzle for the cooler months, before the heat makes us happy to strip them off. For traveling to and from the gym or when running errands, fashionistas are reaching for jackets that match their workout clothes. The oversized hoodie remains an ever-popular third piece. This year, it matches the outfit rather than being a basic black or gray. The 3/4 zip pullover jacket will also be popular, and don’t forget puffer jackets and vests! They also go well over workout wear.

Sneakers have entered the mainstream for everyday wear, and this craze will heat up this year. Old-school trends will continue, with high-tops and colorful sneakers. For a bit of fashion elevation, try the platform tennis shoe. The ever-present white tennis shoe is as important to your wardrobe as the basic white tee. Keeping those white sneakers clean is an ongoing concern. An insider secret is that fashion-conscious women have learned to use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get rid of those stubborn marks.

Comfort in walking is the high priority for 2021, and all the major show labels are offering comfortable slip-on styles. If your budget allows for one splurge this season, it could be new sneakers! This look will be going forward for several seasons to come. Women who love fashion that doesn’t compromise comfort are all on board!

It is true that our lifestyle has changed this past year, and it will continue to evolve throughout our lifetime—that much is certain. Our only choice is to embrace it and welcome new fashion visions. A primarily at-home existence calls for some revision in our wardrobes, but it doesn’t have to be bland. We can look good, feel positive, and have a sunny outlook. Get started this spring with a little self-care, along with some cute activewear!