Practical, sporty and flattering styles that fit seamlessly into a busy day
Whether you’re heading to the gym, meeting friends for coffee or stocking up on the weekly essentials, comfortable workout clothes are key. But when you spend a lot of time in activewear, it’s easy to look, well… a little too sporty.
Until recently, when I appointed a stylist to help strip back my wardrobe, I was most certainly guilty of this.
I’m a mum of two. I’m a gym bunny, and I’m a journalist. But at first glance, you’d probably think I live in the gym. I don’t. Training takes up around an hour of my day, yet somehow my wardrobe suggests otherwise.
And with September bringing the return of school runs, meetings, workouts and coffee dates, I’ve been on the hunt for clothes that can keep up with all of it – without requiring three outfit changes before lunchtime.
So, this season, I’m making my activewear a little more versatile and wearing pieces that take me from the school gate to the gym, on to meetings, and then out for coffee with friends – maybe into the supermarket too. Oh, the glamour!
With all that running around, comfort is non-negotiable, but I also want to feel put-together – rather than looking like I’ve just walked out of a PE lesson.
From flattering leggings and throw-on jackets to trainers, bags and those clever layering pieces that instantly pull an outfit together, here’s what’s making it into my September wardrobe – plus a few new autumn essentials I’ll be wearing well beyond the school gates.
Vionic Colbie trainer
I don’t know about you, but I can easily clock up more than 20,000 steps on some days, so supportive trainers are a must. That’s why I love the Vionic Colbie trainer. Lightweight but packed with comfort features, including arch support, shock-absorbing cushioning and a deep heel cup for added stability, they’re designed to keep your feet supported through busy days. Better still, they look just as good under wide-leg joggers as they do with gym leggings – perfect for taking you from the school run to the gym and everywhere in between.
£130; vionicshoes.co.uk
WearTwo Wide Leg Jump Set
Sometimes you just want to be matchy-matchy, and the WearTwo Wide Leg Jump Set makes this more than possible – yet keeps the look sporty and ‘put-together’.
The trousers are wide enough to pop over a pair of fitted shorts for when you do eventually get to the gym – and I love the tie waist that literally nips you in to your heart’s desire, making them super flattering and comfy.
£198; weartwo.co.uk
Stanley wearable water bottle
The weather may be turning, but it’s still vital to keep your water intake up. Think glowy skin, performance and satiety – and this Stanley wearable water bottle is ideal for keeping your H2O really close. No excuses for not reaching your daily water goal. Available in three colours, the design sits nicely on your shoulder and adds a unique twist to hydration and styling.
£75; uk.stanley1913.com
TLC Sport black leggings
You can’t go wrong with a well-fitted pair of black leggings, especially when they hug you in all the right places and have side pockets to store your essentials, too. These extra-strong compression leggings from TLC Sport offer plenty of support while still feeling super comfy. Timeless and easy to style, they’ll take you from the school run to the gym, then on to coffee or a meeting – with no wrinkling at the knees.
£54; tlcsport.co.uk
Gold Trip Moons & Stars Huggie Hoops
A little demi-fine jewellery is a great way to jazz up an outfit, and these playful Moons & Stars Huggie Hoops do just that. Crafted from hallmarked 925 sterling silver and plated in 18ct gold, they’re stylish enough to elevate your everyday activewear, yet minimal and affordable enough that you won’t feel precious about wearing them to the gym, either.
£42; goldtrip.co
M&S Side Stripe Straight Leg Joggers
Wide-leg joggers are not only super comfy and flattering, but they’re surprisingly versatile too. This gorgeous red pair will certainly stand out at the school gates, while the side stripe gives them a sporty edge. Throw them on with a white T-shirt and trainers for an easy everyday look, or add a denim jacket and a great bag when you want to dress them up a little.
£36; marksandspencer.com
Fabletics Everyday Tote
Laptop? Check. Make-up bag? Check. Protein bar? Check. This roomy tote has a pocket for pretty much everything, including a dedicated laptop compartment, zipped external pockets for the essentials you need close at hand and a detachable circle bag for those smaller bits and bobs. Best of all, it holds an impressive amount without looking overloaded or bulky, making it the perfect companion for busy days on the go. Mary Poppins, eat your heart out.
£84; fabletics.co.uk
Adidas Originals Women’s Satin Polka Dot Track Top
Polka dots are all the rage – and this Adidas track top screams, cool mum. Sporty, stylish and just a little bit playful, its satin finish and statement print make it an easy way to elevate your everyday wardrobe. Better still, it goes with literally everything: think leggings, wide-leg joggers and trainers for casual days, or shorts and jeans when you want to dress it up a little. Think classic Adidas sportswear, but with enough fashion credentials to take you well beyond the gym.
£65; footasylum.com
Under Armour Vanish Socks
There’s nothing worse than running around first thing in the morning looking for a pair of matching socks. Under Armour makes life that little bit easier with these Vanish socks, which don’t just look good, but work hard too. They’re sweat-wicking, cushioned throughout the foot for extra comfort and protection, and have a built-in arch support band to help keep them securely in place.
£16; underarmour.co.uk
Nike Mind 001
Designed purely to be worn before and after training – rather than during exercise – these stylish Nike mules are all about comfort. With sleek lines that, especially in the white colourway, look effortlessly cool, they’re basically like walking around in slippers.
That cloud-like feel comes courtesy of 22 independent foam nodes underfoot, which move like tiny pistons as you walk. The result? It feels like you’re walking on air – perfect for slipping on after the gym, or when you’re rushing out of the front door and want guaranteed comfort without sacrificing style.
As Nike puts it, the Mind 001 is a new sensory-footwear concept designed to “help reawaken the foot, the body and the mind”. Add in the easy-on, easy-off mule design and they’re pretty much made for busy days when you want to slip something on and go.
£79.99; nike.com
