There’s no doubt that being a college student is an active lifestyle. From getting to class, hitting the gym, and seeing friends, it’s obvious why comfortable and versatile athleisure wear is consistently a trend on campus.
“I usually just wear what I'm wearing to the gym to class, just because it's so much easier, because I'll walk to class and then depending on my schedule, go to the gym, and then from the gym, I'll go to my next class,” said Eve LaForte, a sophomore communications major, “Like, I feel like it's not really something I need to change my style for on a day to day basis.”
Still, there are specific athleisure wear pieces that will be on-trend this coming fall. Some of them, such as workout sets and flared yoga pants, have been popular for quite a while. Others, like the workout dress, are making a comeback through social media.
While matching sets have been in style for a few years now, new colors and styles are emerging this season. Whether you want a “clean-girl” aesthetic with neutrals, or a colorful, neon-look, there are options for everyone.
“Honestly I feel like people are wearing a lot of neutrals and black,” said Emma Caruso, a sophomore communications major, “Nowadays I feel like the bright colors are kind of going away a little bit.”
Tanaaz Muhaya, a fitness influencer who works with brands like GymShark, and a sophomore biology major at Stony Brook University, has a different take on the trend.
“I like the brighter colors because I think it makes me more confident and it makes you stand out in the gym…” Muhaya said, “so I like the new trends of neon colors and all of that.”
Aside from sets in new colors, new silhouettes are trending.
Athleisure sets have a ton of variety in shape this year, with one-shouldered tops, Y2K-inspired cuts and tennis-style polo necks.
With so much variety in styles, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a set that you love.
A matching set is a great outfit in itself, but if you want to dress one up a little more, you can style it with chunky sneakers, an oversized blazer or button up and gold jewelry. For everyday wear, you could pair a matching set with mid-length socks, chunky sneakers and a baseball cap.
Another big trend we’ll see this fall in regard to athleisure wear are flared yoga pants. While these have been on the comfortable style radar for a few months now, the comeback of this ‘90s trend will be huge this fall.
Flares are generally a flattering trend. This year, consumers will see a huge variety in the shape of the waistline, and in the flared bottoms themselves. These styles make this trend super versatile, and almost universally flattering.
“I could always throw on a pair of flared leggings,” Muhaya said, “because those are active wear that you can wear to work, you can dress it up, you can dress it down and just wear it with a sweatshirt and it's super comfy.”
Flared leggings are super easy to style. For a casual look, you could pair them with any casual top and sneakers. On a colder day, flares look great with an oversized hoodie, a vest and a hat. They can also be dressed up with boots, a leather jacket and a cute sweater.
One of the less practical trends in athleisure wear that will be huge this fall is the workout dress. Though it might not be the most prudent athletic wear to actually work out in, it is comfortable and easy to style.
“I have this athletic dress, which I like because you can dress it up or down. So I think that's a very good piece to have.” said Caruso.
This trend is brand new, at least compared to its victorian-era predecessor. Today’s exercise dress is shorter, with a silhouette similar to the ‘90s slip dress, another trend that has come back into fashion recently.
An exercise dress is an easy way to look put-together. For a casual day of classes, you could pair it with sneakers. On a colder day, an exercise dress can be layered with a sweater and combat boots. If you want to dress it up, pair it with an exercise dress with a denim or leather jacket and platform shoes.
There are so many colors and styles available for workout dresses, and with so much versatility, you can absolutely find a piece that suits your preferences.
Athleisure wear is all about comfort. Even if these specific trends aren’t for you, there are a ton of styles out there. Brands like GymShark, Girlfriend Collective and Athleta release new styles frequently.
Athleisure isn’t going away anytime soon, so if you want to join the trend, find something that you love and that makes you feel comfortable.