WOMEN'S ACTIVEWEAR TRENDS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Raise your hand if you’ve joined the ranks and started up a gym membership for the new year. Good for you! Step one is over. Step two involves shopping for new activewear, which, let’s be honest, is the best part of joining a gym. And while it’s not a contest, your confidence will certainly get a leg up if you’re dressed to impress. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bike Shorts

You don’t have to be riding a bike for these shorts to be useful. They hug the body in all the right places and provide enough mobility to comfortably do everything from running to weight training.

Bodysuits

While it may seem a little retro, bodysuits are big right now. Imagine how much easier dressing for the gym would be if you only had to put on one thing! To avoid looking like a bad 80’s aerobics DVD, choose neutral colors (black, white, navy) and soft fabrics that don’t at all resemble metallic spandex.

Matching Tops and Bottoms

The trend of wearing mismatched sports bra and legging combos is out, and coordination is back in. Stick to solid patterns and darker colors, but still have some fun. Leggings with cutouts or sports bras with strappy-backs add interest without going overboard.

Solid Color Leggings

Say goodbye to bold prints, wild patterns, and the “busy” look that leggings have been sporting for several years. Simple is reigning supreme once again. Dark colors, black in particular, are getting more attention. Remember, black is slimming and goes with everything!

Dancewear

Even if you have two left feet, you can still enjoy the fashionable outfits that dancers have the privilege of wearing. Think long sleeve crop tops, wrap cardigans over a sports bra, plunging backs on a bodysuit, and leggings with ankle ties. The fabulous look of a ballerina is at your fingertips, pointe shoes not required.

The rows and rows of machinery and the faint smell of sweat and determination will seem less intimidating if you put your best fashionably-clad foot forward.