Simple Tips for Running Lifestyles

5 Tips to Upgrade Your Style When You’re Addicted to Athleisure

Key Takeaways

  • Upgrade your personal style by mixing athleisure with business casual pieces.
  • Jewelry adds sophistication; even simple earrings can elevate your look.
  • Choose comfortable footwear like stylish sneakers or Dr. Scholl’s for all-day wear.
  • Care for your clothes properly; using a garment steamer simplifies maintenance.
  • Midsize fashion caters to sizes 8-14, celebrating diverse body shapes and promoting confidence.

Love this post about how to upgrade your personal style? Share it!

If you’re struggling to elevate your style beyond athleisure? Discover five practical tips to enhance your personal style without sacrificing comfort. From incorporating jewelry and mixing athletic wear with business casual pieces to choosing fashionable sneakers and proper clothing care, these strategies will help you achieve a polished look while staying true to your love for comfort. Explore how to seamlessly blend comfort and style in your wardrobe.

This topic came about because I’m not sure if it was the pandemic or the fact I’ve been training for a marathon since 2017, but my style has taken a vacation in the last few years. I’ve found I gravitate to athleisure clothes and it is so comfortable.

Athleisure wear is so popular because it is so comfortable. It has skyrocketed in popularity because it perfectly blends comfort, functionality, and style, making it ideal for busy lifestyles. As more people prioritize health and wellness, activewear has become an everyday staple, seamlessly transitioning from workouts to casual outings or even remote work.

Related Post: Speaking of popular, this post was in the Top 10 for 2025! Get the whole list of the top-ranked posts here.

What is Athleisure Style?

The rise of flexible work environments and a shift toward comfort-first fashion have also played a role in making leggings, joggers, and performance fabrics a go-to choice. Additionally, the fashion industry has embraced athleisure by creating elevated designs that look just as stylish as they are practical, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function.

When You’re Addicted to Athleisure…

I don’t think this is a bad thing! I will always choose comfort over style and now that I’ve been back in the office more regularly I’ve been inspired to step it up. It’s been a challenge to know where to start when it comes to finding cute, fashionable clothes while also feeling like the pieces are as much my personality.

As I’ve slowly been finding my style (after being addicted to leggings), here are a few tips I’ve incorporated for transitioning my wardrobe.

(This post about tips to upgrade your personal style contains affiliate links. I may earn commissions or bonuses on eligible conversions or purchases at no cost to you.)

What is Considered Midsize Fashion?

Midsize fashion is a relatively newer term in the fashion industry. Previously the market was catered to the smaller models and now plus-size fashion (size 16 and above). Midsize fashion refers to clothing styles and sizes that cater to individuals ranging from sizes 8 to 14 (although this can vary by brand).

This category celebrates the diversity of shapes and proportions within this range, offering a balance between inclusive sizing and accessible fashion. Midsize fashion often focuses on creating pieces that flatter curves, provide comfort, and highlight the unique features of midsize bodies. It challenges traditional fashion norms by embracing bodies that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream fashion campaigns, promoting self-expression and confidence for all.

A brunette woman in a long red coat, glasses and a large shoulder bag. How I elevated my athleisure without losing comfort
Love this post? Save it to Pinterest!

Friendly Midsize Style Tips

I used to feel incredibly shy about asking friends where they got their clothes because I didn’t want to be a copy cat. I also don’t like to spend a lot of time at the mall or hunting through multiple stores to find one great piece. My friends and I share Amazon links when we find something cute and occasionally I’ll note in my content when pieces are available on my storefront.

Upgrade Your Personal Style with Jewelry

One tip I’ve fallen in love with is adding at least one piece of jewelry. I don’t know what it is but there’s something about adding earrings that makes me feel like my style is elevated? Watching myself on video a majority of the day for Teams meetings has made me aware of the shape of my face and earrings have been a game changer. I don’t wear a lot of jewelry but having a pair of earrings on is becoming a staple. 

I got a simple set of minimal hoops that are adorable that serve an everyday earring purpose. Check them out on Amazon here.

How to Upgrade Your Style at Work

I have a Nike cardigan that in the early pandemic, I would refer to as a “Zoom cardigan.” I’d throw it over a t-shirt and feel like I was suddenly presentable (remember how low the bar was during the pandemic? Wild.) Now I throw it over this blouse with a pair of jeans and I am comfortable while feeling slightly dressed up.

Consider the options you have for your existing athleisure mixed with your casual favorites, such as mixing yoga pants or an athletic top (maybe a race shirt?) with a blazer. The flexibility will give you a chance to find what works for you and your personality. Fashion doesn’t have to be expensive. Thrift stores offer great fits at even better prices.

If you’re looking for casual wear made for endurance athletes, check out Forward Gear Athletics! They have fun casual pieces for various race distances and race types.

Brunette woman in a casual summer outfit posing on the High Line in New York City. She wears a sleeveless, striped midi dress with white sneakers and a black crossbody bag. Sunglasses shield her eyes as she leans against a railing with urban buildings, greenery, and people in the background. A sunny day highlights the vibrant cityscape and modern architecture. She's comfortable and cool showcasing her ability to look styled without athliesure.
Adding sneakers to a dress is one of the ways to upgrade your style. Dress linked in image.

How to Add Comfort to Your Personal Style

I love that little white sneakers are so popular. And on top of that, they remind me of wearing a classier version of running shoes. Add them with jeans or a maxi dress and you’ve got a very comfortable day ahead of you. They’re also great with any travel outfit.

I found the Dr. Scholl’s Time Off sneakers are the perfect casual sneakers and they’re super comfy. I’ve mixed them with dresses or jeans to elevate my style while keeping my feet in good place.

Related Post: Looking for inspiration for your travel outfits? This post is full of ideas for how to dress no matter where your wanders take you!

How Do You Care for Your Clothes?

I am not one to iron whatsoever. I asked for a garment steamer for Christmas a few years ago and I love it! Having a steamer has given me so much confidence to wear types of materials other than cotton. I feel so fancy wearing dressier clothes but I hate to iron. Check the labels when you’re buying clothes to ensure you’re not overcommitting to the maintenance (especially for professional clothing).

If you’re looking for a great steamer, this steamer from Conair is my favorite. It heats up in 40 seconds and has 15 minutes of continuous steam!

Love these tips or have one you’d like to share? Let me know your secrets to comfortable fashion in the comments!

Athleisure Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still have good style if you mostly wear athleisure?

Absolutely. Personal style isn’t about dressing up! It’s about feeling comfortable with intention. You can elevate athleisure by focusing on fit, layering, and accessories while still staying comfortable

What’s the easiest way to look more put-together in athleisure?

Accessories and layering make the biggest difference when pulling together a look. Even simple additions like sunglasses, jewelry, a crossbody bag, or a jacket can instantly elevate a basic outfit.

How do you make athleisure look more like an outfit and less like gym clothes?

Mix in non-athletic pieces like denim, button-down shirts, or structured outerwear. This creates contrast and makes your look feel intentional rather than accidental.

Do You Have Tips to Improve Your Style?

Have your own tips to upgrade your personal style? Leave a note in the comments! I’ve love to hear all about your style and how you stand out!

Share this post with a friend and help this blog grow!

Let’s wander together! Follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. And never miss a post by subscribing to my newsletter.

Leave a Reply

Hi! I’m Liz

Image of a woman casually brushing her hair from her eyes

I help busy women runners streamline training for races, travel, and everyday life—so you can focus on the miles, not the logistics. Let’s connect!

What You’ll Find Here

If understanding how to plan your life around marathon training is complicated, let’s take a step back and make it simple. Whether you run for fun, need fundraising ideas for a marathon fundraiser, want to understand how to make the process of a marathon training plan easier, want athletic-style tips, want to plan a dream destination race, or seek budget-friendly fashion tips, you’ll find practical ideas to make your life a little easier.

Connect with Liz

Discover more from Run.Wander.Wear.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading