The Fashion Memo

The Barre-To-Brunch Style Guide

Whether you’re heading to barre, yoga or HIIT, our edit of stylish and supportive gym kits – and beauty essentials – will have you looking and feeling your best, from a fitness class to an impromptu catch-up with friends

Words Kara KiaFashion assistant Connie Daw
Fashion
Sweatshirt, Sporty & Rich

What to wear to work out

A supportive sports bra, squat-proof leggings and shock-absorbing sneakers are the foundations of a practical fitness outfit, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego style. Outdoor Voices’ ultra-versatile ‘Zoom’ top has a built-in bra and removable padding, so it can either be worn as a sports bra for a workout or styled as a minimal tank top with classic denim or camel-colored pants. Better still, the top is cut from the brand’s sweat-wicking SuperForm fabric and is woven with UPF50 (ultraviolet protection factor) sun protection, making it ideal for outdoor workouts. Pair with high-rise leggings from Varley that feature an extra-wide, body-sculpting waistband and are made from 75-percent-recycled polyester; or style with Girlfriend Collective’s ‘Compressive’ leggings. The compression stabilizes your muscles while you train for optimal recovery after workouts, while the fabric is produced from 79-percent-recycled plastic that has been sourced from pre-consumer waste.

The best gym kit and fitness accessories

A dedicated gym bag ensures you never leave the house without your workout essentials, and The Row’s ‘Logan’ tote is roomy enough to fit your spare clothes, water bottle, sneakers and beauty kit. Cut from tonal beige shell and leather, the chic, understated design also makes it perfect for a weekend away. Meanwhile, Adidas by Stella McCartney’s rubber yoga mat is a must-have for yoga and Pilates enthusiasts. It has high-traction grips at the bottom to keep you steady while flowing through your poses, and the calming lavender hue adds a pretty pop of color to your gym kit. When choosing sneakers, APL Athletic Propulsion Labs and Veja have an impressive offering, with supportive training styles that can be worn in and out of the studio. Finally, save yourself from any pre- or post-workout hair dilemmas with The Frankie Shop’s baseball cap, which is available only at NET-A-PORTER. It’s made from an 80 percent wool blend for added warmth on winter days – simply slip on a puffer jacket and you’re good to go.

The beauty essentials to carry in your kit bag

When it comes to your post-workout skincare routine, you’ll want to stick to hydrating, repairing and calming ingredients in lightweight textures. We love Aesop’s Redemption Body Scrub to gently wick away dirt and sweat from pores – it contains finely milled pumice particles, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin, either. If you tend to stay hot a little longer, especially after an intense HIIT session, Nécessaire’s Body Serum is extremely lightweight but offers major hydrating benefits. Alternatively, Augustinus Bader’s The Body Oil is slightly richer for more intense hydration, but is still lightweight and sinks into skin so you can dress straight after applying it. For your décolletage and up, you’ll want to use an antioxidant-rich serum – it’ll help with inflammation and repair the skin, as well as adding hydration, so a serum that does both, such as Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Serum, is ideal. For added glow and to even out any redness left over from your workout, Ultra Violette’s tinted formula goes on sheer, but still offers good coverage and SPF50 protection at the same time. Finally, Charlotte Tilbury’s Tinted Love Lip and Cheek Tint dabbed on the apples of the cheeks, lips and even on lids for a monochromatic glow will really liven up fatigued, post-workout skin.

How to go from gym to brunch

Once you’ve completed an invigorating (or grueling) workout, indulge your body with ultra-soft sets and separates that carry enough polish for an impromptu brunch date. If you prefer an understated look, consider Adidas Originals plush sweatshirt. It’s cut from 93-percent-recycled scuba, which is a cozy neoprene-like fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Style with the brand’s coordinating track pants, which are lined with warm fleece and made from 67-percent-recycled polyester and 33 percent cotton for a plush, jersey-like feel. Elsewhere, Sporty & Rich’s ‘Connecticut Crest’ jacket is inspired by American varsity wear for an effortlessly cool look with vintage appeal. Crafted from 100 percent wool to see you through colder days, lean in to the brand’s collegiate aesthetic by slipping it over a white sweatshirt, straight-leg jeans and box-fresh sneakers.

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The model featured in this story is not associated with NET-A-PORTER and does not endorse it or the products shown