Here's Why I'm Buying Workout Clothes in Outfits

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Okay, so here’s the thing—I love to work out, and in theory, I love workout clothes. But in reality, I’ve always had a dresser drawer stuffed with pieces I never wear. And I think I’ve figured out the reason. Over the years, I’ve collected an assortment of activewear items, but many of them don’t go together. Sure, I’ve got a great pair of high-waisted leggings, some cute tops, and a warm-up jacket I love, but none of them add up to one cool outfit.

So lately, instead of collecting one-off pieces, I decided to buy my workout clothes in outfits—and I’m never turning back. It all started when one of our Who What Wear editors talked about how much easier her morning gym sessions were when she reduced the size of her workout wardrobe. Instead of endless options, she instead had a curated collection of pieces that made dressing for an early boxing class pretty mindless—but also stylish. Intrigued by the approach, I decided to streamline my workout clothes, making sure I would have a few great outfits to choose from instead of a random assortment.

I tested the theory with some pieces from JoyLab, including a netted crop top and a pair of high-waisted leggings, which are flattering, cool, and perfect for pretty much every workout. And I have to admit that it has made getting dressed for early morning yoga classes so much easier. Instead of shuffling through my dresser at 6 a.m. in a pre-coffee haze, I know exactly what to wear and can quickly head out the door. Read on to shop my new go-to workout outfit.

Now, I’m never turning back and will be buying all my workout clothes as outfits.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.