6 Looks to Stay Warm, Look Cool Before and After a Workout
Counter-clockwise from upper left: Cocoon Jacket (Target), Blissful Sweater (Lucy), Vinyasa Scarf (lululemon), Peace Wrap Sweater (Athleta), Surrender Hoodie (Lucy), Picket Fleece Sweater (Oakley)
This time of year, it’s easy to toss an oversized sweatshirt over a pair of yoga pants when you’re done with your workout. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that, especially if you’re just heading home. But what if you’re meeting up with a friend or running some errands after you’ve hit the gym? You don’t need to do the whole shower/hair/makeup thing, but you don’t want to look like a total schlub. You want to be warm and comfortable while looking casual and cute.
No problem! You just need something a little hipper than my old high school basketball sweatshirt. I mean your old high school basketball sweatshirt. Like I would wear that! (Disclosure: I totally would. And have. Just not right now—because it’s in the laundry. You know, on account of me wearing it.)
Currently, my favorite athletic-casual look is a drapey cardigan over a slim top (like a workout tank) and black leggings or yoga pants, like the Blissful Sweater Wrap from Lucy ($98) or the C9 by Champion Cocoon Jacket from Target ($34.99). Not only are they great to throw on after a Zumba class, but they’re also pretty fab with skinny jeans and boots when you’re not planning to get sweaty.
Of course, any outfit can be jazzed up with the right accessory, right? The Vinyasa Scarf from lululemon athletica ($48) can be worn in about a million different ways (seriously) and adds a pop of color to any outfit. (And speaking of colors—if you don’t like what’s being shown online now, just wait; they seem to come out with new Vinyasa Scarf colors quite frequently. Or there’s this active scarf we also love!)
If you’re already wearing a fitted workout tank and just need to get your arms covered, the Peace Wrap Sweater from Athleta ($69) is a unique and gorgeous option, especially in the great raspberry color pictured above. It’ll show off a slim torso with a side of style.
Can’t imagine facing the outdoors without a hoodie? Don’t worry, Lucy has you covered. Its Surrender Hoodie ($79) looks like a cowl neck top, but functions as a hoodie when you need a little extra warmth. And how great would that deep blue color look against your skin when you’re all flushed from a kickboxing class? Really great. Really, really great.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you probably find your workout tops soaked through by the time you hit the locker room. I’ve got a solution for that, too—the Picket Fleece Sweater from Oakley ($44). It combines the coziness of your favorite sweatshirt with on-trend details like dolman sleeves and a deep V in the back accented with bright straps.
More and more brands are catering to stylish women with active lifestyles, so shop smart and take advantage. Spending money on a jacket you’ll only wear to and from the gym is one thing, but investing in a piece you can wear anytime, including to and from the gym? That’s brilliant.
Tell us, what are a few of your favorite post-workout cover-ups? —Kristen