Sporty and Pulled Together

A couple weeks ago I ran into an old friend from high school, Shana, at a barbecue. As it occasionally does, the fact that I have a fashion blog came up and she asked me how to look pulled together but still kind of sporty. She's always been really athletic and usually rocked the t-shirt and basketball shorts look in high school. She's come a long way since then but is still looking for inspiration.

I've been thinking about that conversation ever since and decided to see what I could put together.

I think shoes really count here. No matter what you're wearing, a cheap pair of flip flops or disintegrating tennis shoes can sink your outfit, but that's what more athletic types tend to reach for. A cool, functional pair of kicks will keep an athletic ensemble from looking sloppy. Bonus points for fun colors and details.

Top row, from L to R
1. Puma Imani Fade
2. Onitsuka Tiger Serrano
3. Privo Polar Lake

Second row, from L to R
4. Lacoste Marthe
5. Hipthong Two Sandal by Chaco
6. Zinnia Sandal by Merrell

Third row from L to R
7. J-41 Genesis
8. Rocket Dog Keeper Club
9. Toms (you know I had to throw these in there)



Add some jeans or a pair of denim shorts. But make sure they fit. Baggy is not a fit. You are encouraged to roll them if you're feelin' it.

via

via

I love the way she cuffed these.

Throw in some cool tees. And the ones you got for running that 5k don't count. Those are for house painting, not going out in public places. Plain tees are a good base (those super cheap Hanes vnecks are always good! And wonderfully disposable for moms who get covered in shmootz) but branching out to stripes and other patterns and prints is always good too!

via

via

via

And, of course, accessories. I think a chunky watch is the perfect finishing touch for a sporty outfit. It's functional, stylish, and easy.

This is the one I've got. It was $10 at Target and I wear it everywhere these days. Also, a simple, silver chain necklace looks classy and adds a little sparkle.

And, I feel this needs to be said: athletic does not mean you are excused from hair and makeup. A little goes a long way toward looking and feeling put together. Mascara and a swipe of lipcolor that is also chapstick (I have the coral and anemone shades. Loooove) takes like 3 seconds. It's worth it.

Ok, my lovely blog readers, what can you add?