POV: "I'm going to work out" is the unlock to your best outfits

5 exhibits. 5 looks. 6 takeaways. LFG.

Maybe the secret to “getting dressed” is getting dressed in workout clothes.

Exhibit A

Back some time ago, I observed that sometimes I like my stay-at-home outfits better than my going out outfits, and I was wondering why. Was it just like in Clueless when Cher lives her best life watching Ren and Stimpy because her “party clothes are so binding.” It felt like more.

Exhibit B

Back too long ago for me to even pinpoint a year,

Leandra Medine Cohen

turned us on to the notion of kneecap leggings as part of a real “outfit outfit.” I remember her originals were by All Access (RIP; I still have 3 pairs). As with many Leandra-isms, I was interested right away but afraid to try it until much later. Then a few summers ago, my stylist friend

Tereza

helped me build them into a uniform with a shoulder pad tee, long open button-up, and flats. Heaven. I wore this to death.

Exhibit C

In Miami, I can’t wear this exact uniform, but I’m still a capri legging devotee, and like Leandra, I discover Alo’s 90s high rise version. But the ubiquitous Miami uniform is a matched set consisting of short leggings and matching top (or unitard), plus, say a Miu Miu 90s style bag. For me, though, I never enjoy the exposure of front or back, crotch or crack.

Exhibit D

Capris come back. The aha moment for me happens in the Acne Studios store in the Design District. When I spot these.

I want them. This is not how I will wear them. I assume they’ll go on sale — who wants see through checked capri pants? But they don’t go on sale! (I got them last week on TRR. They must be good because

Liz McKay

has them. She’s my fashion pioneer.)

Exhibit E

Week after week since she first landed on the formula, we can see Anna of

The Wardrobe Edit

getting so much joy from her twist on workout clothes. I mean look at those textures, richness, layers, lushness, unexpected and still so Annnnna …
Formula: workout leggings + sweater around the waist, + animal print ballet flat + unexpected bag.

EXHIBITS A-E, put in a blender + secret sauce = me

So here are some “outfits” I recently wore because I was working out. None of them involved AN OUNCE of thought or preplanning. Each of them I “created” — that word is generous — because I was wearing workout clothes, but getting coffee/working before or after and wanted to feel more dressed/comfortable in that setting. That’s it.