Luxe Sportswear: This year’s biggest trend

With the nation gearing up for the most anticipated sporting event in decades (the Olympics, for those of you who may have been out of the country, or in a box, for a few years), designers are clambering over themselves to get in on the hottest trend of the year.

Luxe sportswear has been creeping onto the catwalks over the last 3 years, but versatile, performance-focused fabrics encased by feminine lines dominated many spring/summer 2012 collections. Dropped crotch trousers, sheer panelled vests, and streamlined silhouettes teamed with fresh palettes and designer labels have meant sportswear is no longer reserved for breaking a sweat in the gym.

The usual sportswear trendsetters such as Lacoste and Aquascutum, but also at more unpredictable shows produced my favourite examples. Isabel Marant, famed for her girly creations went for bold colours and oversized numbers on basic tank tops. Kenzo and Pringle both did a fab job of making exercise look almostappealing with block primary colours and gorgeous tapered trousers (I write, reaching for another cupcake).

I know when you hear ‘sportswear’ you’re thinking horrendously tight Capri pants that would fail to look good on the most svelte of women, but remember this trend includes equestrian inspired jodhpurs, neoprene tops and high-shine coloured panelling.  If you’re anything like me, then comfort tends to lead to contentment, the idea of throwing on a grey marl hoody and a pair of joggers, after a night in heels, fills me with happiness. The wonderful thing about this trend is that it can be incorporated into any type of outfit whether it were for work, an evening or a date.

Top tips for pulling this one off are pretty simple. Keep colours muted to achieve a more ‘laissez faire’ look, jogging bottoms can be dressed up with fancy footwear, neon piping is an effective yet subtle addition, and make sure your accessories run on the same theme: a pristine patent clutch may look a little out of place. Bags need to be slouchy and oversized; after all it needs to be big enough to keep a change of clothes, a water bottle, towel and ankle weights…

So if the thought of going to the gym brings you out in a rash, take a run (or a cab) to your nearest shopping centre to make sure you are bang on trend this season.

Charlotte Simon