This Season's Trend

There has been an athletic influence on fashion lately, not surprising given that the Olympic Games are in full force and the world has gone sports crazy! But a new trend is here and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere - they are calling this one sports luxe – athletic inspired sports chic.

Marc Jacobs did it, Acne and Stella McCartney presented it on the runway, and we all know those Isabel Marant wedge sneakers that haven’t left the feet of prominent fashion icons since day one. So what exactly is the sports luxe trend?

Inspiration comes from sports such as surfing, baseball, cycling and basketball. Think athletic basics, racer backs, tailored sweatpants with tapered ankles, bomber jackets and tight fitting wetsuit-esque dresses. Skirts and tops are designed with angular cuts, contrasting piping and cut out details, and many pieces feature exposed zips.

The trend is much about chunks of colour as it is about style, with metallics, heather greys and pops of neon dominating the colour palette. The most prominent fabrics to feature throughout the sports luxe trend are neoprene, mesh, jersey and perforated leather, all of which combine perfectly. For your feet, it’s all about the wedge sneaker, the old faithful high top kicks and also a simple heel (the necessary element in turning a casual athletic outfit into something dressier).

It’s a simple trend with basic elements, and even though there is a fine line between looking like you’re off to the gym and looking fashionable – it’s not too hard to do it right. It’s a trend to love once you try it! Ready, set, go!