Millions of Australians are currently waiting to come out of lockdown, while millions more are already returning to whatever “normal” looks like after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has caused a massive shift in fashion, as we all ditched blazers and jeans to spend months at home in tracksuits and leggings.
Now most of us simply don’t want to give up our gym tights, crop tops and cosy hoodies as we re-enter the outside world.
But we really can’t get away with wearing the same stretched-out black leggings we bought in 2016 to brunch and out shopping.
What’s the solution? Do we really have to put down the comfy clothes and squeeze back into jeans?
According to celebrities like Jessica Mauboy, Anna Heinrich and Rita Ora, the answer is no.
Anna Heinrich proves you can look on-trend and put together in elevated athleisure.
(Instagram)They’ve all been sporting elevated athleisure recently, and we have a feeling this trend is here to stay.
The idea is to invest in athleisure styles that fall somewhere in between your classic gym getup and the trends dominating the mainstream fashion world.
Think trendy flared leggings paired with cropped shirts, or chic matching sets worn with chunky sneakers.
You get all the comfort of classic athleisure, but also look stylish enough for everything from lockdown picnics, to brunches, running errands and even a spot of shopping.
Of course, we’re taking all our style inspo from celebrities who are already rocking the trend – keep reading to see how you can embrace elevated athleisure.
Make athleisure chic with the right accessories
Jessica Mauboy proved even a beige tracksuit can look effortlessly chic with the right accessories.
She styled a Bassike set with huge statement earrings and a pair of strappy stiletto heels to attend a fashion show in June and we’re obsessed with the look.
It just goes to show that just about any athletic outfit can be elevated with the right shoes and jewellery.
Of course, this might not work with the threadbare grey trakkies you bought in 2012, but pairing a trendy modern set with chic heels and jewellery can work wonders.
Pick up a cute matching set for spring
Spring means warmer weather and many of us will have to retire the cute matching tracksuits we purchased during the colder months.
But that doesn’t mean we have to abandon the matching set trend entirely.
The Bachelor’s Laura Byrne proved matching sets can be cute for the warmer months too, donning a neutral shorts and sweater set from Seafolly.
Not only are matching sets like hers ultra comfy, they can easily be elevated with a pair of chunky white sneakers and a few delicate pieces of gold jewellery.
Perfect for brunching or coffee by the beach, this is the trend that will carry you through to summer.
Shop the Billabong Serenity Shorts here for $59.99 and the matching Crew here for $79.99.
(The Iconic)
Shop the Miss Shop Track Short here for $25 and the matching Crew Neck Sweat Top here on sale for $15.
(Myer)
Shop the Plus Size Women’s Shorts here for $55 and the matching Oversized Fleece Crew here for $75.
(Nike)Shop the Aussie brands celebs love
We often look to celebrities to inspire our own wardrobes and it’s the same when it comes to athleisure.
Stax is one Aussie brand stars can’t get enough of, with everyone from Jennifer Lopez, to Kaley Cuoco and The Voice judge Rita Ora spotted in their styles.
Bec Judd’s brand Jaggad is another popular pick among local celebs, including Bec herself.
Megan Gale has been spotted wearing the brand, as has Bachelor alum Anna Heinrich, who also regularly sports another Aussie brand, The Upside.
By shopping from the brands you already know celebrities love, you’re guaranteed to find on-trend pieces.
Shop the Waistband High Neck Zip Top here for $59.95 and the matching Mini Bike Shorts here for $49.95.
(STAX)
Embrace the emerging flared legging trend
They may feel like a blast from the past, but flared leggings are quickly becoming the hottest trend in the athleisure world.
The early-2000s staple are having a style revival and it shouldn’t come as a surprise given that wide-leg and flared trousers have been a hit for the last few years.
Carrie Bickmore donned a pair of chic black flared trousers for a photoshoot with Stellar Magazine in January – these are just the comfier version!
Opting for a flared legging over a classic skinny style adds interest to your silhouette and helps elevate your whole ensemble.
Pair flared leggings with a cropped sweater and sneakers for a comfy look, or opt for chic sandals and a crop top like Carrie.
Shop the Supply & Demand Contrast Ribbed Flares here for $60.
(JD Sports)
Invest in a fresh pair of white sneakers
This one should really be a no-brainer by now, but white leather sneakers are your best friend when it comes to elevated athleisure.
They’re chic, they’re trendy and they really do go with everything!
Lately chunky and platform styles have become the go-to for pairing with athletic looks, as they give you a bit of extra height without having to wear heels.
You can also try styles with a splash of colour, like the ones Martha Kalifatidis from Married At First Sight wore on Instagram.
After you’ve put together your elevated athleisure wardrobe with the celebrity-inspired styles above, finish the look with a pair of these.
Shop the Windsor Smith Racerr White Leather Platform Sneaker here on sale for $99.
(Myer)
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