As I began wading through the gorgeous pages of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Preview, one thing was becoming very clear to me — the activewear is so, SO GOOD. We’re talking deep smokey hues perfect for fall (Nike’s ‘dark pony’ has me in awe), my favorite running shoes that I swear by, and a few matching sets that look cute enough to live in.

NSale 2021: An Activewear Capsule Wardrobe Made Of 13 Cool Workout Pieces

I’m very picky when it comes to workout wear — not just for what it feels like, because we all want apparel that performs well, but I like to look good in my athletic wear, too. If I feel put together in my workout outfit, I’m more excited to lace up my sneaks and go for a run. Those “I feel gooooood” confident emotions drive me to make healthier decisions that in turn help me feel even better (hello workout endorphins). For those reasons, I’m pretty strategic with the athletic section of my closet just as I would be with my jeans, sweaters and boots! If we’re dressing for success, don’t forget your workout wardrobe, too!

This workout wear capsule is full of brands I love, items I already own and can speak to their quality, as well as a few new pieces I’m so hoping to get my hands on. The smokey fall hues make it even more fun to mix and match each piece, so whether you’re taking a light walk around the block or running intervals on the treadmill, here are my favorite pieces from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to help you crush it! 

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1| Nike Sportswear Crewneck Sweatshirt

One of the most-worn items in my closet is this Nike sweatshirt in black. I wear it with leggings (works if you don’t mind your booty showing), high-waist jeans, shorts, all of it. It’s comfortable, perfectly designed, and is a piece that just makes me feel good when I wear it. I almost purchased a second color a few months ago but am glad I waited so I can try to scoop up this new shade! Also not to miss: this hooded version in Nike’s same sportswear line!

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2 | Zella Amazing Cozy Wrap Jacket

I always grab an outer layer to throw on over my outfit to-and-from the gym. This looks like one that I could also just lounge in (I mean “cozy” is literally in the name, hey-ohh, thank you Zella). I love the drapey collar and that it has drawstrings, too!

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3 | On Cloudflow Running Shoe

Silly me, I just recently bought these On running shoes at full price, but at least now I can report that after a few weeks of running in these (nearly) everyday — including some moderate body weight training — I LOVE THEM. The aloe/white color is gorg in person. I’m not someone who deals with any sort of joint pain so I can’t speak to them on that front, but maybe it’s because I pick the right shoes that I don’t deal with pain (wink). I love absolutely everything about these shoes and highly recommend them for treadmill/city running!

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4 | Zella Studio Lite Longline Bra

I’m a major fan of longline bras. I got hooked late last year and have never looked back. As someone who is a bit bustier, I found that the extra length in the bra helps keep everything in, and it just feels better. These are also really cute to pair with high-waisted leggings and a sweater (like the Zella Wrap Jacket!) for a cute gym-to-errands look. This Zella bra comes in a bunch of gorgeous fall hues and has coordinating crop leggings, too. Here’s another longline sports bra in the sale from Spanx if you want to try a couple more!

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5 | Sweaty Betty Easy Peazy Tank Top

I’m not sure why, but I’m pretty lazy when it comes to workout tops. I often grab old band t-shirts to throw on if it’s too cold to just rock my sports bra. But this tank from Sweaty Betty would be a great way to round out my athletic wear, and it comes in five different colors!

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6 | Nike Yoga Luxe 7/8 Tights

This Yoga Luxe tight from Nike has an extra-wide (and high) waistband, which I love. There’s also a hidden pocket for keys that I always use and appreciate in leggings. And again with the COLOR. I’m having a moment, clearly.

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7 | Alo Real Sports Bra

I have a triangle bra from Alo that I surprisingly love (surprising because I have larger boobs and didn’t think it would do much for me). Now I’m totally curious to see how a full coverage sports bra from them would feel. It comes in four colors, and if you’re craving more POPS of bold color instead of my deep muted fall tones, make sure you see what colors this bra comes in!

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8 | Nike Sportswear Essential Bike Shorts

This green shade! I’m done for! Bike shorts are some of my most-worn clothing items, but I actually don’t have any from Nike. Their “sportswear essential” line has not let me down yet, so I cannot wait to try these! If you’re looking for a slightly different shade of green, these Sweaty Betty bike shorts in “moss” look amazing, too! 

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9 | Adidas UltraBoost DNA Running Shoe

Before I purchased those On Cloudflow Running Shoes, I had worn UltraBoost running shoes for years and years. I will probably forever keep a pair of these in my closet, because I just adore them, they perform marvelously, and look cute with sweats. THIS color though, it will go fast — don’t sleep on it!!

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10 | Alo Muse Ribbed Crop Hoodie

This Alo hoodie has a loose fit with what appears to be a great-sized hood (not to mention nice long sleeves.) Alo has become a regular brand in my closet for quality and performance, and you can make this a full set by grabbing the sweatpants below!

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11 | Alo Muse Ribbed High Waist Sweatpants

Are matching sets out? Not for me. I think I always feel more put together if I’m lounging in something coordinating! After all, my usual sweats have been heavily worn out from the last year, so it would feel nice to have a fresh set. I love the ribbed material on these sweatpants, and always appreciate a drawstring.

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12 | The North Face Winter Warm High Rise Tights

As someone who lives in a town with serious winters, The North Face items of any kind are heavy staples among the locals. These leggings look like the perfect base layer to wear under snow pants come the cold months (or even under jeans when it’s seriously cold!) They are sweat-wicking and have a wide waistband to keep everything in place. 

13 | Nike Sportswear Essential Fleece Pants

I have been wanting these Nike sweatpants for literally an entire year, and I have only not made the purchase yet because the colors I want are usually out of stock in my size (which means they’ve got to be good). This new “dark pony” shade that Nike is doing is so incredible that I’m going to jump fast on trying to get these!!

Build Your Own Activewear Capsule Wardrobe

Want a few more pieces to include, or maybe something to swap out from my roundup? Here are a few more of my favorite pieces included in this year’s #NSale that would work great within a capsule workout wardrobe!

As many of you know, TME usually does intense marathon sessions of outfit selfies (can’t wait to get started!)…trying all the things and doing reviews of our favorite pieces (as well as the pieces that were surprisingly terrible). Find all our coverage in our ultimate guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. If you found this post helpful, feel free to bookmark this page to use on your shopping day! Thank you, as always, for your support of TME.

Xx,
Amy

Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from my sleepy little beach town, daily style, and my professional photo work – with some chubby baby content too, naturally.