Sure, Workout Leggings Are Nice, But These 5 Gym Outfits Make Me Look Way Chicer

These are the kind of things that motivate me to actually work out.

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chic workout outfits
(Image credit: Courtesy of Barry's Bootcamp; Courtesy of Set Active)

One of the best things to happen to me in 2025 was a Barry's Bootcamp opening up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which is just one neighborhood over from me. I've long been obsessed with the high-intensity workout class, but now I get to enjoy a long stroll over to the studio at least three times a week.

I've never been a morning person, but I'm starting to understand the appeal. I hate to admit that waking up early and going on a long walk to one of your favorite workouts will do wonders for your mental health.

But one thing I've never really focused on while working out is my outfits. This is funny coming from me, a fashion editor who blows off steam by scrolling on The RealReal and has mountains of clothing currently surrounding her bed. The thing is I've always just prioritized my actual wardrobe over my gym wardrobe. Although, it did start to recently bother me that I felt so unlike myself while on the treadmill or lifting weights.

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So last month, while I was challenging myself to go to multiple Barry's classes a week, I decided to try and really think about what I wanted to wear instead of just throwing something on. And honestly, the extra getting-ready time was well worth it. I swear you just run faster and lift more when you catch a glimpse at your sweaty self in the mirror and actually like the way you styled your leggings and workout bra.

Below, five outfits I wore to Barry's that completely changed my approach to getting dressed to work out.

Wearing my favorite workout studio's merch

best workout outfits

(Image credit: Courtesy of @tarigonzalez)

When we think of merch we most often think of our favorite bands! Our favorite restaurants! Our favorite teams! But why not wear your favorite workout studio on your sleeve too (or in this instance, sports bra)?

Part of the reason I love Barry's so much is that there's this real sense of community. And when I saw this Barry's x Lululemon sports bra, I knew I had to rock the look. I matched it with another Barry's collab piece, a pair of strut leggings with a criss-cross waist band, and love the way they look together.

I'll also admit, sometimes I do actually wear my Miu Miu glasses to the gym when I run out of contacts but it's honestly kind of fun. Some might see me repping Barry's head-to-toe and feel intimidated but the glasses add my signature quirkiness that keeps the look not so serious.

Opting for a Long-Sleeve All-Red Three-Piece Set

Chic workout outfits

(Image credit: Courtesy of @tarigonzalez)

I normally just throw on a sports bra and a pair of leggings and call it a day. They don't even have to match. But I recently got this three-piece set from Saisei and am obsessed. I love the shade of this red; it's not too bright. And I love the long-sleeve top. Now that it's getting colder, I am finding it harding to shed my layers before walking into the red room at Barry's. With this outfit, I don't have to.

Making Leggings Exciting With a Fur Coat and Sleek Black Glasses

Chic workout outfits

(Image credit: Courtesy of @tarigonzalez)

The most surprising thing in my winter wardrobe is this cropped black faux-fur coat that's actually by ALO. No one believes me when I tell them! I wear it all the time, and funny enough, I normally don't wear it to work out. I think I just got it in my head that I should be wearing sweatshirts and fleeces and more typical gym outerwear. Now, I wear it all the time, and it makes me feel so much better to be seen out in leggings, a necessarily workout item that just feels so not me.

Throwing on a Cozy Fleece in Bright Colors

Chic workout outfits

(Image credit: Courtesy of @tarigonzalez)

That being said, sometimes it's not cold enough to wear a full-blown fur coat to the gym. And on those days, I opt for this perfect FP Movement fleece in light pink and red. Fleeces are practical and very corpcore, but that doesn't feel they can't be cute like this one.

Layering With a Funky Cutout Wrap Top

Chic workout outfits

(Image credit: Courtesy of @tarigonzalez)

I love to layer in my day-to-day, but for whatever reason, I just don't do it when I go to the gym. Probably because it doesn't feel comfortable to break a sweat while wearing multiple things. This white top, though, which ties at the side and has funky asymmetrical cutouts, was perfect. I love how you can see a peek of my sports bra underneath, and it was ideal for a chillier day. It also makes this Saisei (again, it makes the chicest pieces in the best soft tones!) set feel new again.

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Tara Gonzalez
Tara Gonzalez
Senior Fashion & Social Editor

Tara Gonzalez is a senior fashion and social editor at WhoWhatWear. where she is interested in exploring the intersection of fashion and culture and why we are drawn to wearing the things we wear and what that says about the world we live in. Previously she worked as a senior fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar. When she isn't writing trend deep dives for WWW, she's working on her newsletter on Substack, Cult Classic, which explores the very best fashion in film and television. She has a degree in creative writing from The University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Brooklyn with her boyfriend and pug Bjork, the later of which has a very extensive collection of dog-sized Sandy Liang sweaters.