Sweat Equity

4.7.14-6
4.7.14-1

There is something about spring that makes me excited about working out again. I’m starting to think that I hibernate in the winter, especially since workouts are few and far between with the holidays and my heavily recorded TV schedule. But lately all I’ve been wanting to do is be outside — walking the dogs or jogging with friends. (I’m *still* waiting for confirmation on the coolness of rollerblades since my last post.) In fact, I decided this spring to invest in some workout clothes that are actually cute instead of the t-shirts and ratty shorts that I’ve worn since, oh, maybe college? I also use cute clothes as motivation — it’s kind of my thing. 

4.7.14-2
4.7.14-4
4.7.14-5


What I’ve realized while shopping for workout gear is that I want to be able to wear these pieces beyond just working out. If I’m going to invest in nice gear, then let’s make this a well-rounded purchase, says my head and my husband. Let’s be honest here, your workout clothes get worn outside of the gym or a workout all the time. Maybe you are meeting your girlfriends for wine but you needed to go for a quick run first. (We call this a ‘run then wine’ in our group.) Or maybe it’s a gym, groceries, and getting things done kind of day — which in most people’s vernacular is just called Saturday. Workout clothes were made for weekends. So I’ve invested in a few pieces that will last me through many workouts and can double as day to day wear, as well. 
So do you find yourself wearing your workout gear outside of the gym, too? I’ve pulled together a few looks (featuring pieces I own) that really work it out– fitness wise and style wise:

How do you make your workout gear work in the long run? Do you mix and match it into your closet or keep it in the gym?

_____________
Wearing:
Athleta Spritz Run Jacket (c/o)
DV by Dolce Vita Tee
Athleta Speed Racer Tank (c/o)
Old Navy Yoga Pants
Ray Ban Sunnies

This post brought to you by Athleta, the premier fitness fashion brand for women.

Shop the Outfit

Fit Details

Monthly Capsule Wardrobe

Each month I create monthly capsules out of my favorite pieces, perfectly curated for each month.

Click here

127 Responses

  1. I love working out, esp. when the weather gets all nice like now in Spring and even more in Summer time. I just can’t stay inside and all I wanna do is either go out for long walks or jogging and to have a proper workout clothes, always adds to feeling great 🙂

    http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com

    Reply

  3. I throw on a drapy cardigan and swap my gym shoes for ballet flats or boots after running and yoga. And if I get really fancy, mascara post work out. I’m convinced black or grey yoga pants can be brunch or even work approp with the right shoes.

    Reply

    1. Love this! I feel like yoga is the most fashionable of all workouts, no? Yoga pants are the little black dress of workout gear. 😉

      Reply

  5. Yes! It’s amazing how much more likely I am to work out if I’m wearing cute workout clothes. Great picks, thanks!

    Reply

  6. there’s nothing better than outdoor yoga! love those tie dye leggings! -jill

    redlipswontquit.blogspot.com

    Reply

  7. I love the clothes you picked for working out, but no, no, no! Please…don’t do it. Workout clothes are for the gym! And possibly a quick trip to the grocery (with dark sunglasses on to hide my identity). I say this as a mom of 2 kids who lives in a very casual town.

    It’s a slippery slope to pajama jeans Kendi!

    Reply

  9. No one confirmed the coolness of rollerblades?! I still have mine and love them–even though I can’t find anyone to ever go with me. *sadface*

    Love those blue shorts!! Although they look so comfy I might want to just lay around the house instead of working out.

    Reply

    1. I used to work in a college town that had a great (ie super smooth) running/walking track around the campus that was fantastic for blading on. The streets of the small town I live in not so much so my roller blading days are far beyond me.

      Reply

  12. I LOVE cute workout clothes! I’m obsessed with funky leggings! Just a tiny note, when doing tree pose in yoga, don’t put your foot on your knee! It moves forward and back, not side to side and you could injure yourself.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for the tip! I’m so long that I’m not super flexible so if I haven’t done yoga in a while, that’s just where it ends up 🙂 Need to get back to my classes…

      Reply

    1. I’ve never been to Lulu because I’m afraid I’ll like it so I can’t compare but with the pieces I have from Athleta the quality is great! Holds up well in the wash too 🙂

      Reply

  17. i wear the same workout gear over and over. and usually it’s a baggy t-shirt that i’ve gotten for free. i really need some more cute stuff!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

    Reply

    1. That’s how I’ve been! I figure cute clothes can’t hurt a workout! 🙂 I have to buy a few at a time though, so I’m balancing out the slubby tees with cute pieces 🙂

      Reply

  20. Yes, it usually happens. We workout and then we run errands. the busy life.

    I normally wear clothes from when I played volleyball but they are just starting to get reaaally old. I like work out clothes but find that sometimes they are too expensive.

    Xo, Belen

    Androbel Insider

    Reply

  21. You have just given me a VERY good reason to buy nicer running clothes – greatly appreciated.

    Reply

  24. I just started running a few weeks ago, which in all my 26 years I never, ever thought I’d do. Workout clothes, especially running shoes, help psych me up to get out and go, so I prefer to wear them just for that reason. However, some cute options might help motivate me even more!

    I adore that striped j.crew hoodie. I’ll have to search out something more in my price range. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  27. I have been on a cute gym clothes kick lately ever since I bought a new pair of Nike Frees… Now I want everything to be as cute as my shoes! Great post, love what you shared.

    Reply

  28. So darn sweet! What great picks! Cute workout clothes are always a good motivator to get up and do something… 😉

    Reply

  32. I love working out, esp. when the weather gets all nice like now in Spring and even more in Summer time. I just can't stay inside and all I wanna do is either go out for long walks or jogging and to have a proper workout clothes, always adds to feeling great 🙂

    http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com

    Reply

  35. I throw on a drapy cardigan and swap my gym shoes for ballet flats or boots after running and yoga. And if I get really fancy, mascara post work out. I'm convinced black or grey yoga pants can be brunch or even work approp with the right shoes.

    Reply

  36. great post! I go through phases with working out in the house (where noone sees me) and out of the house and am back into the “out of the house” working out again and am newly into Athleta. I just love their clothes! And you look great in them. I wish I was runner to have a good reason to buy that jacket but unfortunately, I will have to pass.

    Reply

  37. Rollerblading is totally back! When I was in Europe a few weeks ago there were many people cruising through parks and bike paths on their roller blades. If the Europeans approve, it’s cool again. I am already wanting some for the summer!

    Reply

  39. Yes! It's amazing how much more likely I am to work out if I'm wearing cute workout clothes. Great picks, thanks!

    Reply

  40. there's nothing better than outdoor yoga! love those tie dye leggings! -jill

    redlipswontquit.blogspot.com

    Reply

  41. I love the clothes you picked for working out, but no, no, no! Please…don't do it. Workout clothes are for the gym! And possibly a quick trip to the grocery (with dark sunglasses on to hide my identity). I say this as a mom of 2 kids who lives in a very casual town.

    It's a slippery slope to pajama jeans Kendi!

    Reply

  43. No one confirmed the coolness of rollerblades?! I still have mine and love them–even though I can't find anyone to ever go with me. *sadface*

    Love those blue shorts!! Although they look so comfy I might want to just lay around the house instead of working out.

    Reply

  44. i really love the last look with the adorable stripes and neon. i would totally rock all of these outside of the gym!
    xo jac
    thesunshinedistrict.blogspot.com

    Reply

  47. love love love! i am actually planning on making some similar purchases once my tax return comes in. if cute gear does not motivate me to get moving 3 times a week, nothing will!

    Reply

  48. I feel you on the cute clothes = motivation, totally. But after a really good workout (nice and sweaty), I can only stand to do about one errand or stop, then I absolutely have to go home and shower! No way I’d go directly from a run to a wine bar…all stinky and wind blown sweaty hair…nope! Really love those pink patterned tights though…those would look good with my running shoes!

    mylightison.blogspot.com

    Reply

  50. I LOVE cute workout clothes! I'm obsessed with funky leggings! Just a tiny note, when doing tree pose in yoga, don't put your foot on your knee! It moves forward and back, not side to side and you could injure yourself.

    Reply

  54. Love cute work out gear. But NEVER wear it outside of my workout…I get WAY too sweaty and stinky for anyone to be around me afterwards without a shower.

    Reply

  55. Thanks for the tip! I'm so long that I'm not super flexible so if I haven't done yoga in a while, that's just where it ends up 🙂 Need to get back to my classes…

    Reply

  58. I've never been to Lulu because I'm afraid I'll like it so I can't compare but with the pieces I have from Athleta the quality is great! Holds up well in the wash too 🙂

    Reply

  59. i wear the same workout gear over and over. and usually it's a baggy t-shirt that i've gotten for free. i really need some more cute stuff!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

    Reply

  61. YES! To all of this. I'm in the process of moving and the first thing I'm purging are my OLD gym clothes that are just too nappy for them to exist now… and getting NEW gym clothes asap… Athleta has always been a top choice of mine too. Loving this post, made me giggle 🙂 x

    http://www.chevronsandeclairs.com

    Reply

  62. I used to work in a college town that had a great (ie super smooth) running/walking track around the campus that was fantastic for blading on. The streets of the small town I live in not so much so my roller blading days are far beyond me.

    Reply

  63. I am totally in need of new workout wear!

    xo Jennifer

    seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

    Reply

  65. Yes, it usually happens. We workout and then we run errands. the busy life.

    I normally wear clothes from when I played volleyball but they are just starting to get reaaally old. I like work out clothes but find that sometimes they are too expensive.

    Xo, Belen

    Androbel Insider

    Reply

  66. You have just given me a VERY good reason to buy nicer running clothes – greatly appreciated.

    Reply

  68. I love cute workout gear! For me, changing is one of the biggest motivation blocks. If I can look cute in workout gear, it’s easier to head to the gym after class because I’m already ready.

    Reply

  70. I just started running a few weeks ago, which in all my 26 years I never, ever thought I'd do. Workout clothes, especially running shoes, help psych me up to get out and go, so I prefer to wear them just for that reason. However, some cute options might help motivate me even more!

    I adore that striped j.crew hoodie. I'll have to search out something more in my price range. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  73. I have been on a cute gym clothes kick lately ever since I bought a new pair of Nike Frees… Now I want everything to be as cute as my shoes! Great post, love what you shared.

    Reply

  74. That's how I've been! I figure cute clothes can't hurt a workout! 🙂 I have to buy a few at a time though, so I'm balancing out the slubby tees with cute pieces 🙂

    Reply

  76. Love this! I feel like yoga is the most fashionable of all workouts, no? Yoga pants are the little black dress of workout gear. 😉

    Reply

  82. great post! I go through phases with working out in the house (where noone sees me) and out of the house and am back into the "out of the house" working out again and am newly into Athleta. I just love their clothes! And you look great in them. I wish I was runner to have a good reason to buy that jacket but unfortunately, I will have to pass.

    Reply

  83. Rollerblading is totally back! When I was in Europe a few weeks ago there were many people cruising through park and bike paths on their roller blades. If the Europeans approve it's cool again. I am already wanting some for the summer!

    Reply

  84. I have rollerblades and I love them! I got them for my birthday a couple years ago and I go rollerblading around a track near where I live! go for it! Mine are bladerunners and they are the women’s style. 🙂

    Reply

  86. i really love the last look with the adorable stripes and neon. i would totally rock all of these outside of the gym!
    xo jac
    thesunshinedistrict.blogspot.com

    Reply

  88. I feel you on the cute clothes = motivation, totally. But after a really good workout (nice and sweaty), I can only stand to do about one errand or stop, then I absolutely have to go home and shower! No way I'd go directly from a run to a wine bar…all stinky and wind blown sweaty hair…nope! Really love those pink patterned tights though…those would look good with my running shoes!

    mylightison.blogspot.com

    Reply

  90. Love cute work out gear. But NEVER wear it outside of my workout…I get WAY too sweaty and stinky for anyone to be around me afterwards without a shower.

    Reply

  91. I am totally in need of new workout wear!

    xo Jennifer

    seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

    Reply

  92. I love cute workout gear! For me, changing is one of the biggest motivation blocks. If I can look cute in workout gear, it's easier to head to the gym after class because I'm already ready.

    Reply

  93. Cute workout gear really does make a difference. I find that I’m much more motivated to work out when I have a fun top or cute pants to wear. I already have the fun shoes covered, but they help too.

    I often run errands before or after the gym (after is gross, but whatever, it happens sometimes).

    xo Jackie

    Something About That

    Reply

  95. I love Athleta! I have a dress I bought that I’ve never worked out in, but I wear all the time. Just the IDEA that I COULD work out in it is pretty awesome. 🙂

    Reply

  96. I have rollerblades and I love them! I got them for my birthday a couple years ago and I go rollerblading around a track near where I live! go for it! Mine are bladerunners and they are the women's style. 🙂

    Reply

  97. Cute workout gear really does make a difference. I find that I'm much more motivated to work out when I have a fun top or cute pants to wear. I already have the fun shoes covered, but they help too.

    I often run errands before or after the gym (after is gross, but whatever, it happens sometimes).

    xo Jackie

    Something About That

    Reply

  99. I love Athleta! I have a dress I bought that I've never worked out in, but I wear all the time. Just the IDEA that I COULD work out in it is pretty awesome. 🙂

    Reply

  103. Hey Kendi! I feel the same way, if you look good, you will feel good and your workout will be better! Self confidence!

    Do you mind me asking what program you used to put together the looks? Something touch images?

    http://hemandhers.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  107. Hey Kendi! I feel the same way, if you look good, you will feel good and your workout will be better! Self confidence!

    Do you mind me asking what program you used to put together the looks? Something touch images?

    http://hemandhers.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  108. Hmm… workout gear… I found a pair of Lululemon black capri leggings for $16 (total steal) at my local sports consignment store and I wear them 3 days a week, easy. Best. Pants. Ever. I would certainly never buy them new, but they are magic. I also have an equally magic patagonia sports bra, and on clearance at $17, it was well worth it (and, while I’m singing the praises of patagonia, my snap-T fleece is the warmest, comfiest thing I have ever worn). Other than those magical items, I just wear t-shirts and UA running shorts (same consignment store). Your outfits are darling!

    Reply

  110. Hmm… workout gear… I found a pair of Lululemon black capri leggings for $16 (total steal) at my local sports consignment store and I wear them 3 days a week, easy. Best. Pants. Ever. I would certainly never buy them new, but they are magic. I also have an equally magic patagonia sports bra, and on clearance at $17, it was well worth it (and, while I'm singing the praises of patagonia, my snap-T fleece is the warmest, comfiest thing I have ever worn). Other than those magical items, I just wear t-shirts and UA running shorts (same consignment store). Your outfits are darling!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Favorites from the Week

this week’s most loved posts

Kendi Everyday wearing Nordstrom Sweater Tunic outfit with mini skirt and over the knee boots 09
kendi everyday wearing madewell cameron tigerized cardian with black jeans 02
Kendi Everyday wearing Anthro sweater and Madewell Blazer and Perfect Vintage Jeans 07
Kendi Everyday wearing Old Navy Tiered Midi Dress with Blazer from Amazon 10
Kendi Everyday wearing Madewell Black T-Shirt dress with denim jacket tied around waist and black booties 08
KE_mark_with_tagline_-_high_res_FINAL

blog

shop

read

follow

  • copyrightkendi everyday 2022