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.
Related: 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 over 15 colors and patterns. It has contoured seams to give it a flattering fit and I love that it is water resistant. Plus, it comes with a drawstring bag 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 necessarily need to be ready for a workout. They just need to be comfortable and stylish. I own two pair of the APL Techloom sneakers (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 jacket over it as a layering piece.
Beanie or Ball Cap
I love adding knit 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 Purpose 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 (seen 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, me among them! They’ve been bestsellers for me in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
I sized down to a small.
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 Adidas Sambas.
The Common Projects sneakers are an investment, but I wear them all.the.time! 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.
Related: Common Projects Sneakers Review
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 in the winter and I wear them both in size medium.
The Perfect Layering Tank or Tee
My favorite 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 short sleeve version Energy Tee. I wear a medium 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 when layered under a lightweight jacket. (Or a blazer for more work appropriate outfits).
I have this one from Vuori 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 large).
Want an even cozier hoodie experience in colder months? I love my Jenni Kayne Cashmere Hoodie (use code MEGHANDONO15 for 15% off). So soft, so plush and perfect for an athleisure look (similar to here.) For a more affordable alternative, try this cashmere hoodie from NAADAM.
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 them 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 jacket from Varley looks so soft and would be a great athleisure capsule addition. Not a fan of sherpa? Try this half-zip or oversized sweatshirt, also from super chic athleisure brand Varley.
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
This olive green shirt jacket is the perfect topper for a spring walk. Seen here with my beloved APL sneakers!
Neutral Color Palette Athleisure
I love a monochromatic athleisure look! Black joggers and a sporty black jacket are a go-to for me.
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 classic coat silhouette on top like I did with this look!
On the Go Athleisure Look
A cozy but sporty fleece jacket pairs perfectly with leggings.
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.
Shop More Athleisure
You May Also Like:
This post contains affiliate links. Should you purchase something from an affiliate link, I may earn commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support of my work!
comments +