Workout wear is not simply the domain of exercise brands any longer. From high-end designers such as Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant to high street brands such as Cotton On and Sportsgirl, everyone is active in the luxe sports gear arena.


Net-a-porter.com buying manager Ben Matthews said it began when designers sent models down the runway in sneakers.


“Adidas by Stella McCartney really was the pioneer for this, ” he says. “Women around the world are becoming more and more active and so sportswear has naturally evolved because of how we are living — it has become an essential part of our wardrobes.”

“Women are investing in these pieces for both workouts and play, ” he says. “After all, everyone wants to be able to save time and go about their day in pieces that are both stylish and functional.”

Mr Matthews notes a surge in demand for surf, golf and equestrian products at Net-a-porter.com, which recently picked up new brands Duskii, Cynthia Rowley, The Upside and Ward Whillas.

“There are different fitness tribes, ” he says. “For example there’s the customer that only wants to wear black and dark tones but there’s also the person who wants to add colour and vibrancy to her workout wardrobe.”

Desmond Eddy, stylist at Carillon City, says the look perfectly balances style and comfort.

“Tights, joggers, logo jackets, sun visors, action-back singlets are now as common at fashion events as they are at local fitness centres, ” he says. “However the fashion police are watching and they are not going to let you rock up in just any old pair of sweats!”

Claremont Quarter personal stylist Andrea Tonkin says the crop top has come of age.

“Designers have now developed these incredible back features and hidden support, ” she says.

“As far as leggings go, digital prints are in — think palm trees and leopard prints.”

Ms Tonkin says open-back hoodies are a trans-seasonal must-have and exercise sneakers now do double time as everyday wear.

 

Bodyism I Am Heavenly Lily. Picture: net-a-porter.com/au


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Shop it for less

If you don’t have the cash to splash on designer brands, the stylists say there’s always a high-street alternative offering sporty luxe for less.

Sportsgirl, Lorna Jane, Cotton On and Target are good for steals, according to Ms Tonkin.

“I also love local designer Shae Bolton at Once Upon a Run, because her pieces go from the sporting track to the coffee shop and Empire Rose do a range of sweats that work really well for both street and sports luxe, ” she says.

Mr Eddy loves yoga pants with a faux fur vest, running shoes from Hype DC paired with trousers or flippy skirts and Topshop’s new line.

“Topshop have released a line of sport luxe-influenced pieces proving the High Street is well and truly backing this trend, ” he says. “Topshop teamed up with Adidas to present an affordable 20-piece collection of urban clothing and footwear ranging from $40-$150.”

“Look for good-quality fabrics and mix high street with high fashion if you can, ” he says. “A piece of designer here and there will really take this look to the next level.”

 

© The West Australian