Admit it. Working from home sounded fun, at first. We were going to have so much time for self-improvement. There was no doubt we were going to work out daily, get that killer summer body, focus on skincare, get dressed, the whole nine yards.
But, here we are on what feels like day 500 of social distancing. Hair has not been brushed, pajamas have been on for three weeks straight, and working out has been replaced with “how many cookies can I eat before I pass out”.
Given that here in NY, the stay-at-home orders have been extended for another month, I decided it was extremely important I find new motivations to work out and give a sh*t about my health and wellness. How does one get motivated to workout aside from the obvious end goal and results?
Two words: cute clothes.
If you’re feeling uninspired, take a peek below at my current favorite workout brands and the pieces that motivate me the most. If these don’t get you off the couch, godspeed.
Gigi C Sport
I’ve always had a thing for pastel colors, because they compliment everyone. I mean it when I say there isn’t a single person that looks bad in a pale pink or soft blue. Gigi C Sport just launched their Spring 20 Active Collection, and I’m obsessed. If I was rich and fabulous, I would honestly purchase the entire collection, because that is how much I like it. I DO own the Eden top + Katrina legging set in Sky Blue (pastels, FTW), and I am proud to say I actively searched for online workout classes to put this look to use. I must also mention the Maxine Romper, which is like an 80s workout dream done right in 2020. I’ll stop rambling on, but yeah, this is currently my favorite activewear brand.
Gigi C Eden Top & Katrina Legging
BrownDyedGirl
If you’re like me, the thought of wearing a sports bra and leggings to a public gym is more terrifying than going on a date with Joe Exotic. That being said, I’ve always turned to sweatshirts and sweatpants for a workout. They need to be cute, obv, and although we are now working out in the comfort of our homes, I’m still rocking my sets from BrownDyedGirl. My absolute favorite is the Pastel Crew Set (pastels, FTW, again!), but they’re honestly all cute AF if you’re into tie-dye. Some noteworthy names can often be found rocking the sets, including Hannah B + Hannah G of Bachelor Nation, Danielle Bernstein of @weworewhat, and model Camille Kostek, just to name a few. If you prefer hoodies over crewnecks, my favorite is this grey set. A little birdie (aka Jordan Baker, the founder of BrownDyedGirl) also told me that a T-shirt and biker short sets are coming soon, SO I’ll definitely be snagging those to work out in.
Yummie
Aside from looking cute, I want to be the MOST comfortable when WOFH (not sure if this is a thing, but I’m making it a thing). Yummie leggings are great, because I can lounge in them for an hour while avoiding the workout, but also feel cozy once the workout commences. The Seamless Shaping Legging comes in five colors, and are my personal favorites (Grape Leaf is my color of choice), but browsing the site there are a ton of cute options, including a 4-Piece Legging Kit which covers all the bases and is a major bang for your buck.
Yummie Seamless Shaping Legging
Terez
Calling all the girls who take the front and center spot at every workout class: Terez is the brand for you. All of their matching sets are really cute, fit well, and come in the most fun colors and prints that are going to make you stand out, no matter where you position yourself. But during these times, since we obviously don’t have the people around us to motivate us in a class, putting on a brightly colored sports bra and legging set will give you the kick you need to get off the couch. I’m obsessed with literally all the active sets, but especially love Rainbow Haze Balayage Reversible Sports Bra and matching Tall Band Leggings because they make me feel like I’m at a rave, so like, perfect motivation to do that at-home dance cardio class.
Terez Rainbow Haze Balayage Reversible Sports Bra & Rainbow Haze Balayage Tall Band Leggings
Alo
If you’re channeling your inner zen during this time, I give you all the credit. I have been trying to do yoga daily, in hopes of feeling calm for at least 30 minutes of the day (yes, dramatic, I know). I turn to my Vapor Snakeskin Set for yoga because it still makes me feel like *that bitch* while shuffling between a mental breakdown and mountain pose. It’s all about balance, amiright? Alo also has THE coziest half zip hoodies, which I’ve been wearing during walks around the block (please practice safe social distancing when exiting the home!).
Alo Vapor Snakeskin Bra & High-Waist Short Set
All Access
I like All Access for a few reasons. One, the brand was founded in NYC, so it’s fun to support a local brand. Two, they allow me to channel my inner 80s workout video (I’m sensing a theme here). The Front Row Bra + Center Stage Leggings in Hot Coral are so funky and are sure to catch your neighbors’ attention (whether you want it or not). When I open my drawers, I’m instantly drawn to this set and it reminds me to put down the Kinder Bar (these have been my weird weakness throughout quarantine and I honestly can’t be stopped) and start the cardio.
All Access Front Row Bra & Center Stage Leggings
Year of Ours
I’m hot and cold with paisley print, but I am o b s e s s e d with this set from Year of Ours. The Bandana Bra + Leggings are so dang cute. I ordered the blue set, which is exclusive to Bandier, but they also have a red/white and black/white set on their own site here. I choose this set when I want to do cardio or something more active (not because it’s specifically designed for that, just because this print excites me).
Year of Ours Banana Bra & Leggings
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is a f*cking awesome brand who focuses on ethical manufacturing, celebrating diversity and beauty in all its forms, and sustainability—their clothing is made out of recycled materials. Don’t ask me how, but it works. And the result is simple, comfortable activewear you can feel good about buying. I’m looking to their high-rise bike shorts and accompanying sports bras, hoping that when the weather is warm enough to wear them, we will finally be allowed outside.
Girlfriend Collective Saguaro High-Rise Bike Shorts & Saguaro Paloma Bra
Outdoor Voices
If you, like me, do a 40-minute workout and sweat so much that you are convinced you have some sort of disorder, Outdoor Voice’s TechSweat leggings are for you. The fabric is light and breathable and the waistband won’t slide down. Also the color blocking is so chic. Pair them with the Doing Things Bra, also made with TeachSweat™ fabric, and get ready to get gross.
Outdoor Voices Techsweat 7/8 Zoom Leggings & Doing Things Bra
Koral
Once I discovered Bandier, it was over for my wallet. They are not a designer, but a retailer that has tons of activewear brands, among them, Koral. From leggings to sweatshirts, tanks to sports bras, they have fashionable pieces that you can wear during the day on your Zoom calls to make your coworkers think you got dressed, and then during your workout.
Proud
This ethically-sourced activewear newcomer donates 10% of proceeds from every sale to charity—and you get to choose the charity (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Pink Ribbon Girls, Baby2Baby, Homes for Our Troops, Off The Street Club, or the Rezvan Foundation) when you check out. With a completely neutral color palette, those of you who wear all black will want to buy everything. Their hoodies and zip-ups look bad-ass, and I love the ballerina leggings, which have a chic tie detail at the bottom, are super comfortable, and won’t slide down during your HIIT live stream.
Proud Be Passionate Asymmetrical Tank
And with that being said, I wish us all luck. Let us have strength to say yes to Instagram live workout classes. We can get through this!
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Image: Form / Unsplash
Wearing leggings is pretty much the greatest experience in life, other than napping or being told that you’re pretty. They’re like, one of the very few things that betches don’t really complain about because they’re comfortable AF. You probably never thought that it would be possible to love leggings anymore than you already do, but if you start buying ones that are super flattering, you’ll reach a level of obsession that will probably piss everyone around you off. Here are the perfect patterned leggings to get for your body type.
Horizontal Stripes: Scam People Into Thinking Your Butt Is Huge
I personally know that horizontal stripes will make a flat ass look dope because every time I say “my butt actually looks like a butt today,” my friends tell me to shut up because it’s just my horizontally striped leggings. Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time that happened, I could finally afford butt implants. Please spare me the judgement and stop acting like you’d be above that. It’s a pretty well known fact that horizontal stripes make you look wider, so if you have an area of your body that you would like to have appear larger, they actually come in clutch.
Athleta Stripes Chaturanga Capri
Vertical Stripes: Make Your Legs Look Longer
In the same way that the insanely stupid nail contouring trend makes your short sucky nails look long (but still sucky), leggings with vertical stripes will make your legs look longer. However, unless you’re hoping to channel your inner Beetlejuice, I’d probs advise against leggings that have vertical stripes the whole way around. Instead, go for something that just has them down the side.
Adidas Originals 3 Stripes Legging
Large, Bold Patterns: Avoid Looking Lanky
If you have long, skinny legs and are worried about looking lanky (cry me a fucking river), the most flattering legging print for you is any large, bold pattern. It’ll basically break up the two mile stretch that is your legs.
Nike Legend 2.0 Mega Liquid Tight
Diagonal Panels: Play Up Curves
Anything with a diagonal vibe is ideal for flattering curves, because it will elongate but also enhance what ya mama gave ya. Because diagonal stripes aren’t really a popular pattern for leggings (unless you somehow grabbed a pair out of like, an elf costume or something), opt for leggings with diagonal panels.
Tiny Prints: Spark Rumors That You Have A Fake Butt
If your butt already looks like one of those rap guy’s girlfriends (oh my god, Becky), then you should go with something with a small print that will make people assume you’re wearing butt pads or something. Like seriously, you might end up having to get a butt x-ray to prove that it’s real, like Kim K did.
