Welcome to Word on the Street, a quarterly series in which one editor takes to the streets of New York City to snap her favorite fashion moments and shop them out just for you.
On the first 90-degree day of the year, I found myself in Bushwick, Brooklyn, on a mission to find summer outfit inspiration. This neighborhood is home to an eclectic mix of artists, wannabe DJs, multi-generational families, and most importantly, my stylish colleague, Stephanie Johnson. Before New York, Steph lived in Los Angeles and Austin, two cities with sartorial profiles that are on-trend, approachable, and fun. I'd describe her personal style the same way. I always take note of how she blends fashion and function, but her recent activewear looks were so good, I had to grab my camera to capture them.
Her top recommendation for sourcing cool activewear is none other than FP Movement. She's mastered the art of layering, combining colors, and accessorizing outfits for her everyday activities, from errands to dog walks to yoga classes. Below, discover three activewear looks you'll want to copy and wear all summer long.
What features do you look for most in stylish activewear?
Fit is paramount for me—I refuse to readjust my sports bra or pull up my leggings mid-workout. I used to avoid shorts, but I've trusted FP Movement's shorts since my marathon training days. The fit is *chef’s kiss*—especially as someone who struggles to find shorts that don't leave a gap at the waist or fit too snugly on my thighs—and I always feel like I have just the right amount of coverage. Fabric is another feature I care about: I want something lightweight and flexible that doesn’t stick or rub. Now that I'm allowing my personality to shine through in my gym 'fits, style is also important to me. FP Movement has the best prints, colorways, and designs—the first shorts I purchased all those years ago had an adorable ruffle detail that made me feel extra cute during my workout. Oh, and they had pockets! You wouldn't believe how many women's shorts forgo pockets.
Can you describe an activewear outfit that makes you feel especially confident or motivated during workouts or daily activities?
The thing about NYC is you're always on display. I even want to look cute when walking to and from the gym, just in case I decide to grab a coffee or pop into a store. For me, the best workout outfits are those that feel versatile. I like a supportive top, breezy bottoms, and a lightweight jacket or sweater I can tie around my waist, shoulders, or layer on top to make things feel a bit more styled. A bright pop of color, either with my gym bag or an accessory, really helps to pull everything together.
How do you balance comfort, performance, and personal style when choosing your activewear outfits in the summer?
For the longest time, comfort was the only thing that came to mind during my workouts. You could catch me in the gym in an old high-school tee and oversize shorts. It wasn't until a few years ago, when I decided to run a marathon and grabbed some new outfits from FP Movement, that I realized comfort, performance, and style could coexist. Once you put on performance-based activewear—which is lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking—you can’t go back. Recently, I've challenged myself to treat my activewear ensembles as an extension of my personal style. I like layered, breezy, effortless, and cool pieces, so I've been favoring those sorts of looks when I'm working out. I also prefer to go a bit brighter with my activewear—it's probably a placebo effect, but I like to think it does something for my energy levels.
