The Athleisure Trend

The school year has just started, but some of us are already being slammed with papers, exams, and projects. You might feel a little overwhelmed, and putting together a standout outfit for class is probably the last thing on your mind. This is where the athleisure trend comes in — it’s a comfy look you can rock straight from class to the gym.

Athleisure has become such a huge trend because people are buying activewear to wear as casual clothes. This trend began in 2014 and the popularity of athletic clothes has since spiked, significantly increasing sales of brands like Nike and Adidas, while inspiring celebrity activewear lines like Beyoncé’s Ivy Park for Topshop and Rihanna’s line for Puma.

Sharing in the popularity of athleisure, sneaker trends have been on the rise for the past few seasons. Last season’s “it” shoe was a white low-top — specifically Adidas’ Stan Smith sneaker.

These shoes brought comfort back into a world where heeled booties are the norm (“Thank you!” scream the feet of college students everywhere). This trend inspired Nike to create a premium line featuring their popular Roshe Two design in suede and leather.

The ever-popular black and white Roshes are trendy due to their neutral tones and versatility. This trend has rocked the street style world because people want to be confident and comfy. This sneaker has blurred the lines between an everyday outfit and an outfit for the gym. You can pair them with a bold pattern or mesh high-rise yoga leggings with a sports bra top under a bomber jacket.

Another option is simply incorporating

the sneaker trend into an outfit that could have been worn with booties or mules a few seasons ago. Low tops, Roshes, or even the ever-sought after Yeezys by Kanye West can be worn with a pair of distressed jeans or leggings, a leather jacket, and a graphic tee.

This trend allows for absolute comfort and ease, but if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of looking ready to work out when you’re going to class or heading to brunch, accessorize your outfit with a leather jacket and a pair of sunnies to finish off the look. Athleisure has been with us for a few seasons now, and because so many people are putting an emphasis on healthy lifestyles, it looks like it may be here to stay.