New York Fashion Week will be all I talk about for the next month. Brace yourselves.
Especially this year, as active wear and fitness-inspired collections are up front and center. Fitness fashion has been in the market for years now (case in point: Lululemon), but never before has it walked the catwalks of NYFW. Athleta will be the first fitness brand to throw it down on the runway. The world of fashion has finally addressed the growing trend of street-styled athletic wear, and the snowballing acceptance of yoga pants being an acceptable form of clothing in nearly every setting.
You can now stop considering me crazy for believing that there is a special importance in looking stylish when you work out. It’s motivating, and builds confidence in all of us to hit our workouts with our best (and most fashionable!) foot forward. Additionally, it speaks to the heart of the reason behind my blog, and my passion for sharing functional fashion in my favorite element: crushing workouts.
If you still don’t believe me, I’ll even show you the numbers (in true economist nerd-alert fashion):
Under Armor’s shares have surged 25 percent, and overall active wear sales have surged 9 percent. It is abundantly clear that consumers have made their statement regarding the athletic side of the apparel industry. Take it from Bloomberg. Whether you’re a lover or a hater, fitness fashion has been thrust into the hot seat, and is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Let’s break down the top trends that will be seen gracing the catwalks, and list out trends you can search for in your local active wear stores:
Patterns
Given the media attention of some popular prints, it goes without saying that unique and avant-garde patterns are the must have of the year.
…and OMG can we talk about Chanel’s 2014 line of sneakers? Patterns and textures galore #IDIE
Bright & Bold Colors
Neon has been on trend for a while, and there’s no doubt why. I personally feel more energized to tackle a tough workout if I am in bright colors. You can probably see my neon pink Wunder Unders and Lululemon Backpack from space. #sorrynotsorry
Studio to Street Approved Layers/Outerwear
Given the current trend of transitioning active wear into your daily street wear, it comes as no surprise that layers and outerwear play a large part in bridging the gap between the studio and your life on the town. Current popular cuts, styles, and colors of jackets and cover-ups can be found in tech fabric, and used with your workout getup or even be thrown into the mix with your regular clothing (hello, Lululemon scarves and Michi bras and leggings!). Below is some of my fave stylings from Michi and Lululemon’s “Lab” campaign complete with tech fabric dresses and tights that transition from your mat to brunch. I have been wearing Lululemon Lab pieces since the Lab opened in Vancouver, and I must say, I am so glad some inspired pieces are making their way into the mainstream market, finally!
I’ll leave you with this, a little peek into Athleta’s fashion campaign that will go down on the catwalk in September:
