Comfort and style are often not synonymous. Girls tend to think that the tighter more structural/ornamented an outfit is, the more style creds it receives-wrong. When walking around the streets of New York City or the campus of Columbia University, of course, I admire the avant-garde and the unexpected, but what I appreciate the most is someone who can pull off stylish athletic-inspired clothing and look both effortless and fashion-forward at the same time.
Everyone makes fun of me for my overuse of the created word “athleisure”. It is one of my favorite trends because it breaks rules, blurs the boundaries between male and female fashion and on a more simple note, is super comfortable. It is a style that is transitional and cool whether you are going to class, hitting the gym, shopping downtown on the weekends or going out. Athleisure is cutting-edge in its universality, as elements of the trend can be implemented into any outfit for any occasion.
This Fashionista, with her artfully curated ensemble, proves that athletic attire doesn’t have to be boring and basic black, and that small details make a world of difference. She pairs a pair of black, fold over leggings with a cropped, graphic print pullover, adding color and playing with the typical proportions of athletic wear. The cropped silhouette of her top and the low rise of her pants allow her classic Calvin Klein brief waistband to peek out, adding interest and an element of street. Instead of basic black Converse, this Fashionista opted for the Comme des Garçons x Converse collaboration sneakers complete with a red heart that adds interest to an otherwise monochromatic bottom half. With her rings and loose wavy hair, she looks less like she’s about to go for a run, and more like she’s ready to take on the day.
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Whatever the occasion, don’t compromise your personal style. Whether you’re rocking athleisure, going out, or even rocking the groutfit, there’s a greater pleasure in keeping your sense of self.”
