Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content

Take control of your money! Save, budget and navigate your finances easier with AARP Money Map.

Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

Popular Searches

Games

Car rental

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

Travel

Suggested Links

Help Show me my account info Change my Address How do I contact AARP? Where is my membership card? How do I get a digital card?
Red Membership Card

AARP MEMBERSHIP — $12 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

120x30-AARP-logo-red
Join
Renew

AARP en Español

Join
Renew
Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Continue Cancel

8 Ways to Pull Off Athleisure Wear Outside the Gym

Mix joggers, yoga pants and sneakers into your everyday wardrobe

By

Lois Joy Johnson,

 
AARP
Comments
Published September 03, 2020
A woman wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt
kali9/E+/Getty Images

For years there was a solid line between work, weekend, sports and hanging-out-at-home clothes. That line got a lot blurrier when jeans and a blazer became a mainstream work uniform and leggings jumped on the jeans rack. Things got even fuzzier this year when joggers, tracksuits and hoodies became the new normal and our usual clothes began to feel kind of stuffy and retro. Confused about what to wear and how? Relax. Here are eight ways to make the athleisure trend work for your real life.

Old Navy High Waisted Stretch Tech Utility Plus Size Ankle Pants in BlackJack Sonoma Goods for Life Travel Jogger Pants in Black Old Navy Mid Rise Tapered Leg Jogger Pants for Women in BlackJack
(Left to right) Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Utility Plus-Size Ankle Pants in BlackJack; Sonoma Goods for Life Travel Jogger Pants in Black; Old Navy Mid-Rise Tapered-Leg Jogger Pants for Women in BlackJack
Old Navy (2); Kohl's

1. Swap black tailored pants for black joggers and cargos

You'll get the same goes-with-anything practicality, a body-friendly elastic waistband and a little fashion bump to your style. Don't let the names throw you — sometimes they're called joggers, cargos, utility or some hybrid label. Just choose styles — like the Old Navy Mid-Rise Tapered-Leg Jogger Pants for Women in BlackJack ($22, oldnavy.gap.com), Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Utility Plus-Size Ankle Pants in BlackJack ($43, oldnavy.gap.com) or Sonoma Goods For Life Travel Jogger Pants ($40, kohls.com) — with tapered legs, slimming diagonal on-seam pockets and a neat, flat fit at the belly and derriere. Wear them with polished toppings like a tailored blazer or a V-neck sweater and laid-back footwear like loafers or sneakers.

Athleta Studio Flare Pant Gaiam Zen Bootcut Yoga Pants Old Navy High Waisted Slim Boot Cut Yoga Pants for Women
(Left to right) Athleta Studio Flare Pant; Gaiam Zen Bootcut Yoga Pants; Old Navy High-Waisted Slim Boot-Cut Yoga Pants for Women
Athleta; Kohl's; Old Navy

2. Trade leggings for flared yoga pants

They offer the same comfort and light compression but don't look like you're wearing tights. Styles such as the Athleta Studio Flare Pant ($89, athleta.gap.com), Gaiam Zen Bootcut Yoga Pants ($50, kohls.com) or Old Navy High-Waisted Slim Boot-Cut Yoga Pants for Women ($25, oldnavy.gap.com) fit smooth and firm across the belly and thighs before gracefully flaring to a bootcut bottom. The flare makes tucking booties or high-top sneakers beneath the hem easy (and you know we can't do that with leggings!). For the most flattering look, pair body-hugging stretch pants with longer tops that have a slouchy or relaxed shape.

Stars Above Womens Tortoise Print Beautifully Soft Fleece Lounge Tunic Sweatshirt H and M Collared Sweatshirt Gap Fit Mock neck Jacquard Pullover Sweatshirt in Marled Black
(Left to right) Stars Above Women’s Tortoise Print Beautifully Soft Fleece Lounge Tunic Sweatshirt; H&M Collared Sweatshirt; GapFit Mockneck Jacquard Pullover Sweatshirt in Marled Black
Target; H&M; Gap

3. Choose sweatshirts that look like sweaters

We love 24/7 coziness, but no need to ditch the fleece for work or evenings out. While classic crews and hoodies are great (see tip No. 4), sweatshirts with a fashion twist — like the GapFit Mockneck Jacquard Pullover Sweatshirt in Marled Black ($80, gap.com), Stars Above Women's Tortoise Print Beautifully Soft Fleece Lounge Tunic Sweatshirt ($25, target.com) or H&M Collared Sweatshirt ($30, hm.com/en_us) — offer dressier options. Details like scallop trim and ruffles, animal prints, longer tunic lengths, standout collars and mock or funnel necks turn sporty fabric dressier. Simply add one of these to any tailored pant or skirt for instant attitude.

Health & Wellness

AARP® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company

Dental insurance plans for members and their families

View Details
See All Benefits
See more Health & Wellness offers >
Gap Tweed Pullover Hoodie in Heather Grey Universal Thread Womens Lightweight Zip Up Hoodie Ava and Viv Womens Plus Size Leisure Hooded Sweatshirt Athletic Works Womens Dri More Core Active Full Zip Hoodie
(Left to right) Gap Tweed Pullover Hoodie in Heather Grey; Universal Thread Women’s Lightweight Zip-Up Hoodie; Ava & Viv Women’s Plus Size Leisure Hooded Sweatshirt; Athletic Works Women’s Dri More Core Active Full Zip Hoodie
Gap; Target (2); Walmart

4. Wear a hoodie with regular clothes

The sporty hooded sweatshirt has become a fashion item that's equally attractive over a dress, jeans or pajama bottoms. But choosing the right fabric, fit and proportion is the secret to pulling it off. Fitted zip-front hoodies in thinner fabrics — like the Universal Thread Women's Lightweight Zip-Up Hoodie ($15, target.com) or Athletic Works Women's Dri More Core Active Full Zip Hoodie ($15, walmart.com) — layer more easily under any blazer or leather moto jacket; the visible hood is what makes style points. A fitted hoodie is also a good partner for bottoms with volume, such as pleated or A-line midi skirts or wide-leg pants. Roomier pullover hoodies — like the Ava & Viv Women's Plus Size Leisure Hooded Sweatshirt ($28, target.com) or Gap Tweed Pullover Hoodie in Heather Grey ($60, gap.com) — work better with narrow tailored ankle pants or fitted jeans.

Gap Fleece Crewneck T Shirt Dress Uniqlo Women Sweat Hoodie Long Sleeve Dress Burton Oak Hoodie Dress
(Left to right) Gap Fleece-Crewneck T-Shirt Dress; Uniqlo Women Sweat Hoodie Long-Sleeve Dress; Burton Oak Hoodie Dress
Gap; Uniqlo; Zappos

5. Sport an athleisure dress

Yes, these do exist! Not everyone's a pant person (or at least not all the time). Some of us are looking for a comfy solution that pairs with opaque tights and booties for work or Uggs at home. Sweatshirt dresses — like the Burton Oak Hoodie Dress ($90, zappos.com), Uniqlo Women Sweat Hoodie Long-Sleeve Dress ($30, uniqlo.com) or Gap Fleece Crewneck T-Shirt Dress ($60, gap.com) — are an alternative to sweatpants. You can even wear them over your old black cotton leggings or skinny jeans for extra warmth.

Old Navy Breathe ON Long Sleeve Performance Top for Women and All in Motion Womens Long Sleeve Essential T Shirt
Old Navy Breathe ON Long-Sleeve Performance Top for Women (left) and All in Motion Women’s Long Sleeve Essential T-Shirt
Old Navy; Target

6. Try long-sleeve workout tops

Nothing wrong with classic cotton ones, but tops designed for yoga, Pilates, barre, dance and running — like the Old Navy Breathe ON Long-Sleeve Performance Top for Women ($25, oldnavy.gap.com) or the All in Motion Women's Long Sleeve Essential T-Shirt ($14, target.com) and All In Motion Women's Plus-Size Long Sleeve Essential T-Shirt ($14, target.com) — make smart updates. The stretchy fabrics, longer hems and refined body-skimming fit are flattering to mature bodies (just add a sports bra beneath for extra lift). The thumbholes you may see in some tops gives arms an elegant, extended line. And as a bonus: count on the high-tech moisture-wicking fabrics to come in handy when winter indoor heating kicks in.

A New Day Womens Bibi Sneakers S Sport by Skechers Kendal Slip On Performance Athletic Shoes; H and M Fully Fashioned Sneakers
(Clockwise from top left) A New Day Women’s Bibi Sneakers; S Sport by Skechers Kendal Slip-On Performance Athletic Shoes; H&M Fully-Fashioned Sneakers
Target (2); H&M

7. Opt for sneakers with souped-up soles

Sneakers really kicked off the whole athleisure trend. We love the way they coddle our feet (and bunions) and make us feel energetic and cool. Whether you opt for lightweight mesh with chunky soles like the H&M Fully-Fashioned Sneakers ($30, hm.com/en_us), faux leather croc like the A New Day Women's Bibi Sneakers ($30, target.com) or a sculpted slip-on like the S Sport by Skechers Kendal Slip-On Performance Athletic Shoes ($40, target.com), you can't go wrong with a pair in black since they're as versatile as any basic black flat, heel or bootie. If sneakers are a daily “do,” have multiple pairs for different occasions. You can't wear the same sneakers for a weekend hike and expect them to look great with a dress or pantsuit.

A woman kneeling down near lake
LWA/Stone/Getty Images

8. Mix don't match

Remember those matching Juicy Couture sweatsuits that once were the rage? This is not the same thing. The only way to make activewear really work (outside the gym) if you're 50-plus is to pair selective sporty pieces in sophisticated neutral colors (not neons or pastels) with your regular clothes. Any silk blouse, blazer, leather jacket or sweater gets a boost from cargos, yoga pants or joggers. Any dress, pant or skirt gets a refresh from a hoodie or sweatshirt. A sweatshirt dress can reboot your boots and booties, as well as hobo and cross body bags. Or just add sneakers and a performance tee to a pantsuit.

Last word: Know that athleisure is not going to work for every situation. For a dressy dinner out, festive occasion, conducting serious business or any time you want to look really polished and pulled together, forget about it. But you knew that, right?

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?

AARP Value & Member Benefits

  • chicken parmesan lasagna fettucine alfredo caeser salad bread wine
    MEMBERS ONLY
    Restaurants

    Carrabba's Italian Grill®

    10% off dine-in or curbside carryout orders placed by phone

    Learn More
    See more Restaurants offers >
  • woman smiling handing man credit card at hotel check in, other man sitting in background
    MEMBERS ONLY
    Travel

    AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Hotels & Resorts

    Up to 10% off select hotels

    Learn More
    See more Travel offers >
  • man sitting on couch looking at woman sitting on floor in living room during day time
    MEMBERS ONLY
    Home & Real Estate

    ADT™ Home Security

    Savings on monthly home security monitoring

    Learn More
    See more Home & Real Estate offers >
  • couple on couch looking at tablet
    Health & Wellness

    AARP® Staying Sharp®

    Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

    Learn More
    See more Health & Wellness offers >