Seven Days of Style: Sporty chic
Filed under: Fashion, Best of the Season
You know it's coming. It started with that plastic Jack-o-lantern filled with Almond Joys and candy corn, will roll through three servings of green bean casserole at Thanksgiving, parties filled with food, and culminate with Champagne and chocolate on New Year's Eve. You're about to eat your "weigh" through ten pounds of the holidays. You've got to start working out now, but Honey, I know how hard it is to get moving and shaking when all you want to do is stay plopped down in front of the TV just like you have been for the last four hours. However, sometimes, the best motivation to get up and work out is to dress up for it. Here are seven days of sporty chic, no matter what your idea of "work out" may be, whether it's going for a run around the track, or "power-walking" at the mall.
Sunday - Victoria's Secret is always branching out, and with their new Sexy Sport line, they're helping you look hot when you have to get sweaty; or even if you're not getting sweaty. The seamed Colorblock pants and matching diagonal zip jacket are on sale separately.
Monday - You know we can't talk about sporty style without bringing up the tracksuit, and not just any tracksuit, but The Tracksuit. People might claim that the days of the terry cloth Juicy Couture tracksuit in sherbet colors are long gone, but I think they've gotten their second wind. While terry cloth might seem a little too summery now, Juicy Couture still makes their signature all-in-one outfit in wintry velour, and in seasonally-appropriate colors like black (naturally), gray, and my favorite, "Sean," which is deep evergreen. The jacket and pants are sold separately at ShopBop for $92 and $120. And thankfully, these don't have "Juicy" emblazoned across the butt. Of course, if you've got the budget, you can get the tracksuit in full cashmere at Neiman Marcus (top and bottom $298 each).
Tuesday - Who said you have to wear white on the tennis court? Take your basic tennis dress with the sassy little mini skirt, color it black, and you've got yet another weapon in your armory of little black dresses. The best one I've seen is the one Maria Sharapova donned at the US Open -- a black "evening" tennis dress adorned with Swarovksi crystals, and of course the Nike swish. The question is, of course, do you wear ankle socks and tennies, or strappy black sandals?
Wednesday - Some of us may have retired our Juicy Couture tracksuits, and don't have it in us to prance around in a tiny little tennis dress. In that case, it's all about accessories. While I'm certainly tempted, I'll hold off on the visors with evening wear until Spring 2007, and stick with an always-in-style baseball cap. Surf watches, like Casio's G-series watches that are waterproof up to 100 meters, are also a great way to look like you hit the waves on your board every once in a while. However, as Anne has mentioned, the terry cloth wristband as a bracelet doesn't work unless you really are a tennis player.
Thursday - Let's face it, yoga has become the hottest trend in fitness since Suzanne Sommers' Thighmaster. Carrying around a yoga mat and saying you do yoga is probably enough, but the clothes that function for the fitness can be fashionable, too. Yoga pants, the kind that hug every curve of your lower half, are not only comfortable, but often with the flare at the bottom, can be flattering. Even more flattering are the pants that have a roll-down waist, which visually hide those tiny figure flaws, and physically help you hold it in.
Friday - We know that leggings are totally hot for this season, and when they return to their dance roots, they become sporty chic. Yes, dance is a competitive sport - just ask Joey Lawrence. Slip into a pair of simple little ballet flats, a pair of leggings, and fitted, long sleeve tee-shirt with a wide ballerina leotard neckline, and you'll be ready to plie your way through the day. Since we don't know how long this trend will last, don't spend a fortune. Target has simple black leggings for $9.99. Leggings from dancewear source Danskin come in all fabrics, lengths, and prices. And if you have to, you can find leggings there, too.
Saturday - Winter sports are a great source of sporty chic inspiration, and deisgner Stella McCartney has teamed up with Adidas to create a signature line. For Fall/Winter 2006, you are a Snow Bunny. Put on a pair of heavier leggings, slip into some heavy boots (whether you choose to go with Uggs or not is up to you), a turtleneck, and wrap youself up in a shiny, padded ski parka. I don't recommend wearing the full skisuit on the streets, though. If it's still a little too warm for a parka, try a quilted vest with a fur-trimmed hood, like the ones from BabyPhat.










