Tom asked me the other day if I was planning on wearing activewear everyday while we’re in Charleston. YES, probably.

I feel that comfort items are going to be in heavy rotation. I often arrive for dinner, brunch, drinks etc in running kit – pre or post run! That doesn’t mean I don’t want to look put together or with a nod to fashion, so I asked Tatiana to put together some looks that will upgrade my athleisure and will create transitional outfits that will make your activewear work harder…

A couple of weeks ago I saw a lady in Pret wearing jeans, white t-shirt, black blazer and Adidas Ultra Boosts. Ultra Boosts in a colour way that I owned but styled in a way I would never have thought of. It had me thinking…how many other pieces in my running wardrobe could be mixed & matched into my non-running uniform. 

We’ve tried to share a key piece and a few ways of wearing it, as well as options for different budgets. You can also obviously mix and match items you already have in your wardrobe to recreate the looks below. I’m also going to be styling them and similar outfits on insta  (with input from Tat – I basically have her on speed dial – give her a follow on IG now if you don’t already!) 

Half Zip – Varley, Tank – Sweaty Betty, Leggings – Sweaty Betty, Adidas Ultra Boost, Grey T-Shirt – Arket, Jeans – Boden (on sale for £42!) , Nike Waffle Trainers (customisable – great Christmas pressie!)

The Varley Half Zip really elevates even a simple leggings and trainers combo. For a more budget friendly option, try the Sosander Half Zip from John Lewis or I just ordered this option from Target. My current favourite transitional leggings are from Sweaty Betty – this outfit would look great in the camo print or plain black leggings.

I really like the longer sleeve on the t-shirt, it updates a plain tee. I’ve just ordered the plain white which will look great with gold hoops!

Coat – M&S, Khaki leggings – Sweaty Betty, Jumper – Varley, Jeans – Boden (currently reduced!) Trainers – Boots – Shoe the Bear

Marks and Spencers is coming up trumps at the moment with both athleisure and their new season pieces – including coats, bags and boots! (Check out Tat’s M&S boot round up reel for more inspo). I just ordered myself this coat (similar to the one above). Also love this option from Uniqlo.

I have a plain brown pair of the Shoe the Bear Leopard boots shown above that have been very well loved for day to day wear and on dog walks throughout the year. I’m a little in love with the idea of Leopard Print hiking style boots – Whistles also do a gorgeous option, as do M&S for a budget friendly option here or a smarter, heeled version here.

Straight leg jeans are a great transition for those that loved the skinny jean look (I love Abercrombie & Fitch for jeans) – they pair well with both trainers and a long ankle boot. Personally I’m also going to be wearing them with Birkenstock clogs this autumn/winter! 

Brown gilet – Varley, Green jumper – H&M (linked grey version) Jeans – Boden, Boots – Shoe the Bear, Long sleeve – Sweaty Betty, Leggings – Lululemon

Chocolate brown is huge at the moment according to Tat. It is softer than black but just as versatile, and can be paired with a range of colours. Pair brown with cream, burgundy, black, green or bright jewel colours. It can make athleisure look sophisticated and smart. 

Trainers – Nike Waffle (30% off right now!) , Gilet – Marks and Spencer (currently 20% off!) Green Jumper – H&M (Grey Version linked), Jeans – Mango (Only £30!) Joggers – Cashmere from H&M, Jumper – Sweaty Betty (size down on this one – £20 off!)

I’m not really a ‘joggers’ type of person anymore (I lived in my Jack Wills trackies at university!) but this outfit looks comfortable yet stylish. I’m tempted by a pair of Vuori tracksuit bottoms or the Sweaty Betty Gary yoga pants (I have the jumpsuit and it is SO comfy!)

Fleece – New Balance, Jeans – Mango (Under £30) Mac – Mango, Boots -M&S, Trainers – Brooks Ghost 14 (on sale – or try the new Ghost 15!)

Tuck the fleeced into the jeans just behind the button to break up the outfit. Remember the rule of thirds when dressing – your leg will start at the top of the jeans with a tuck (not tucking will make your legs appear shorter as they will look like they start at the bottom of the fleece!) 

A higher ankle on a boot is always better to balance out your legs – especially for more muscular legs! 

Black Gilet – Barbour, Fleece – Sweaty Betty, Leggings – Lululemon, Trainers – Brooks Ghost White Gilet – Colombia, Jumper – Varley, Leggings – Lululemon (love the Java colour!)

Size up on the gilet to create an oversized look and to ensure it covers your bottom. Bigger is better for layering with thick knits – you could even pop a leather jacket under a gilet when it gets really chilly. I’m obsessed with the Sweaty Betty Pennine Zip Up (I have the Green version but the white one is currently on sale).