I had a request to write about workout clothes and I am happy to do this.
The interesting thing about workout clothes is that many of them have become standard casual attire. A male friend of mine bemoaned the fact that too many moms show up at school drop offs for kids, wearing very fitted yoga pants (a trend that is very understandable to most women). So what is the right thing to wear when you're out and about?
I will admit that when I traveled to China, I only wore full length boot cut black yoga pants for the entire trip. They were comfortable flight pants, had pockets, stretchy material and were easy to wash and wear. I made sure they were not sheer, too snug and looked okay from the back. Much better to wear than denim or pants with zippers, buttons or hooks.
And since (okay, here goes a little TMI) you have to squat to pee in a hole in the ground in most places in China, they were perfect to wear for that as well.
I admit that I do wear yoga pants often, as I'm out running errands. But my concession to conservative wear is that I only wear black ones. I feel like prints and colors are too obvious and...make my butt look large.
I never, ever wear any yoga clothes that are sheer. You have to look at yourself honestly in a mirror from the front AND the back.
Bright colors and prints look so much better on young and very thin females. Be careful how much they emphasize on you.
Wearing yoga pants while you are running errands is better accepted based on what kind of top you wear. I find that for a woman of "a certain age" wearing a tunic or long vest or jacket makes it more acceptable.
And it looks more stylish without being fussy or expensive.
I do not think wearing jog bras or belly shirts are appropriate errand wear, even if you have six-pack abs and perky boobs. Just slip on a shirt over them before you head out.
There are some great sports jackets that are NOT expensive. Go to Old Navy, Target or WalMart and look for them. Many are moisture wicking, light weight and very comfy.
You don't have to wear sneakers with them, either. Flats or sandals create a fun, dressier look to workout wear.
I buy most of my yoga clothes at Old Navy and don't pay more than $15. You certainly can pay up to hundreds for some of the name brands but who cares about the brand name? Now I will admit, I do take several yoga classes and wear yoga pants/capris to them then go out for coffee or run to the stores for this and that. And that's when tunics, vests, or jackets make me feel a tad more polished and dressed.
There are a huge range of prices for yoga pants, starting at $9 at Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx or Bealls Outlet, $15 or more at Old Navy, Target, WalMart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, and then you can order online from Amazon, Lululemon, Athleta, etc. I'm not a fan of ordering online because I want to see the fit and not have to deal with returns.
If you aren't sure about what you are planning to wear out, take a full length mirror and stare from the front and back. Another trick I have used is taking a photo of myself in that mirror. Sadly, the mirror NEVER lies. And, of course, if you are in doubt, don't do it. That advice applies to anything you might do, whether it is what you plan to wear or what you might get involved in. Your inner heart knows your truth.
You can wear running shorts, leggings, sweats, etc. but the advice is still the same. No one really cares what you pay for your workout wear, just how it looks on you to them. Some people won't even notice while some, like my male friend, will not like the look at all. It is up to you to decide.
Until next time, I remain,
Stylistically yours,
Sooz
