2 Easy (and Cheap) Ways to Always Look Cool at the Gym

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

As someone who’s pretty new in the game to gym life and exercise in general, I’m always looking for ways to infuse my love of fashion into my, um, disinterest in working out. After all, what better way to inspire a healthy, active lifestyle than the prospect of a cool outfit and perhaps a great photo of it, too? If this sounds like an added layer of effort for you, let me continue before you give up on me.

Today, I’m breaking down two unbelievably easy ways to look cool at the gym—every time—without having to break the bank either, thanks to JoyLab (the affordable activewear brand we co-design with our friends at Target). Ready? Just keep scrolling to read about each, see them in action and, of course, shop the under-$50 pieces you'll need to get each look for yourself:

Option 1: Statement Separates

If you’re more inclined to statement pieces and items that stand out, simply opt for tops, sports bras, and leggings that are detailed, rather than plain. Think cool cutouts, mesh inserts, strappy situations, and more. Pieces like this will ensure that no outfit you wear could possibly look basic. Scroll for proof (and to shop our statement sports bras, leggings, tops, and more).

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Option 2: Simple Sets

If, like me, your gym style (and everyday style) is more on the minimal side, then the move for you is to invest in simple matching sets. I don’t know what it is, but no matter how plain a sports bra or pair of leggings can be, if you’re wearing ones that match, you just look cool automatically. Continue on to see for yourself and shop the sets along the way.

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Up next? These 9 trends have now become fashion-girl basics.

Senior Market Editor

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.