While I’m a self-proclaimed jeans lover, athleisure is a go-to, favorite style of choice when I want to be comfortable and casual. Not familiar with athleisure? It’s sporty outfits that are chic and put together but not meant for working out and not sportswear per se.
They are able to be lounged in but are also ideal for walks, running errands or doing pretty much anything. For today’s post I wanted to put together an athleisure capsule wardrobe that allows you to build a collection of versatile pieces that can be styled a myriad of ways.
Athleisure Capsule Wardrobe
Having a few key pieces to mix and match can allow you to develop a go-to athleisure capsule wardrobe that you’ll wear all year long and today I’m sharing key pieces that are part of my personal athleisure capsule plus some additional outfits to inspire you for styling. Each of these are easy to wear and have been tried and tested by me. Not familiar with a capsule wardrobe? It is a practical approach to buying clothes and when you get used to it, it can be life changing to get ready.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for even more outfit ideas and styling inspiration, too!
Athletic Capsule Wardrobe Items
Utilize this list as you build out your capsule wardrobe. It is full of great mix and match ideas for you!
Flattering Leggings
Not all leggings are created equal. But I spent a lot of last year buying, testing and reviewing leggings and this Athleta pair (size S) and this Lululemon pair (size 6) take the cake for the most flattering, most comfortable and most wearable ones I’ve tried. I’ve also been loving the high waist, drawstring tie, and equal parts sporty and stylish look of the Vuori Daily Legging.
Looking for more leggings that will make you feel great? All My Favorite Leggings
Lightweight Down Jacket
A lightweight down jacket in a chic silhouette is the perfect addition to an athleisure capsule in winter. This Amazon Packable Down Jacket has nearly 20,000 positive reviews and for good reason.
It now comes in 14 colors and patterns. It has contoured seams to give it a flattering fit and I love that it is water resistant. And it comes with a drawstring back so you can easily pack and carry it without taking up much room. Better yet? It can be machine washed easily.
For a more fashion forward look, try this one. See it on me below.
Chic and Sporty Sneakers
For athleisure looks your sneakers don’t need to be at the ready for a workout. They just need to be comfortable and stylish. I own two pair of the APL Techloom sneakers now in black and in white because they are far and away the most comfortable sporty sneakers I own. No socks are required which I love and I have gotten so much wear out of them They’re great for walks and hikes but also look stylish enough for running errands in an athleisure outfit. Nothing ruins an athleisure outfit like the wrong pair of sneakers IMO. They are absolutely worth the investment.
As a styling tip – keep to minimalist colors for your athleisure wardrobe – especially when it comes to your sneakers.
Sporty Sweatshirt
I love pairing crewneck sweatshirts with vintage vibes with leggings and sneakers. Try adding a cool bomber jacket over it as a layering piece.
Beanie or Ball Cap
I love adding beanies to my Winter athleisure outfits. They’re the perfect sporty chic topper.
For a more on-trend look, consider adding a cool ball cap.
Belt Bag
A cross body / belt bag is the perfect athleisure accessory. While the Lululemon Everywhere bag is a fan favorite (if you see the color you want in stock, snag it because they sell out quickly!) I also love this option, as well as Dagne Dover’s slightly less sporty version. For an under $20 option, check out this one from Uniqlo.
A Flattering Crop Top
The Athleta Conscious Crop is such a flattering top that can be worn outside of workouts (it also comes in cup sizes A-C). I love wearing it under a cardigan personally such as here but you can also use it as a layering piece under sweatshirts and zip ups.
Sporty but Comfy Joggers
I’m convinced everyone needs a pair of the the Vuori Performance joggers which have a cult following. They’ve been bestsellers for me in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
I sized down to a Small in them.
Fashion Sneakers
What I call fashion sneakers are those you’d never workout in but are rather just to be styled. But they should also be comfortable! Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes in my opinion. My #1 fashion sneakers are these Common Projects. Followed closely after by Golden Goose sneakers.
Both of these are of course investment pieces. But I wear them all.the.time because they are comfortable but also can be styled a myriad of ways in my wardrobe. They aren’t just for athleisure of course – I style them with dresses and skirts as well as jeans throughout the year.
Pro tip: They key to nailing the Golden Goose style is to wear them without socks.
Faux Leather Leggings
Of course faux leather leggings are great for dressing up but I almost always wear mine in a more athleisure capacity. Here is an example. This pair and this pair are my favorites and I wear them both in size Medium.
The Perfect Layering Tank or Tee
My favorite and super soft layering tank is the Energy Tank by Vuori. It has a flattering fit and is perfect for pairing under sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets or zip ups.
I also own and like the shortsleeve version Energy Tee. I wear a M in both.
A Hoodie
I have added a lot of hoodies to my wardrobe lately. I love their vintage vibe and they look great when styled in an athleisure look. Particularly layered under a lightweight jacket. (Or a blazer for more work appropriate outfits).
I have this one and absolutely love it for more lightweight layering with sportier looks. It is plush but has a great lived in feel to it and a great slightly oversized fit (I wear a L). I also just bought this one from Gap which has a great lived-in, vintage feel to it.
Want an even cozier hoodie experience in colder months? I love my Jenni Kayne Cashmere Hoodie. So soft, so plush and yet perfect for an athleisure look (similar to here.) For a more affordable alternative, try Gap’s CashSoft hoodie.
A Comfy Bra
I am so in love with the oh so comfy yet supportive True & Co Bras. They manage to lift without underwire and feel like a second skin on. I haven’t stopped wearing my favorite True & Co styles since I got it and know I’ll be buying more colors this year.
They are the perfect base layer for athleisure outfits when you don’t want to wear a more supportive sports bra.
A Cozy Pullover or Half Zip
For Fall & Winter, I live in sherpa and fleece fabrics. This sherpa pullover is looks so soft and would be a great athleisure capsule addition. Not a fan of sherpa? Try this cropped and more sporty pullover / half zip or this one I own from Vuori.
Turtleneck
In winter I love pairing an oversized turtleneck sweater with leggings. Not a turtleneck fan? Try a super cozy crewneck sweater instead.
Capsule Wardrobe: Athleisure Outfit Ideas
The below outfit ideas should help you put to work the above pieces in the capsule.
Off Duty Weekend Athleisure Look
One of my favorite weekend outfits, Vuori joggers that feel and look fabulous on any body type and a sporty fleece jacket.
Weekend Walks
Neutral Color Palette Athleisure
Super Sporty Athleisure Look
A go-to athleisure look for me: a sporty sweatshirt paired with leggings and a good sneaker.
Elevated Athleisure Look
If you want to dress up an athleisure look a bit – just add a more classic coat silhouette on top like I did with this look.
On the Go Athleisure Look
Sleek Athleisure Look
For a more elevated athleisure look try pairing a faux leather legging with a cropped puffer. I love how this all black look is punctuated with a sleek white sneaker.
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