Style by Claire Lopez

Sports Luxe Redux

Is it me or does January feel like the entire year rolled into one month? It is the longest month ever and we’ve still got another two weeks to go…

But because it is January, this is the month above all when you entitled to think about comfortable clothes. But comfort doesn’t have to mean putting on things you wouldn’t be seen dead in away from slobbing around on your sofa, never mind outside your house. Nope. You can have it all if you embrace sports luxe. It’s not a new trend but it’s definitely become very mainstream and it isn’t going anywhere.

First up are the trousers that are so comfortable you can lounge around in them all day but will also make you look like you are active without even having to set foot in a gym – perfect for this time of year when healthy new year’s resolutions are in full swing. These clothes will effectively help clear your conscience when you scoff the last of the Christmas chocolates/mince pies/cheese.

These Amie Joggers £49.50 from Hush are an athleisure staple and come in black, navy, olive and charcoal. A tapered leg is what you need and these trousers have that. You may need to size down as they are generous round the waist but that means you can pull the waist in or let it out as necessary!

Or there are the Long Hareem Trousers £55 in the same four colourways. And for what to put up top, this is beautifully styled. I often think a sweatshirt can make it all look too boxy so instead go for a semi fitted piece of knitwear or a soft, drapey jersey top as too much volume all over doesn’t always work well – unless you have the height to carry it off.

ME+EM is another great brand for luxe sportswear and their Double Stripe Jogger £79 does the job. In addition to black, it also comes in navy and khaki.

Or Whistles has this Relaxed Slub jogger £79 in navy.

Over at Zara their Jogging Trousers with Side Stripe £29.99 are styled in a very different guise with a pair of heels which works just as well as trainers. Maybe lose the green tights though as these are grim.

If you can’t get your head around wearing a tracksuit with heels – which does sound a bit odd when you put it like that – then go for the smart track pant which essentially gives you the comfort of a jogger but in a more tailored fabric.

Whistles has this Ribbed Cuff Crepe Jogger £119 in navy which you could dress up or down, put with trainers, flats, heels or sandals and wear year round either with a sweatshirt, soft blouse or fine gauge piece of knitwear. These are definitely at the more luxe end of sports luxe.

They also have the Minimal Crepe Cuff Jogger £119 in black which is also a slightly different style.

Zara’s Jogging Trousers with Side stripes £25.99 will give you a slick bit of detailing.

So what do you put on top to keep warm when you’re ‘doing’ sports luxe? Well, a tailored coat will definitely work if you want to smarten up your act. Or, keep it more casual and go for a leather jacket – a biker to be specific. If you don’t already have a good one, now is the time to invest. But make sure you have a style with some shaping through the waist so you don’t look like SpongeBob Square Pants up top. Be careful if you are bigger in bust area as lapels and detailing can be too much, so keep it simple. Often styles have a lot of detailing on the shoulders and arms which can add extra bulk. So less can often be more in the world of leather. A washed leather rather than a shiny black might also be better depending on your complexion. And one final thing, it probably isn’t a style you will wear done up so getting a slightly snugger fit than normal will often be the key to getting the shape you want.

Hush’s Onyx Leather Jacket £295 comes in grey, black and a blush pink for spring. The grey is a good bet for most as often a very black, shiny leather jacket can look too harsh against a lot of skin tones. And here you go the total look.

All Saints is also a good bet with a whole host of options including this Dalby Biker £298. I have to say I am not a massive lover of a white jean with a black leather jacket though.

Ted Baker has this Lizia Leather Jacket £329 which comes in black, dark green and pink which unless you want the Pink Lady look, I would avoid.

Reiss’ Drew £395 is also a nice style.

As is Baukjen’s Everyday Biker Jacket £399 – there are other colours too which are in the sale.

If your budget doesn’t stretch into the £100s then try Oasis either for their Hollie Leather Biker £165.

Or a Faux one at £58.

And now to the footwear part. For all your trainer needs check out last week’s blog and I also spied another little gem in Next: White Glitter Star Lace Up Trainers £35.

One piece of footwear I’m not convinced has a place in the sports luxe world is a boot – a knee high heaven forbid and not an ankle either. A sock boot just about. So it’s trainers or pointed flats, court shoes or high heeled sandals.

And so you can look the part without feeling the cold, head to Uniqlo for their Heat Tech under layers which really are amazing. They have loads of colours in different styles – scoop neck, crew neck, extra warm and warm… I have the scoop neck as these can still be worn underneath lower cut styles. They also have tights and leggings which you can easily pop under any of the joggers.

Warmth, comfort and style all wrapped up in sports luxe. What more can you ask for this January?

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