Taking Activewear Beyond the Gym

by Anne Bella July 10, 2017

There's a running joke amongst housewives or SAHM (stay at home moms) who love working out: they end up living in their yoga / gym / spinning clothes all day or week and wear it to do errands / go to the salon / mani-pedi and school pick-ups. I'm often asked by women how they can look polished even in workout clothes. Can't really blame them. As someone who works from home herself, I often grab my comfy gym leggings and sneakers to do the grocery or run errands. Lately though, I've been more conscious and try to dress up more (albeit still wearing said gym leggings) and pairing them with a dressy top. It IS possible!

I was chatting with Vanessa Mayuga Santos when the idea for this story came up. Van is a beauty junkie turned yogi who lives for these comfortable threads featured below. She curates the beauty section in STU and now, Movement, where she features local brands who make such stylish workout wear that it's easy to see why it has raked in a cult following. I tell her I'm so into wearing body suits with pants nowadays. Save for the hassle of having to take it off every bathroom trip, it's super flattering and hugs your body in all the right places. Plus, I realize, it's perfect for hot and humid weather since the material is built for warm temps. Van agrees and suggests we make a post out of it and an instant shoot was born.

Scroll down and learn how you can style your favorite workout gear beyond the mat and straight into cocktails with just a quick switch of tops or bottoms. You'll thank us when you're breaking a sweat dancing without a hint of discomfort. Just go easy on the drinks!

This bright body suit by Love and Madness in whale flowers is a must-have in your wardrobe. It photographs nicely seashore as well as in a garden soiree or brunch with the girls when paired with these Belfiore paper bag trousers.

Jazz it up with simple gold danglers to complement the busy print. The low back is an unexpected surprise, sexy without being vulgar. Paper bag pants are extremely flattering because it hides prominent hips while making the waist appear slim thanks to the detail plus it sits at the smallest part of the body. It's especially useful if you plan to eat as it hides that extra bulge and lets you "exhale". This outfit is a spin on the sweater and skirt combo that I love. Though unexpected, the Kei Hoodie in gray works when paired with the Makaha floral maxi skirt because of the cropped cut and muted, pastel colors. Notice the play in texture: knits and chiffon create an interesting contrast. Add a statement insect ring to anchor the blooms in the skirt. A twinset this pretty shouldn't be limited to the gym alone. The Tori jacket and matching Rie top works well with the Turda lace midi skirt for a couple of reasons: it lends an unusual twist to the total look; it plays down the dressy vibe of the skirt so you can wear it on more casual occasions; both belong in the same color family (black) and doesn't look too severe thanks to the stripe and floral print; and it's so cute paired with lace wedge espadrilles! It's important to keep a color scheme going when pairing polar opposite pieces so there's consistency and coordination. Another bodysuit makes the list, this time in ebony with ombré effect crystals. The Noir stardust suit makes the ideal canvas for the more prominently printed Limassol maxi skirt in complementing shades of red and white. It works for the conservative type since it's tempered with simple white sneakers and devoid of accessories to veer from looking too cluttered.

Wearing print on print heavily depends on the color scheme and the size of the print. This pairing works because both pieces share one common shade (white) and the top's print is smaller and more subdued than the skirt's. I'm a fan of wearing leggings under skirts especially on cooler climates. This combo works like a charm even in Manila weather, thanks to the slits on the Roalto lace up skirt offering a peek into the cute print of these Noir mosaic leggings while letting air in. Think of it as having built-in AC for your legs. Keep everything else toned down with a simple round neck and white leather sneakers.A lightweight multiway cardigan like the Hanuman is handy to own not only for working out but for a myriad of occasions as well. This particular outfit is something I'd wear on a flight, sight-seeing or even a semi-formal garden event. I paired it with the Makaha black floral maxi with old rose flowers to complement the beige cover up. Topped it off with a mauve tank and dusty pink patent leather brogues for a comfy and easy vibe. A closer look at the details of the ultra soft cover up. I swear, you wouldn't want to take it off.