Shopping: Bethanie Lunn

Churchill Square’s Style Ambassador explains how to wear Athleisure

The trend leading the fashion pack since the start of the New Year is Athleisure, but what is it? It looks like fitness gear designed for athletic workouts but you wear it as everyday outerwear. Be it out for drinks, on a date or for the school run, performance wear as everyday wear is fast becoming the next big thing for all ages.
Churchill Square has a great range of fitness stores for clothing and footwear including JD Sports, Footlocker and Office plus High Street stores offering their trend lead versions for a more everyday appeal. Debenhams, Topshop, Next and River Island are definitely leading the pack on this.

The Look
The key to this look is choosing well-cut pieces in quality fabrics and combining styles. Think athletic leggings worn with cashmere sweaters and long coats and sneakers, or for a more youthful look – a cropped t-shirt and sliders.

How to wear
1. Mix it up
Choose workout gear made of performance fabric, so it’s not see-through or clinging to all the wrong places. Thin, cheap leggings simply won’t work for this look!
2. Accessorise well
Stay with the same appeal – anything with a sporty edge. Mirrored sunglasses, a bowling bag, cross-body satchel or edgy jewellery with substance, i.e. nothing too delicate or pretty, all work well.
3. Don’t overdo it
Opt for neutral key pieces in either grey, black, cream or white and then add bold colours and prints with one or two statement pieces. Think grey tech trousers with a cream cashmere zip up sweat and colour pop vest or a geo print outfit worn with neutral trainers. Just don’t go head-to-toe crazy vibrant.

Bethanie Lunn is Churchill Square’s Style Ambassador – blogging regularly at www.churchillsquare.com, hosting events and now offering Personal Shopping services. Check out the website to view all the budget-friendly packages, starting at just £20.