I Just Elevated a Few Simple Items Into 6 Trending Outfits—Here's How

It’s no secret that activewear can—and frankly, should—be worn outside of the gym. The eternal ease of perfect-fit leggings and a non-wired bra is reason alone, but for me, it isn’t just a case for comfort. It’s an argument for style. Some of the world’s best dressed are those that embrace athleisure in their everyday wardrobes. Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Rihanna and Ashley Graham (to name a few) are amongst those that are often captured on the streets sporting their gym kit. Arguably, this aesthetic was popularised by Princess Diana and her now-iconic oversized sweater and cycling shorts, which she’d wear to and from the gym. But let’s make one thing abundantly clear: I’m not just talking post-workout wear. I’m suggesting actively selecting activewear as a choice of dress, regardless of whether you went for a run this morning, last week or last year. The bottom line: Buy it for fitness, but wear it for fashion.

One brand making waves when it comes to bridging the two is PANGAIA, which is known for its trailblazing approach to wardrobe essentials. What it lacks in frills and fuss it makes up for in quality and sustainability credentials. For its latest activewear capsule, Activewear 3.0, there’s a step up in innovative material science. Each piece from the capsule (which comes in black, dark green and a bright blue hue) is created with a first-to-market part plant-based Creora elastane—the only elastane in the world to not be 100% fully fossil-fuel based—for added stretch. What's more, each style contains plant-based nylon that comes from castor beans (yes, you read that correctly), and is treated with natural peppermint oil (PPRMINT), which neutralises odour and bacteria, keeping garments fresher for longer.

At Who What Wear, we’re all about the capsule wardrobe, aka getting the most out of every item and wearing it multiple ways. This is where elevated basics really come into their own. After cherry-picking the very best from the PANGAIA site, I was able to style its activewear collection for multiple occasions. Who knew a sports bra could also be a “going out out” top? By swapping accessories, a sweater for a blazer, sneakers for heels and adding a swipe of lipstick, I was able to transform these versatile pieces.

So if you want to make the most of your activewear, see how I elevated four pieces in the PANGAIA capsule into six trending outfits.

Right now, thankfully, we find ourselves in an era of body positivity. Tube dresses, catsuits and unitards that accentuate our natural silhouettes, hug our figures and contour our curves are all over Instagram. Nothing does this better than well-fitted activewear. For me, an all black outfit is the epitome of chic, so styling the leggings and crop top together was a no-brainer. All it needs is an extra-large trench, statement jewels and a heel, and voilà! You're good to go out. If this is too figure-hugging for you, then simply opt for an oversized T-shirt, which should be tucked into the top of the legging waistband to give some shape.

If you want to elevate a pair of leggings to make your outfit look expensive, the answer is simple: an oversized cashmere jumper. Almost any shoes pair well with this, be it a fashion shoe like clogs or your go-to boots, sneakers or flats. For me, black and oatmeal is a timeless colour pairing that I always go back to, and I think it looks especially opulent when paired with gold jewellery. This particular jumper is made from entirely recycled cashmere and wool, reducing the amount of virgin materials in your wardrobe.

This look proves that activewear can be at the core of your wardrobe staples. Here, I’m not seeking to make a statement with my sports bra and biker shorts, but rather I’m using them as a base for other hero pieces in my arsenal. My cowboy boots and denim jacket are able to shine and show a sportier side to the Western trend.

Serious question: Has the humble legging surpassed the place of denim in our wardrobes? They're comfortable, flattering and, like jeans, can be dressed up or down. For casual occasions, an outfit that never fails is leggings, sneakers and an oversized jumper. The cashmere crewneck and matching socks really elevate this look. To break it up, I wore a long white vest below, which just peaks through, and paired it with these vintage-looking sneakers. I feel like that girl that stands at the front in aerobics, and I always wanted to be her!

I love this tailored look. Granted, it's best kept for warmer days, but you could also wear a sports bra and blazer with puddle pants, jeans or, for a more casual approach, cuffed sweatpants. The oversized blazer and loafers may be reminiscent of school uniforms, but that’s what I like about this look. It’s the perfect balance of smart and casual, making it an ideal everyday ensemble.

Since the rise in popularity of athleisure and streetwear over the last decade, it has become more than okay to wear sportswear day to day. This green trio gives me comfort and compression for running errands and other casual activities, and when worn with an oversized sweater and running trainers, it’s drenched in ’90s nostalgia. 

Want to see the full PANGAIA collection? Look no further.