Decades ago we had separate attires for everyday wear; ‘casuals or ‘street style’ for a relaxed look, dinner and party clothes for ‘occasion wear’ and office attires for ‘work wear’. It was in the late 19th century when sports changed the way young people dressed. Function became more important than the form. Convenience became the innovating fuel for designers to create products – be it sports coat, sneakers, polo shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, divider skirt or jeans. Men and women opted for these outfits for leisure of movement.
Interestingly, in 1997, a retail entrepreneur in British Columbia named Chip Wilson noticed that his yoga instructor was wearing some slinky dance attire, the sort of second skin that allowed easy mobility in each pose. Wilson felt inspired to mass-produce this vision. The next year, he started a yoga design-and-fashion business and opened his first store in Vancouver. It was called Lululemon. The birth of Lululemon sparkled a global fashion revolution called the ‘active wear’ or ‘athleisure’.
Athleisure – a portmanteau of the words “athletic” and “leisure” is more than just a fashion trend, it’s a necessity glorified as glamorous wear. Today athleisure is the defining fashion trend of 21st century so far. Form-fitting, athletic-inspired clothes are everywhere. They have changed the way we dress for the gym, casual outings and work. This trend has deeply influenced luxury fashion as they are driven by modern consumers’ who desire to balance comfort and style.
Ciceroni takes you through the top 5 athleisure trends to follow this year!
- 80’s Biker Shorts
The trend of the 80’s and 90’s is back this year. However, instead of styling them with oversized t-shirts, fashion stylists have gone overboard by teaming these cycling shorts with slinky tops, leather jackets and high heels. From New York fashion Week to Paris and Milan, these cycling staples were seen in eye-catching prints, neon colours and were paired with avant-garde jackets in the Spring 2019 collections of luxury labels like Chanel, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, Nanushka and many others. Accessorize them with leather belts, oversized jackets and hoop earrings and you are on board with athleisure trend.
- Sneaker
The sneakers have over the years have occupied a permanent spot next to our boots, high heels, floaters and bellies. Back in 1892, the U.S. Rubber Company began producing shoes with rubber soles for its target consumers -athletes. These rubber soles provided enough friction for a superior grip thus making it famous as the coveted tennis shoes. Its alternative name sneaker was derived from the fact that it didn’t create noise as it hit the floor and thus allowed people to sneak.
From brands like Balenciaga, Nike, Puma, Veg Non-Veg and Adidas to celebrities like Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid , Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, all of them have given the old- school sneakers a modern update. Ditch your heels and bellies and opt for the high heeled sneakers or the glittery one as you beat the heat. Make your favorite white summer dress pop out with the tie & dye sneakers or the one with springtime floral prints as you head out for a lazy breezy summer brunch.
- Functional Leggings
Leggings have always remained a major staple in a women’s wardrobe. From Kendall Jenner to Bella Hadid, several celebrities have mastered the art of wearing leggings and making it look casual and chic. Leggings, that you can wear from gym to street to work, is going to be a major trend in 2019. Available in soft fabrics, breathable mesh paneling, high waisted and pop colors, these leggings are a must buy this summer. Make a fashion statement with these high-waist mesh detailed leggings by pairing it up with the classic white tee and the trendy bomber jacket or opt for the bold and printed leggings to revamp your work wear.
- Exercise Dresses
Just like summer dresses and party dresses, exercise dresses will be the next big trend this year. The racer back tennis dresses are ruling the collections of brands like Adidas, Nike and Puma. These exercise dresses work just as well for the gym as they do for casual brunches with your friends. Co-ordinate your dress with the classy multi-colored sneakers and gym bag to slay in style as you head out to your pilates class.
- Co-ord Jogger Sets
Co-ords don’t just look superb but are super trendy these days. You can not only wear them to the gym but also to run errands over the weekend. They are suited for almost every occasion. For this look, ditch the sneakers for white pumps to add that extra oomph!
B-Town celebrities have never stayed back when it comes to giving us some serious athleisure style tips. Be it their airport look, gym looks or street styles.
Burn more calories with these heart racing looks.
