Hello there 🙂
From 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. every weekday, the Who What Wear offices in LA and NYC are filled with women who wear a range of chic workwear, which often includes a kind of blazer and jeans outfit, a flowing midi dress or tailored trousers. After that, all bets will be void and it is not surprising that team members are walking around in leggings and sneaker outfits as they prepare for an evening training course. (Personally, I am guilty.) It is not surprising that fashion editors in particular wear training clothes that are just as stylish as their normal clothes.
What exactly do editors wear to train? I'm so glad you asked. Below, four fashion editors from Who What Wear share their current spring activewear looks based on their current favorite pastime. Tip: There are many cheap leggings from JoyLab.
How do you train
I've been obsessed with workouts at home lately. After a while without training, I struggled to get into a routine. My best friend (who also happens to be a wellness coach) introduced me to Melissa Wood Health. She sold me with the fact that I could literally make the videos anywhere: in the gym, at home, on the beach, during lunch breaks (yes, really) to name a few. They are challenging but quick and you can actually see the results.
What do you wear to feel comfortable during training?
Although I'm always tempted to only do these workouts in my pajamas when I roll out of bed, I feel like I try harder when I actually wear workout clothes. What if my sports bra matches my leggings? I am unstoppable.
What does your activewear drawer look like?
I used to wear black only, but now I really switch it. I think the lighter outfits put me in a happier mood, which is important before I start training.
How do you style activewear outside of the gym?
Fortunately, I live in LA, which I think is the unofficial sports capital of the world. Everyone runs to and from training all the time, so I never feel like I have to change too much if I go somewhere before or after. I'm just putting on some sunglasses and I'm out!
Any important tips for styling this look?
I have a soft spot for white sneakers (I really don't buy any other color), so these were obviously a must when I styled my look. I feel like they are popping against the blue, ribbed fabric!
How do you train
My regular exercise is definitely a balanced combination of Reformer Pilates and Walking Ruby, our very sweet and very strange little Muppet (see picture above). When people ask me and my friend about a dog, we always say that all you have to do is ask yourself if you would like to go for a walk. For example, if you really like to go for a walk – rain, hail or sunshine.
We live down the river in Williamsburg, so there are many great routes along the waterfront or to Greenpoint or across the bridge. Most days I go for a really decent walk, more careful to keep up a good pace.
What are you wearing to feel comfortable walking with Ruby?
My outfit this season is always leggings and a more relaxed long-sleeved top. I always feel so comfortable in high-waisted leggings that I don't even think there is a different type of leggings at this point. I like the balance of a fabric that has some integrity, but still lets it bend and stretch in all directions. This particular top is super soft. I wore it under a blazer to work last week and nobody noticed. I also wear the matching sports bra from this set, which I love because it is that rib-grazing length that doesn't feel too tight and doesn't slide up when you do this reckless pike-to-plank series.
What does your activewear drawer look like?
In terms of color, I have a very cool drawer for exercise equipment. It's basically all black and white and subdued neutral, so I think it's great to find interesting textures and deliberate details that make it look a bit more stylish without going too bright or patterned. It is really only up close that you can see how good the ribbed fabric of this set is. My other favorite gaiters are actually another pair of JoyLab with scalloped edges, and it's the same deal. I like those details that look expensive and arouse interest without requiring attention.
How do you style activewear outside of the gym?
I am the person who will meet you for breakfast nine times out of ten in leggings. Honestly, I may be getting old, but a really good weekend is when I exercise at least a full day.
I love spring and summer because then it's about wearing slightly cropped 7/8 leggings with great pool slides, and you can experiment a little more with how to layer your sports bras and tanks. But even in winter I think it's great what a huge wool coat looks like over a hoodie, leggings and great sneakers. It feels effortless and cool and I honestly don't know what else to wear with Whole Foods.
How do you train
I just love the Pilates reformer, especially on the, um, Megathe former (also known as the level 10 reformer machine). I have attended countless fitness classes and found nothing that tones and strengthens better than one of these Pilates classes.
Another reason why I'm so busy working on a reformer is the lower risk of suffering or promoting a sports injury because the machine subtly adapts your body to the alignment. It's not the sexiest thing I can talk about, but when I injured myself while running last year, I had to pause all workouts with great effect and Pilates saved me.
What are you wearing to feel comfortable in Pilates?
Primarily soft and stretchy leggings. This is not a workout where I sweat buckets, so I love wearing more lounge-style cotton leggings, and JoyLab does those that feel light like air. I won't lie: I like to show myself at Pilates in one appearance– or at least a little like put together – because most people in the class also make an effort, and for me that means skipping my plain black parts for a fun splash of color. This sea foam green JoyLab set immediately motivated me to come to class (and maybe take a few selfies beforehand – no shame).
What does your activewear drawer look like?
I am historically a girl who is all black or nothing when it comes to active clothing, but this shade of green undoubtedly has something fresh. I've revised my overall approach to exercise equipment because I suddenly feel so motivated to go back to the gym this spring.
How do you style activewear outside of the gym?
Leggings and sneakers have definitely become an integral part of my casual wear. I will reach for them when I want to have a coffee, explore my local farmers market, and do all my weekend errands. The only difference is that I feel comfortable training in leggings and a sports bra, while I always put on a different layer during errands, be it a t-shirt (this long-sleeved JoyLab is incredibly comfortable) or an oversize jacket . The accessories include a trendy handbag and my sunglasses.
Any important tips for styling this look?
A suitable set is the be-all and end-all of my training outfits, so I undoubtedly decided on a coordinating leggings sports bra set as the basis. No matter what happens when I wear a suitable set, I always feel pulled together. Since Pilates is less powerful, I like to wear a top layer for class, so I chose this thin long sleeve to throw it over. I love how fresh and crisp the green set with my white accessories looks. That's why I grabbed my white shoulder bag and of course white sneakers to tie everything together.
How do you train
My best friend dragged me to a hot yoga class in high school and I've been thrilled ever since. I've built some other workouts into my weekly routine (e.g. boxing, pilates, weight training), and my commitment to my yoga practice has definitely waned over the past decade, but it's the workout that I always return to I'm looking for a good sweat or just trying to get out of my head for an hour.
What are you wearing to feel comfortable doing hot yoga?
I always wear a light, matching sports bra leggings set that I can really pull myself into. I skip any kind of tank or t-shirt because I'll just sweat through in a few minutes. Finding parts that stay in place during a one-hour flow is not negotiable for me, since constantly re-adjusting bra straps or pulling up leggings in a downward dog is as cumbersome and annoying as it sounds.
What does your activewear drawer look like?
I love fun workout outfits, so my activewear drawer is a rainbow of options. I'm not afraid to wear colorful or printed active clothing in any way. This batik sports bra and leggings set fits the usual suspects. I love the Sunset Vibe cotton candy, especially for spring. My favorite element is definitely the crossed straps on the sports bra – it's the special detail that I'm looking for in my active clothing.
How do you style activewear outside of the gym?
When I live in New York, I often walk a good distance or take the subway to my favorite yoga studio. That's why I always add many layers to my look. I wear a large, long puffer jacket in winter, but now that it's spring, I just put on a light hoodie or denim jacket. Since no yoga shoes are worn, I usually wear a number of comfortable fashion shoes, unlike those that I could actually train in.
