Perfectly Styled Athleisure Looks That Work In and Out of the Pilates Studio

No need to break a sweat.

collage of women wearing athleisure outfits
(Image credit: Getty Images, Launchmetrics)

My weekend mornings usually begin with a quick trip to the gym, followed by running errands, meeting friends for coffee, and leisurely strolling around my New York City neighborhood. These moments often call for comfortable looks that are stylish enough to function outside my workout routine, and that’s when my athleisure outfit capsule wardrobe shines through.

The formula is easy. I’ve learned that the key to creating a trophy-winning athleisure look involves seamlessly blending traditional sportswear (like ultra stretchy yoga pants or moisture-wicking T-shirts, and skin-tight biker shorts) with foundational pieces that are inherently more elevated, like crisp button-down shirts with sharp collars, glossy handbags that have a timeless appeal, and refined jackets and coats that can offer an extra layer and added dimension.

Of course, this high-low styling hack isn’t a huge novelty in the fashion world. Plenty of designers favor the juxtaposition between sporty and chic—just look at several of the Spring 2025 collections. Dior styled track pants with a buttoned blazer; Stella McCartney championed the Bermuda shorts trend with cropped trousers worn alongside a hoodie; Miu Miu mastered high-styling for leggings; and Tory Burch teamed a tank top with tailored sweatpants and a loud luxury logo adorned tote bag.

Fall 2024 collections Sandy Liang, Phillip Lim, Lacoste

During the Spring 2025 runway shows, Dior, Stella McCartney, and Tory Burch demonstrated their own interpretations of athleisure.

(Image credit: Spring 2025 collections Dior, Stella McCartney, Tory Burch)

You can also easily master the same look to take your activewear and athleisure outfits beyond the gym floor or pilates studio. Ahead, shop 10 athleisure outfits you'll want to pin to your weekend style mood board.

Fair Isle Frenzy

woman wearing puffer jacket, fair isle sweater, leggings, and sneakers

You can always count on a Fair Isle sweater to effortlessly round out your sporty outfit.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Heritage Fair Isle sweaters are having a major moment this winter. To embrace the classic look, wear a puffer jacket, leggings, and trending UGG boots.

Serotonin Boost

woman wearing coat, shirt, baggy pants, and sneakers

If frigid temperatures have got you down, lift your spirits with a vibrant look.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Winter days are often dreary, but your cold-weather outfit doesn’t have to be. Enhance your athleisure getup with cheerful colors that will instantly brighten up your day.

Sambas for the Win

woman wearing hoodie, jacket, pants, and adidas sambas

Invest in a pair of Sambas, and you won't regret it.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It’s no secret that Adidas Samba sneakers are dominating the fashion trend cycle. These neutral soccer shoes are so easy to style that they deserve a top spot on your footwear roster. Balance a low-key Sambas outfit with an opulent faux fur coat.

On the Move

woman wearing tank, sweatshirt, leggings, and sneakers

Your carefree weekend outfit formula just entered the chat.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you're anything like me, your weekend schedule likely involves running errands before or after hitting the gym. Post-workout, swap your sports bra with a laid-back tank top and throw your gym bag aside in favor of a leather tote. Make sure to slip on a zip-up sweatshirt for warmth.

Bundle Up

woman wearing sweatshirt, leggings, and coat

Battle frigid temperature dips with additional layers.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Extra layers, like a mid-length coat and a crew-neck sweater that you can easily wear over a sleeveless tee, are great for winter. Lean into fashion’s latest chunky sneaker trend with trainers grounded with thick cloud-like soles, and add slip-on over-the-ear headphones, which have become somewhat of an accessory in their own right.

Sophisticated Sweats

woman wearing white t-shirt, sweatpants, and a trench coat

Take your sweatpants to new heights by pairing them with elevated pieces.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you're not convinced you can wear sweatpants outside the house, this refined outfit might make you change your mind. The structured trench coat is an anchor, while the sleek shades and subtle hints of jewelry add an elegant touch.

Zhuzh It Up

woman wearing sweatpants, a crew neck, a leather jacket, and combat boots

If your monochromatic uniform feels too plain, layer your look with a contrasting jacket.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Look no further than this style formula to make a matching sweat set feel less basic. Throw a leather trench coat over your shoulders, slide into edgy combat boots, and add polished finishing touches like diamond stud earrings and a crossbody bag.

woman wearing puffer jacket, turtleneck, leggings, and sneakers

This season, warm tones of brown are all the rage.

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Hues of mocha are rising in popularity among the style crowd. Get ahead of the trend with a billowing puffer jacket drenched in the viral shade. You’ll look undeniably fashionable while staying extra warm.

Transitional Dressing

woman wearing coat, sweater, t-shirt, biker shorts, and sneakers

As we shift into spring, consider trading your lengthy pants for biker shorts.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This sporty look will fit right into your trans-seasonal wardrobe. Although we have a bit of time until temperatures begin to rise, prep your closet accordingly with a pair of breathable biker shorts that can transition into spring and summer.

Game, Set, Match

woman wearing crewneck, tennis skirt, and sneakers

Take the tennis skirt trend for a spin.

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You don’t have to be a tennis pro to wear a pleated skirt. Fashionistas are styling this sporty silhouette with zip-up track jackets, polo shirts, and cable-knit sweaters—check out Marie Claire’s tennis outfits guide for inspiration. Or, pair your skirt with a matching crew-neck top, as shown above, and finish with designer accessories that whisper “quiet luxury.” Once the weather warms up, you’ll wear this look on repeat.

Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.

When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.