I Left These 7 Athleisure Finds in 2021 and am Swapping in These 7 New Ones

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I'm in the middle of a spring closet cleanout, so picture me writing to you at my desk with clothes everywhere and boxes piled high surrounding me. I take the side project seriously. After going through the obvious sections, such as winter coats and sweaters, the final step in my cleanout happens to be my activewear collection. Since it's seasonless, it often gets overlooked as an area of the wardrobe that needs an update. However, especially because many of us are still spending more time at home, it deserves attention. 

Gone are the days of bright neons and wild fringe. The athleisure pieces that I am swapping in may be "trends," but I only spotlighted items that you'll want to wear for years to come. The "anti-trend" movement has made its way over to athleisure, and I'm here for it. Discover the six trends I insist you exercise and lounge in below.

Swapping out: Highlighter Color Palette

Swapping in: Retro

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(Image credit: @waityouneedthis)

The retro aesthetic has become more than just an athleisure trend. It's made its way into our everyday wardrobe. In Princess Diana fashion, casual elegance can be so sophisticated. I'll be getting the look with fun sneakers, logo sweatshirts, and effortless shorts.

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Swapping out: Old Tees

Swapping in: '90s Ribbed Tanks

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(Image credit: @naomielizee)

While I love working out in a long-forgotten comfort T-shirt, the white ribbed tank top is taking over. The basic graced the runways of strong designers such as Loewe, Chloé, and Bottega Veneta, so you bet you'll be seeing me wearing it at the gym.

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Swapping out: Standard Leggings

Swapping in: Cargo Joggers

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(Image credit: @indyabrown)

While running to the grocery store once called for the favorite pair of leggings, things have changed. This year, cargo pants are having their moment, and they come in jogger form. Swap them in to give rich-mom energy.

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Swapping out: Graphic Prints

Swapping in: Tennis-Core

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

Tennis apparel holds a sweet spot for me. My mom bribed me to join the tennis team in high school with promises of Lululemon miniskirts, and that certainly got my interest. It's fun to be wearing this trend all over again as an adult.

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Swapping out: Camo

Swapping in: Onesies

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(Image credit: @chrissyteigen)

Those early a.m. classes are much easier to get to when this piece is in your closet. Getting ready takes only seconds when you have a workout onesie. And if Chrissy Teigen approves, then so do I. 

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Swapping out: Distressing

Swapping in: Ruching

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(Image credit: @bykwest)

It's fascinating to me the difference that ruching can make in a simple sports bra– and-legging set. It adds texture and excitement to your look without being too flashy. I predict this trend will be here to stay.

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Swapping out: Joggers

Swapping in: V Leggings

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(Image credit: @kelseaballerini)

Nothing will make your activewear collection feel more updated than buying into the "V-legging" trend. It went viral on TikTok for how much it flatters your waistline, so you're going to have to give it a try.

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Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, trying the latest fitness craze in New York City, or exploring luxury vintage boutiques.