LifeStyle Magazine - Casual wear Goes Chic

Casual wear Goes Chic

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Written by Susan M. Stapleton

Turn to these leaders in designer sportswear to go from frumpy to fabulous.

Your mother may have taught you to always at least run a brush through your hair and add a dabble of lipstick when you walk out the door, but she may have forgotten to mention that attention to details applies to your attire as well. Even a quick trip to the grocery store should require more than just a passing glance in the mirror as you walk out the door. Meaning? The workout gear consisting of sweats and a T-shirt might work for the gym and the walking trail, but you’re more apt to be noticed when you add a touch of glam to even your most casual of looks.

Designers have recognized that workout gear is an untouched market. In the past few years, designers have caved in to the idea that their customers might actually want to be comfortable and look good at the same time. In return, the sportswear look that combines chic and casual has grown.

Now, with just a few tips, you too can look chic and be casual while running your errands.

The Power Couples

Fitness companies from Adidas to Puma have partnered with high-end fashion designers to form the perfect marriage between fitness and fashion.

At Adidas, Paul McCartney's daughter Stella McCartney—who designed for Chloe before partnering with the Gucci group to launch her own line—created a high-end line of fitness gear for the sportswear company. Her clothes for Adidas capture everything from running and gym gear, tennis, yoga and swim outfits to even dancewear. This comfy, edgy, and chic line can be worn as outfits, or separate the hoodie and wear it with skinny jeans or wear just the track pants with a pair of heels. You can see the collection at www.adidas.com/campaigns/stella07/content/fw07/index.asp?strCountry_adidascom=com&strBrand_adidascom=performance

If streetwear is more your vibe, Yohji Yamamoto may be your designer. The man behind Y-3, designs for men, partnered with Adidas on an urban streetwear line for men and women that offers shoes, jackets and even knit dresses. It is a casual, cool line full of attitude. See the line at http://www.adidas.com/y-3/fw07/index.html? .

Puma teamed up with British designer Alexander McQueen, who puts his spin on the line with a collection of sneakers. For fall, the human foot and the influence of the tendons, vein formations and toe prints inspired McQueen’s collection. One shoe even features an imprint of McQueen’s foot. See the line at alexandermcqueen.puma.com .

While Lance Armstrong certainly isn’t a designer (we appreciate the Livestrong bracelets, but a fashion statement they are not), the Tour de France winner has created the 10//2 collection for Nike. The line includes apparel for men and women plus watches and some gear, and all of it integrates Livestrong yellow. See the line at www.nike.com/index.jhtml?l=nikestore,lance

It seems like every actress in Hollywood is designing a line of clothing. Throw Scarlett Johansson into the mix. Her Hearts Reebok collection, which includes apparel and footwear, combines equal parts tomboy and glamour girl.

See the line at http://store.reebok.com/sm-scarlett-hearts--bs-2638589_cp-2065996.html

Sportswear-savvy Designers

Aside from the new power couples in the sportswear arena, designers have taken a shine to this fashion niche as well. Prada designs fanny packs that can hold a water bottle, and ski jackets meant for day jaunts and the slopes; Dolce & Gabbana has swim shorts for men that require no manscaping; and Pucci designs ski jackets with its trademark swirling patterns.

Wear It Like a Celeb

Take your typical gym outfit and make it into an outfit that would make Madonna in her hoodies jealous.

1.        Replace your sweatshirt with a long, chunky-knit sweater or your favorite fall jacket.
2.        Change your sneakers to flats or boots; perfect with a dark colored yoga pant.
3.        Swap out your baseball cap for a sleek ponytail or bun.

Susan M. Stapleton is LifeStyle Magazine’s style editor.

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