I’m back with my second spring capsule guide! This time we are diving into sporty chic style. For all you girlies who prefer a laid back, casual cool vibe, this one’s for you. As with all my spring capsule guides I’ll be releasing, I’m including a mini capsule wardrobe, outfit ideas, inspirational images from Pinterest, trends to consider, and stores to shop.
What is sporty chic style?
I think of sporty chic as the elegant sister to athleisure. It uses the same pieces (leggings, sweats, sneakers) and adds refinement through accessories and styling. Putting together a sporty chic look takes a little thought and planning. You can’t just throw on leggings and a tee. It’s the way you style those pieces and the accessories you add that really make it stylish.
If it suits you, I think sporty chic is a nice option for those early stages of motherhood or for stay-at-home moms. As a mother myself, I recognize the need for soft, comfortable clothes that are fuss-free and easy to wear. You have to be able to get on the ground with your kids or run around with them at the playground. If you want to look more put together but still need functional and comfortable clothes, sporty chic might be for you!
To really nail a sporty chic vibe, you need to style your look. Here are a few options:
Try adding a sweater over shoulders for texture and a preppy vibe.
Add elegant accessories like chunky hoop earrings, cat eye sunglasses, and a structured bag. All these pieces add refinement and polish to a sporty outfit.
For a more modern and updated look, always wear socks with your sneakers and avoid showing any bare ankles. A crew sock like this is the way to go.
Combine casual and elegant in the same look. A trench coat works well for this. Throw it over a matching sweat set and you’ll instantly look more chic.
Balance your proportions by pairing looser pieces with tighter pieces. This is especially relevant when styling leggings. An oversized hoodie or jacket does the trick, but you can also tie a sweater around your waist as an accessory.
Spring Capsule Guide: Sporty Chic Style
Ten Piece Sporty Chic Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Cream Tee // A neutral tee in a relaxed fit will form the base of many of your sporty chic outfits. Any color works, but I picked cream for this capsule because it goes so well with gray and chocolate brown. When shopping for a tee, I recommend sizing up at least one for a looser fit. I also own this linen blend tee which works well for warmer temperatures.
Oversized Hoodie // You can’t get any cozier than an oversized hoodie. This one from Aritzia gets great reviews, but if you’re on a tight budget, H&M always has good hoodie options. Pair it with matching sweatpants, jeans, or leggings, and add some chic accessories to elevate the look.
Cotton Sweater // Spring is the time I usually switch out my wool sweaters for cotton for breathability. A gray cotton sweater is peak spring capsule wardrobe. It goes with everything! Wear it on it’s own, layer it over a tee, throw it over your shoulders as a scarf, or tie it around your waist. So many options!
Trench Coat // I know a trench coat may not seem ‘sporty’ per se, but it really adds refinement to a more casual wardrobe. Wear it with a matching sweat set, with jeans and a sweater, or over leggings.
Bomber Jacket // Having a few casual jackets to throw over your looks for spring is a must for the casual girlie. There are so many options from denim, leather, or suede, but I think a bomber jacket really embodies that sporty vibe. Here is an affordable alternative.
Sweatpants // Sweatpants can read ‘I just got out of bed’ so make sure you ‘style the look’ as they say. Add structure with a sleek bag or chunky earrings for polish. My favorite way to style sweatpants is with a matching hoodie or sweatshirt and trench coat over top.
Leggings // If you’re been here long, you know my stance on leggings. For me, they are just not comfortable (I hate having anything that tight around my legs!) However, I know many of you love the ease of movement a legging provides especially for someone who is active during the day. For this capsule, I chose a legging in a luscious chocolate brown. I recommend styling them with crew socks to make them look more modern.
Light Wash Jeans // Light wash jeans definitely read more casual and spring than darker washes. You should pick a style you prefer – either baggy, straight, slim, or even barrel leg in a rise that suits your body type.
Colorful Sneakers // A sneaker with some color will add a little playfulness to your casual looks. A classic New Balance never goes out of style and are so comfortable with good cushioning.
Low Profile Sneaker // A sleek and minimal low profile sneaker is casual chic at it’s best. I always recommend a classic Samba.
Shop The Capsule
Sporty Chic Accessories For Spring
Some of these accessories are not necessarily ‘sporty’ but that’s the point. You want to balance your casual outfit with more refined pieces to make the overall look more polished. Chunky hoop earrings in gold or silver, a sleek shoulder bag, and chic sunglasses will go miles for elevating your sporty look. It may seem odd to pair these pieces at first, but trust me, it looks good!
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Sporty Chic Spring Capsule Wardrobe Outfits
Pinterest Outfit Inspiration
Below I’ve created some collages with images from Pinterest that are ‘sporty chic.’ Some common elements you’ll see in this photos: relaxed fit jeans, baseball caps, shoulder bags, slouchy sweaters, oversized jackets and blazers, and oval sunglasses.
Trends To Consider
Below you’ll find four trends that align with the sporty chic style. Take what speaks to you and leave the rest. If you only like it cause it’s trendy then I recommend skipping it.
Rugby Shirts // One trend that is particularly sporty are rugby shirts (there is a sport in the name!) These have a collar (typically white) with bold stripes. I like how they look mostly with a relaxed fit jean and a refined shoe like a ballet or slingback flat. You could even wear it under a blazer.
Track Pants // These are the trousers for the sporty girl. Track pants come in different materials but they all have stripes along the sides. You’ll typically want these to be full length as opposed to cropped. A few of the options above come in different inseam lengths for those of you who are petite or tall. My favorite is probably the pair from Reformation.
Trendy Leggings // If you love to wear leggings, why not try a new style. There have been so many alternatives to the classic shape that have hit the market in the last few years, from split hem to kick flares to stirrup styles. It might be fun to mix it up.
Boxer Shorts // Boxer shorts came on the scene in a huge way last year, and they are still going strong. They are everywhere! I saw a pair from Miu Miu for $1500 (dm for the link, lol.) I was a bit flummoxed by them at first. Like, why are we wearing our pajamas out right now? However, they have grown on me! It’s really all about the styling. For spring, my favorite way to style them is with a cotton sweater with socks and flats. When the weather warms up, I could see these with a cropped linen tank and sandals.
Stores To Shop For Sporty Chic Style
Vuori // For activewear styles that are nice enough wear beyond your workout, check out Vuori. They carry athleisure and activewear styles in modern cuts and quality fabrics.
Kule // If you’re sporty chic style falls more towards the preppy side, you may consider Kule. Their bestsellers include their striped tees and sweaters, but they carry so many casual goodies.
Free People Movement // This brand has sporty styles that read a little feminine and boho. In addition to activewear, they also sell cool jackets and oversized sweatshirts.
Aritzia // You may not think of Aritzia as a sporty brand, but they actually have really deep activewear and athleisure collections. Their designs definitely feel more minimalist and clean. If I were shopping for high quality sportswear, this is wear I would shop.
I hope you found this sporty chic capsule wardrobe guide helpful. Check back next week for my third capsule wardrobe guide specific for Parisian Chic style!
Read More:
Casual Chic Outfits – No Jeans!
Spring Capsule Guide: Minimal Style
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