The Real Chic Life

The Essential Pieces for a Women’s Athleisure Capsule Wardrobe

If embracing a more active lifestyle was on your list of new year’s resolutions, having an athleisure capsule can give you a boost of inspiration. It’s also helpful for those of us who work from home or often find ourselves outdoors doing activities that require comfortable attire (like chasing children around at a playground, walking, or running casual errands). Athleisure combines comfort and functionality with style, and a thoughtfully curated athleisure capsule wardrobe ensures you have versatile, high-quality pieces that work seamlessly together. Here’s a guide to the essentials for building your athleisure capsule wardrobe:

1. Versatile Leggings

Invest in a pair of high-quality leggings that offer support and stretch. Opt for classic black or neutral tones for versatility, but don’t shy away from a statement color if it suits your style. The Beyond Yoga Spacedye High Waisted Midi Leggings are my favorite. They’re incredibly soft, high-quality, and feature a flattering overlap waistband. These are also soft and have pockets. 

2. Performance Tops

Include a mix of tank tops, short-sleeve tees, and long-sleeve tops. Neutral colors and muted patterns are great for layering. The Beyond Yoga Featherwight Daydreamer Pullover is an easy, comfortable choice for cooler weather. 

3. Supportive Sports Bras

A well-fitted sports bra is a must. The Victoria’s Secret Featherweight Max Sports Bra offers high support in a lightweight design that promotes airflow. 

4. Stylish Joggers

Joggers are a staple for any athleisure wardrobe. Go for slim-fitting, tapered designs that look polished but feel comfortable like the Athleta Salutation High Rise Jogger. Neutral shades like gray, black, or navy pair well with most tops.

5. Lightweight Outerwear

A sleek jacket or hoodie is perfect for layering. The Lululemon Define Cropped Jacket is a great choice for going to and from workouts. I love the look of the Beyond Yoga Spacedye High Energy Hoodie as well. The Sporty & Rich Wellness Cropped Hoodie is a casual yet stylish investment. I also have this 90s Inspired Pullover from Jubilee Apparel and find myself reaching for it a lot more than I expected. It looks great with leggings. 

6. Comfy Sneakers

A pair of neutral, multi-functional sneakers is key. Choose styles that blend performance and fashion, making them suitable for workouts and casual wear. White or black sneakers are classic options that match most outfits. Veja Low Top Sneakers are chic and go with everything. I love the versatility of the Nike Court Legacy Sneakers for running around with my kids and this platform version is really cute. I also love the Nike Spark sneakers—they’re on-trend if you don’t mind the chunky look and extremely comfortable. 

7. Minimal Accessories

A durable gym bag, a sleek baseball cap like the classic 47 NY baseball cap, and a reusable water bottle complement your athleisure look. Keep it simple to maintain a clean and modern aesthetic.

8. Functional Outer Layers

In cooler weather, top your athleisure outfit with a longline cardigan, trench coat, or wrap coat. These pieces elevate your athleisure outfit while keeping you warm. I love pairing the J.Crew Ella Sweater Blazer with my athleisure. It’s sold out, but this one is similar. 

9. Versatile Shorts

In warmer months, swap leggings for high-waisted bike shorts or relaxed-fit athletic shorts. These can be paired with oversized tees or fitted tanks for a balanced look. The Beyond Yoga spacedye bike shorts are made from the same buttery soft material as their leggings. 

10. Everyday Dresses 

For a feminine touch, consider an athletic dress made from soft or performance fabric. These pieces are great for warm, casual days and can be dressed up or down. The Abercrombie & Fitch YPB Studioflex Wrap Mini Dress is very chic. I also love the Beyond Yoga midi dress for occasions where I want to look a little bit dressy but still feel very comfortable (tip for petite ladies- pair dresses like this with wedges or platform sneakers so the length and volume of the skirt doesn’t become overwhelming). 

With these essentials, you can create a wardrobe that’s effortlessly stylish and perfectly functional, ensuring you’re always ready for both workouts and everyday adventures.

If there are any athleisure items that you love, let me know in the comments.

x0,

Courtney