Must-Have Pieces for Your Athleisure Wardrobe

Building a great athleisure collection starts with smart basics that mix and match effortlessly. Here's what you need to create those Instagram-worthy athleisure looks without breaking the bank.

Cute Tops for Comfy Days 

Mock Neck Sweatshirts: These are perfect for looking polished while staying cozy. A good mock neck sweatshirt elevates any athleisure outfit instantly. Pair it with your favorite leggings for a look that works for everything from study sessions to casual dinner dates.

Oversized Crews: Nothing says comfortable confidence like a perfectly oversized crew. These work beautifully with fitted bottoms and give you that relaxed, off-duty model vibe. Choose neutral colors like cream, gray, or soft pink for maximum versatility.

Supportive Sports Bras and Tank Tops: A supportive sports bra can be easily paired with different sweatshorts, sweatpants, leggings, or athletic shorts for a cute athleisure fit. 

Bottoms That Flatter Every Body Type

Leggings/Yoga Pants: They're universally flattering and go with literally everything. When shopping for your favorite leggings, look for high-performance fabrics that won't show every little bump or line.

Joggers:  Joggers give you that relaxed, sporty look while still appearing intentional. They're perfect for those days when you want comfort but still need to look presentable for errands or casual outings.

Athletic Shorts and Sweat Shorts: For warmer weather, athletic shorts and sweat shorts are your go-to options. Athletic shorts work great for actual workouts, while sweat shorts are perfect for lounging or quick trips around town.

Athletic Skirts: Don't sleep on athletic skirts! They add a feminine touch to your athleisure look while still being practical for physical activity. Perfect for tennis, golf, or just when you want to feel a little more dressed up.

Matching Sets

Matching sets are like the little black dress of athleisure wear. They take all the guesswork out of getting dressed and always look intentional. Plus, you can break them up and mix with other pieces in your wardrobe for even more outfit options.

5 Cute Athleisure Outfit Ideas You'll Actually Want to Wear

Ready to put these pieces to work? Here are some tried-and-true athleisure outfit combinations that look great and feel even better.

1. The Elevated Casual Look

• Mock neck sweatshirt in a neutral tone

• Black leggings with a flattering fit

• Clean white sneakers

• Belt bag for hands-free convenience

This athleisure outfit works for everything from grocery shopping to meeting friends for brunch. The mock neck adds sophistication while keeping you comfortable all day long.

2. Cozy Weekend Vibes

• Oversized crew in your favorite color

• Soft joggers or yoga pants

• Chunky sneakers

• Minimal jewelry

Perfect for those lazy Saturday mornings that turn into impromptu adventures. This athleisure look says "I'm put-together but not trying too hard."

3. The Perfect Matching Set

• Coordinated top and bottom set

• Supportive sports bra (if needed)

• Your go-to sneakers

• Simple accessories like sunglasses or a hat

This is your foolproof outfit idea for busy mornings. Grab a matching set, add shoes, and you're ready for whatever the day throws at you.

4. Summer Active Look

• Athletic skirt or bike shorts

• Supportive sports bra or crop top

• Lightweight tank top for layering

• Athletic shoes designed for movement

Great for outdoor workouts, running errands in warm weather, or any casual outing where you want to feel feminine and functional.

5. Warm Weather Comfort

• Sweat shorts in a flattering length

• Soft crop top or white tee

• Comfortable sneakers

• Fun accessories like colorful hair ties/clips or a cute water bottle

This athleisure style is perfect for those hot summer days when you still want to look cute while staying cool.

Styling Tips: Making Athleisure Work for Every Occasion

The beauty of athleisure pieces lies in their versatility. Here's how to style each type of piece to get the most out of your wardrobe.

Making Mock Necks Work Harder

Mock neck sweatshirts aren't just for the gym. Pair with athletic skirts for a sporty-chic vibe. The key is balancing the relaxed top with more fitted bottoms.

Mastering the Oversized Crew

The trick with oversized crews is all about proportions. Pair them with fitted leggings or bike shorts to create a balanced silhouette. Tuck the front slightly into high-waisted bottoms for a more polished look.

Joggers vs. Leggings: When to Choose What

• Choose joggers for casual days, travel, or when you want maximum comfort

• Choose leggings for workouts, when you need a sleeker silhouette, or to dress up your athleisure look

Transitioning Athletic Pieces from Gym to Street

The secret to wearing athletic shorts and sports bras outside the gym? Layering and accessories. Add a cute crop top over your sports bra, or throw on a lightweight cardigan over athletic shorts for instant street style.

Color Coordination Made Simple

Stick to a neutral base (think black, white, gray, navy) and add pops of color through accessories or one statement piece. This makes mixing and matching effortless and ensures everything in your closet works together.

Here are some foolproof color combinations:

• All black with white sneakers

• Gray and blush pink

• Navy with cream accents

• Olive green with white or tan

Accessorizing Your Athleisure Look

The right accessories can take your athleisure outfit from basic to brilliant:

• Belt bags for hands-free convenience and a trendy touch

• Layered necklaces to add interest to simple tops

• Hair accessories like silk scrunchies or headbands

Sneakers in fun colors or interesting textures

Building Your Perfect Athleisure Collection

Creating a wardrobe of cute athleisure pieces that actually work for your lifestyle comes down to choosing quality pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. Look for high performance fabrics that hold their shape wash after wash, and don't be afraid to invest in a few key pieces that you'll reach for again and again.

Your favorite athleisure brand should offer pieces that fit your body type and lifestyle. Some people love the structured feel of athletic apparel designed for intense workouts, while others prefer the softer touch of loungewear-inspired athleisure wear. There's no wrong choice, just what works best for you. The athleisure trend has staying power because it solves a real problem: how to look good while living an active, busy life. 

At The Pants Store, we understand that finding the right athleisure pieces is about more than just following trends. It's about finding clothes that fit your life and make you feel amazing every time you put them on. Our family has been helping customers find clothes they love since 1950, and we bring that same commitment to helping you build an athleisure wardrobe that works.

From our seven locations across Alabama and Mississippi, we've seen how the right workout gear can boost confidence and how a perfectly fitted pair of leggings can become your new favorite way to tackle any day. We believe that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and stylish, and that's exactly what great athleisure delivers.