Scotti and I recently spent some quality time in the Athleta dressing room. We had gone in to look for — oh geez, I don’t even remember — but there were SO many good pieces that we had a hard time narrowing things down. I must have missed a memo somewhere, because I was — incorrectly — thinking that Athleta just did really good basics…but man. These pieces are are so on point. Not just functional, but seriously chic with fresh, modern colorways. (And the fit is great — petite/regular/tall/plus — too.)
Athleta: Fresh, Elevated Athleisure Style
ps. Athleta’s Semi-annual sale is going on (with an extra 20% off all sale). What this means is that pretty much anything burgundy (oxblood?) is on sale. Specifically…my two fav pair of workout leggings (the thick ones I’ve been wearing, the fancy shimmer ones I want — also in plus sizes) are both part of the sale…AS IS my sweater with the arm stripes!
sweater (xs) – originally featured here | leggings (petite small) – originally featured here
And now…some dressing room selfies.
1. Athleta’s Recover Joggers (Sustainable!)
Made from recycled poly, Athleta’s Recover joggers were one of my favorites. I think they might be a little too thick and warm to actually workout in, but they’re so cute I might try ’em anyway. I’m wearing an XXS, and Scotti is wearing a size S.
print tank | looser tank (sustainable) | joggers (sustainable)
Also…this long-sleeve. It’s actually a bit sexy, thanks to strategically-placed cut-outs, and looks almost like a real shirt.
top (small) | joggers (xxs) – sustainable
2. Velvet Everything (Partially Sustainable)
We’re ’90s girls, so of course we were alllllll over what is — arguably — a 2020 version of the velour jumpsuit. There are options, of course.
First up? The classic velour hoodie with leggings. Sold.
zip up hoodie (xs – both of us) – on sale!! | leggings (Scotti sized up to a medium, I’m wearing small)
Second option? Velour joggers (made from recycled polyester). and this insanely comfy pullover. This set literally felt like wearing a marshmallow — I cannot describe it any other way. It’s beyond soft, and very, VERY warm — if you are terminally cold, this set is for you.
pullover (small) | sweatpants (xxs) – on sale!!
I left the pullover behind, but the joggers did come home with me. They have a fantastic high waist (see the burgundy joggers above — the waist is similar) and are made out of recycled polyester. The hoodie, leggings, and pullover do NOT state that they are made from recycled poly…but they feel like the same fabric. Confusing.
Anyway, a close-up of the hoodie.
3. We Heart Side Stripes
Scotti veered riiiiight to the side stripes. There’s something about a well-executed side stripe that says “Am I in workout gear? Or am I Gigi Hadid?”
Our fav pair was probably these trouser-legging things. Neither of us have a good plan for actually wearing them (I’d probably hem for sneaks, Scotti would pair them with heels for a night out) but they were too cute not to include. Thoughts?
Next up is this tracksuit that has the same day-to-night potential, but is probably a bit easier to wear. The jacket is currently on sale, and both pieces are available in either red or black. The black ones may end up being that not-leggings option that I’ve been searching for to workout in (they’re nice and light for workouts).
4. Speaking of Red…Athleta’s Maple Red
This is one of the fresh, modern colors that I was really impressed with. Athleta’s ‘maple red’ is gorgeous. I liked the below set so much that I ended up featuring it in a recent gift guide…
sweatshirt (xs) | leggings (xs) – on sale!
One of the reasons I love this particular shade of red is because it works just as well with light tones as it does with dark.
tank (black – xs, white – small) – sustainable! | bra top (small) | leggings (xs)
OK — one more. These maple red joggers are seriously lightweight on the outside, but are lined in a very soft jersey (think: drapey t-shirt material) and are soooooo comfy. I was too short to pull them off with the furry jacket, but they’re too good no to mention.
5. Moving On To Yet Another Shade of Red…
This burgundy/blush combo is so fun (and both pieces are on sale). The top is a cute, retro quarter-zip sweatshirt that’s made from recycled material, and the leggings are fair trade certified (and have cool moto details). I love this pairing.
pullover (xs) – comes in a zillion colors | tights (xs) – also in black
6. Lightweight Joggers
Well. I don’t quite know what to do with these pants. They are — almost — the non-legging workout pants I’ve been searching for. They’re super-comfy and lightweight (and made from sustainable TENCEL), and I also appreciate that they’re not joggers. Just for something different. But. They feel like wearing pajamas and…they look rather like pajamas.
Do pajamas motivate me to work out? No. No they do not. They motivate me to go back to bed.
But these pants also come in black, which give off fewer pajama vibes sooo…??
tank (xs) – sustainable! | joggers (xxs)
Well. I am unashamedly attempting to motivate myself to stick to a fairly intense workout regime by buying new workout gear. Lately I’ve found that unless I really step up these workouts they seem to do…nothing? Very little, anyway. Remember when ‘walking’ could be counted as a workout? Yeah…I think “being 20” was probably closer to the truth.
Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Athleta. Personally, I’d love to see more sustainable pieces, but they’re certainly heading in the right direction. And I love the really elevated styles right now. Check out this sweatshirt dress — it’s new, so not on sale, but such a modern twist on the whole long-top-over-leggings thing (sustainable, too). Truthfully, I don’t know if I actually like it, but if you find something that’s truly fresh, it sometimes takes a minute.
Athleta, way to push the boundaries.
xo,
S
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