I believe fashion and style are more than what clothes you have on. It’s essentially an extension of your personality. A reflection of the mood you’re in. This is something I have observed over the years. I was always an ultra-feminine girly girl. But the pandemic gave me a whole new perspective. As it did for a lot of people. I discovered the power of the sneakers and the hidden gem that is an oversized sweatshirt. 

My heels gradually moved to the back of my closet and there came a time when I couldn’t remember how I walked in them without going ‘ouch’ with every step. Now, when I go shopping I go straight into the men’s department. My style has become more tomboy-chic, partly thanks to my sons. By now they’re used to me raiding their closets for a sweatshirt or hoodie. I am here for that oversized look. But then again, some underlying aspects of my femininity do seep through and I believe that’s what ties the whole look and vibe together. 

If I compare some of my earlier looks to how I dress now, I can see a clear evolution. I am more confident and comfortable in my own skin. To me, that is style. I am not cutting off my blood circulation trying to squeeze myself into Spanx and corsets. In fact, I don’t even own a pair of Spanx anymore. I think I made a (figurative) bonfire. But there was a time I would buy these tight-fitting clothes and try and cram myself into them. I am never doing that anymore. The only clothes I wear now are the ones I feel good in. Now, it’s comfort over everything else, because when you’re comfortable you just effortlessly ooze sexy. It doesn’t matter if you’re covered from head to toe, if you’re happy and at ease, it’s all that matters and it shows. 

The athleisure brand I am launching soon will do a lot of unisex, gender-neutral everyday active wear. It’s about expressing yourself through your outfits. It’s time we start prioritizing functionality over everything else. We often underestimate the sexy quotient of an oversized sweatshirt. It’s more than a trend, it’s about comfort. This is why athleisure glam is here to stay, and it’s no longer reserved only for ‘gym days’. 

And while you jump on the bandwagon, here is how you can style athleisure wear for every occasion. 

The classic airport look 

Over the years, we’ve seen that the airport is more or less a runway. Airport fashion, too, has come a long, long way. We’re past the phase where everyone would deck up to the 'T' in heels and makeup just to catch a flight. It’s gone from skirts and dresses (because who is comfortable in that?) to what I consider my forever favourite style- athleisure glam. 

The ideal airport outfit is one that is as functional as it is stylish. What better way to fit that criterion than athleisure that’s been amped up with the right accessories? Think sweatpants and a crop or a printed and colourful co-ord set. Pair the outfit with some chic sneakers and some minimalistic accessories and there you have it—an airport outfit that will make you feel as good as it looks. 

The effortless switch from brunch to the bar  

A lot of people make the mistake of relegating their athleisure wear to their gym closets. Of course, that’s its primary purpose, but we’re a generation of multitaskers. We need all our products and outfits to do more than their main function. And that goes for athleisure as well. Sure, it’ll give you the coveted off-duty look, but when you have to glam it up for the night, all you have to keep in mind is to accessorise your outfit the right way, and the right jacket will make all the difference. 

Nothing says a day-to-night outfit like ankle-heeled boots or high tops. When it comes to the outfit, I usually mix and match. Maybe a bralette with a hoodie on top and a pair of distressed jeans. Sometimes I just do away with the sweatshirt and put on a denim jacket with a printed crop inside. I accessorize with my trusted hoops and maybe a sort of leather wrap bracelet. It’s an effortless look that goes from brunch to the bar in 0.3 seconds. 

The casual-glam night-out look 

If you’re wondering what to wear for a night out in the town, do what I do most of the time—opt for a casual glam look. An oversized sweatshirt with dressy shorts paired with some sneakers and a statement lip colour. You can also wear a printed crop top with joggers. What I often do is make a slash at the shoulder to make it fall off the shoulder. Although, I would not recommend doing this without expert supervision (a stylist or even your local tailor). You don’t want to ruin a perfectly good top, do you? 

You can pair this look with some booties or caged shoes and throw in some bracelets to add a nice grungy vibe. Who said only an LBD or a mini skirt is appropriate night-out wear? Here comes athleisure for the win! 

The boss lady look 

When you go to office, you’re sitting in a chair all day long and eating at all odd hours. The last thing you want for those 8-12 hours is to be wearing something that feels like it’s cutting off your breathing. But at the same time, you want to be dressed impeccably. What I would choose are pair of tracks with a shirt (not tucked in, just left out or maybe a French tuck). Even a sweatshirt with boyfriend (or mom) jeans and ankle-length boots with make you look effortlessly dressy. If you’re looking at non-denim options, chinos are always a great alternative. 

On the days you need to be dressier than usual, switch out your sneakers or high-tops for a pair of pumps. I wouldn’t advise working in heels, because the whole idea is to be stylish yet comfortable (heels is only one of those things) but nevertheless, it’s a great look. Wouldn’t you agree? You could also accessorize with a fanny bag and some earrings. Another brilliant way of styling athleisure to give it a boss babe vibe is to put on a cropped T-shirt, and straight pants and throw on a casual blazer over it. That’s it, you’re dressed to impress. 

The formal-chic look 

More often than not, when I’ve to attend a formal dinner and the look needed is dressy but not OTT dressy, I go the athleisure-glam route. A cropped tee that shows a little midriff, a pair of tracks or trousers and an oversized jacket. People often underestimate the style power of an oversized jacket. It not only ties the whole look together but it’s one of the few pieces of clothing you can’t go wrong with. This is a very clever, very sexy lazy girl hack! 

Lead image photographed by: Zhang Minhua 
Lead image styled by: Samar Rajput