How to Style Activewear Beyond the Gym

By Eleanor Grant, Fashion Editor

Activewear has evolved beyond the gym; it has become part of everyday life. Whether you’re on the school run, grabbing coffee with friends, or enjoying a casual night out, activewear is comfortable, practical, and can look just as stylish as anything else in your wardrobe when styled correctly.

Keep It Simple

To make activewear look great outside of workouts, stick to simple colours. Black, grey, and navy are easy to match and always look sharp. Pair these with classic pieces like a blazer, a long coat, or a plain shirt, and you’ll instantly achieve a balanced look that feels polished.

Small Details Count

Accessories can make a significant difference. Clean trainers, a leather bag, or a simple necklace can elevate your outfit. You don’t need much, just a few thoughtful touches to make it look intentional.

Choose Quality

Not all leggings and tops are suitable for wearing outside the gym. Higher-quality fabrics look smoother, maintain their shape, and feel more premium. Investing in the right materials, like polyamide or recycled yarns, means you can transition from the gym to everyday life without looking out of place. Quick tip: I would stay away from polyester unless recycled.

Use Layers

Layering adds versatility to activewear. Try pairing a cropped top under a loose shirt, performance trousers with a jumper, or leggings with a denim jacket. These combinations create easy outfits that fit seamlessly into different parts of your day.

Confidence Brings It Together

The key to styling activewear is how you wear it. Walking with confidence makes your outfit look intentional rather than rushed. The distinction between "just gym clothes" and a polished outfit often comes down to attitude.

Jewellery & Accessories: Gold, Silver, and the Easy Uplift

Gold vs. Silver (and When to Wear Each)

- Gold jewellery adds warmth and complements earthy tones like camel coats, chocolate brown, olive, navy and cream. It also enhances all-black outfits, think small gold hoops with a black leggings set and trench coat.

- Silver jewellery offers a cooler, more modern vibe. It pairs well with greys, blues, and technical fabrics. If your trainers or zippers have chrome details, silver will tie the look together nicely.

- Mixed metals can work well; keep it deliberate. Wearing two pieces in one metal and one accent piece in another feels considered rather than messy.

Rings that Suit Activewear

- Slim gold bands or stackable silver rings are low-effort, high-impact options. They won’t clash with performance fabrics or distract from clean silhouettes.

- Signet rings (in gold or silver) add structure. Opt for a minimal face with subtle engraving, which provides a premium look without being overly flashy.

- If you're wearing a statement ring, keep bracelets minimal or skip them altogether; activewear is all about balance.

Necklaces: Keep Them Close

- Choose short chains or fine pendants that sit near the collarbone. They complement high necklines, zip-ups, and sports bras worn under open shirts.

- For a layered look, consider wearing two delicate chains at slightly different lengths instead of chunky stacks. This approach feels refined and lays flat against technical fabrics.

Earrings: Polished, Not Heavy

- Small hoops (gold for warmth, silver for cool) or studs are ideal. They frame the face without clashing with hats, hoods, or headphones.

- Save longer drop earrings for dressier evenings; they can snag on zippers and detract from clean lines.

Bracelets & Watches

- A sleek metal watch (steel or gold-tone) instantly elevates leggings and a knit top.

- If you wear a sports watch, balance it with a slim metal bracelet on the opposite wrist, or switch to a leather strap for coffee or dinner.

Bags that Finish the Look

- A structured leather crossbody or mini tote instantly enhances a tracksuit.

- Keep hardware in the same metal family as your jewellery for a cohesive finish.

Colour Notes

- Black, grey, and navy sets work well with silver for a cool, minimal feel; add white trainers to keep it fresh.

- Cream, oatmeal, khaki, and brown outfits come alive with gold—pair them with tan leather to echo the warmth.

- If your set features a bold colour pop, keep jewellery understated to let the outfit stand out.

Care and Comfort

- Opt for hypoallergenic metals if you’re active throughout the day. Sweat-resistant finishes help keep your pieces looking new longer.

- Wipe chains and rings with a soft cloth after wearing them; technical fabrics remain cleaner when metals are smooth and snag-free.

Activewear works beyond the gym because it fits modern life; it's flexible, comfortable, and stylish enough to take you from one part of your day to the next. With a touch of jewellery (gold for warmth, silver for edge) and a well-chosen bag or watch, you can create a pulled-together look that proves dressing well doesn’t have to be complicated.