I know I’ve been saying “Athleta’s on fire lately” basically since 2020…but dang: Athleta’s on fire lately. So much so that I’d put in an order…and then wanted to keep everything — which is notable only because I’d also put in a huge jeans order around the same time but wanted to keep nothing.

Athleta joggers & leggings: 1

Jeans of any kind: 0

Athleta’s On Fire RN: Activewear, Warm Base Layers + More (A Try-On)

Here’s my shortlist of what to buy at Athleta. Many of these pieces (sherpa jacket, Polartec leggings) are already on sale for early Black Friday, and a few other pieces have only specific colors on sale.

While there are a few new and exciting finds in this list below, about half of them are pieces I’ve actually been wearing for years. These pieces really do go the distance.

1. A True Must-Have: This Sherpa Jacket

jacket (S petite) | top (M) | leggings (S) | boots | similar bag | similar necklace | earrings

If you do nothing else, go snag this new sherpa jacket. No, seriously, I’ll wait. It looks really luxe in person, but it’s actually a sweatshirt and bananas comfortable. Available in reg, petite, tall and plus sizes.

Here’s a quick comparison of the size small in regular (below left) and the petite size range (below right).

jacket (S petite) | tank (M) | leggings (S petite) | sneakers

I mean…Athleta just gets those proportions exactly right.

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2. This Workout Uniform: A Ribbed Crop Tank + Leggings *With Pockets*

tank (M) | leggings (S petite) | sneakers | earrings

If there were an award for my most-worn workout set — the one that has the best combinations of fit, features and colors — it would be this one. I’ve been wearing (and washing) this exact set for years, and I live in fear that Athleta will stop making the top.

In fact, Athleta’s Aurora Crop Rib Tank may very well be the greatest workout top ever invented (although, I find the darker colors easier to wear). And I love that the Salutation Stash leggings come in different lengths and colors, yet all have that phone pocket down the side of the legs. The colors are gorgeous too.

NOTE: I still prefer the waistband design of Vuori’s everyday leggings more (they stay up better for me)…but Vuori doesn’t have the color range, lengths or external pocket that the Athleta leggings do, so it’s ultimately a toss up.

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3. Cold-Weather Starter Kit: Fleece-Lined Base Layers

top (S) | fleece-lined leggings (s, petite) | boots

Another piece I’ve been wearing for years, albeit in black, are Athleta’s fleece-lined leggings. These have become my go-tos for skiing in 10 degrees F (or below!).

While the Flurry Seamless Turtleneck (above) isn’t lined in fleece, it does function as a good wicking base layer, and it’s thin enough to layer thicker clothes over top.

The fleece-lined leggings fit very similarly to Athleta’s Salutation Stash leggings — here’s a quick side-by-side:

Salutation leggings (S petite) | fleece-lined leggings (S petite)

In order to warm up that Flurry turtleneck, I plan to layer Athleta’s Altitude Polartec half-zip sweatshirt over top. It’s warm, snuggly and — yup — lined in that fleece.

fleece-lined half zip (S) | fleece-lined leggings (S petite) | boots | earrings

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4. A New Go-To: This Cropped Puffer Jacket

puffer (S petite) | jeans (27) | boots | bag

While Athleta’s Summit Down Shine Jacket is new, I’ve already been wearing the heck outta it. This cropped puffer has just the tiniest bit of shine — something you can’t *really* tell from the photo above. In my room, however, with the afternoon light coming in juuuuust right, I can capture the shine in a photo:

puffer (S petite) | tank (M) | leggings (S petite) | boots

This jacket is plenty warm too. Such a good piece.

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5. For On Top: More Cozy Layers

sherpa jacket (S petite) | tank (M) | leggings (S petite) | sneakers | earrings

If there’s one thing Athleta does really well, it’s cozy pieces. And Athleta’s Tugga Jacket is unbelievably soft and cozy. It’s the kind of clothing you never want to take off.

While I’m wearing a small petite here, I may exchange it for a regular size or even size up one. I’m finding that I either want pieces cropped or oversized these days — there’s no in between.

sherpa jacket (S petite) | tank (M) | leggings (S petite) | sneakers

Lastly, Athleta came out with a shrug it’s calling the Retroplush Wrap.

shrug (S) | tank (M) | leggings (S petite) | sneakers | earrings

This ballet-inspired shrug is so useful for warming up: adds a little warmth without overheating — plus you still get full range of motion in your arms. It’s also great for layering over little camis or tees too. (But beware — it’s made out of sweatshirt material, so it won’t work for fancy dresses.) On the upside, thumbholes.

hiiiiii.

shrug (S) | tank (M) | leggings (S petite) | sneakers | earrings

Did I miss any standout pieces? I was hoping that Athleta would include a cropped (or just shorter and boxier) top in its Cozy Karma line, but nope.

Anyway, happy shopping.

xo,

S