Reading: 9 Athleisure Looks for Relaxing In or Working Out

Though I’ve worked from home since long before the pandemic started, I also had many reasons for going out. I find I’m nostalgic for fancy tops and party outfits, but when it comes down to it, I’ve thought more about at-home wear since March than I have in my entire life…despite working in the fashion industry. 

There are really only two wardrobe options for staying in: the comfiest stay-at-home loungewear, and athleisure looks as perfect for lazing about as they are for actual exercise. Whether I’m keeping up with my fitness routines or haven’t had a sweat session in a week, I gravitate toward cozy, workout-ready pieces for home. The logic is simple. They look good enough for video calls, they help me feel pulled together, and they’re often the reason I make it onto the yoga mat in the first place (the “well, I’m already dressed…” frame of mind). To get through your laziest or most productive days in style, peruse these 9 gorgeous looks — all available online.

Oriane Bodysuit by Ernest Leoty, $333 

Creating luxury activewear by way of French couture and the technical excellence of professional sports and the Opera de Paris Ballet, Ernest Leoty stands alone where fitness meets fashion. In their Oriane Bodysuit, with its graceful v-neck, scoop cutout in back, capped sleeves, and leg-lengthening design, you’ll be ready for lounging, dancing, or gardening. Have fun with this soft and breathable bodysuit. Wear it under a flowing maxi skirt, dress it up with a cropped jacket and kitten heels, or wear it under an off-the-shoulder sweater for a post-studio look.

Romy Corset by Ernest Leoty, $87

Part of the brilliance of athleisure looks is that their sheer beauty and construction are often enough inspiration to hit the mat or head to a hiking trail. It’s certainly true for the Romy Corset, most stunning in a red-soaked orange hue. This feminine top references the expertise of 19th-century corsetry with a modern, “sculpting stretch,” contouring seams, and underwire cups. It’s also durable, adjustable, and machine washable, meaning you’ll want to wear yours all the time — with yoga pants, skirts, or jeans. Add a bold red lip for pure Parisian chic.

Retreat Yourself Hoodie by Lululemon, $138

Lululemon’s fitness focus extends far beyond leggings. The Retreat Yourself Hoodie in heathered graphite grey is a perfect example. It’s a comfortable, four-way-stretch hoodie with a sophisticated silhouette — bell sleeves and a high mock neck ensure you won’t look like you borrowed it from a student. Wear it over leggings or simple, easy pants.

Millie High-Rise Leggings by Vaara, $115 

Vaara was born out of a need for stylish workout gear that would translate just as well for the gym as for all of the fabulous before-and-after stops across London. They achieve just that with elegant, modern clothing for low- to high-intensity exercises and even lifestyle occasions — including après ski. Add these soft, lightweight leggings to your everyday at-home wardrobe for workout-ready, breathable comfort in a versatile hue. Wear them with t-shirts, sweaters, or an oversized tunic in a complementary color.

Warm Up by Wone, $320 

Wone’s temperature-regulating performance Warm Up pullover will support you on evening jogs and chilly grocery store trips alike. It’s cut to compliment your figure but achieves a lot more. It’s made from wool and technical synthetic fabrics with antimicrobial properties, and provides excellent ventilation and insulation. Wear yours with track shorts, leggings, or a maxi skirt today and on the slopes in winter. 

Ballet Cropped Wrap-Effect Top by Live The Process, $47.20

This soft, stretchy, and graceful ballet top ties at the waist with an adjustable, wraparound design. Style it with high-waisted leggings or pants to reveal only a modest strip of skin, well above the navel. Ideally leggings or jodhpurs are the way to go. Finish the look with simple jewelry you can wear even while working out. 

Tie-Detailed Ruched Cotton-Jersey Top by Year of Ours, $30

What appears to be a chic and simple long-sleeved top surprises with ruching in the back and a cutout detail accented by fabric tied in a bow. Year of Ours is a master of comfort and performance tech. You’ll want to (and should) style this top with everything; keep the looks casual and sportswear-inspired. 

High-Waist Biker Short by Alo Yoga, $56

Whether you’re hopping onto a Peloton or settling in for a midday movie break, these soft and stretchy biker shorts from Alo Yoga are up to the task with a sculpting and lifting design. Wear yours with a simple tee or a soft, oversized sweater and colorful sneakers. 

Performance Piqué Chevron Polo Dress by Tory Sport, $178

This Tory Burch polo dress, exuding modern preppy charm, was designed for the golf course but looks good everywhere. The lightweight, stretch fabric is breathable and wicks away moisture. It’s literally a cool summertime outfit for working from home, playing with the children, or reading in your favorite nook. Make the dress the center focus, but switch out your sneakers and sandals to find your favorite looks.