The Cure to a Lockdown Rut

I have recently moved house. I’m writing from a new town, a new county, and am completely surrounded by boxes. Moving during the pandemic really offers little exposure to your new environment; I only ever see my new neighbours when I’m running or walking my dog, and hence all I ever encounter is outdoor wear. It’s not dissimilar to the St Andrews stereotypes of Hunter wellies and Barbour coats, although the key difference here is that the people rocking these looks are usually middle-aged and wear for efficiency rather than for aesthetic.

I have noticed, as a consequence of new year’s resolutions and the latest national lockdown, that a lot of people have taken up daily exercise outdoors, and hence athleisure has really become the uniform of lockdown 3.0. When lounging about in my home, I find the perfect balance between comfort and laziness is wearing sports clothes. Rather than wearing pajamas and a dressing gown, sporting athleisure can make you look and feel purposeful. It’s essentially a secret look that you can throw together with minimal effort, and it also affords the perfect opportunity (excuse) to forgo makeup and hairstyling. Even if you don’t feel like going outside, pulling on your athleisure can motivate you to get some fresh air, encouraging structure where it’s important during lockdown.

I believe athleisure is really the solution to the lockdown fashion rut, where many are experiencing an existential crisis without anything to really dress up for. Below, I’ve pieced together some celebrity sportswear looks that will inspire you to get outside and prove that comfort does not always have to look lazy but can be slick and styled, too.

Here, Gigi Hadid is sporting athleisure on a food shop in exactly the type of outfit I’d like to rock on my weekly Tesco run. Gigi has made this simple look seem put together and complete through her colour coordination; the orange bag and white top match perfectly with the band detailing on her leggings, consciously tying the whole outfit together.

Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber’s pilates outfits are super cute, comfy, and casual. I love the Sherpa-style sweatshirts, which soften the look of the material and are also a great choice for a low-intensity workout. The quarter-zip detail really transforms these jumpers from loungewear to sportswear.

Black and grey are great choices for athleisure, as they’re flattering and really go with everything. Ashley Tinsdale proves this by incorporating a pop of pink in her New Balance trainers, livening up this outfit and really showing some personality.

Although Kourtney is styling some not so practical heels with her sports look, this outfit is incredible; the wide-sleeved cropped hoodie and yoga pants look surprisingly elegant. Her sunglasses and the slick-back ponytail really put forward a boss women vibe and some seriously flourishing confidence.

So obviously athleisure is not just for working out. These flattering clothes require minimal effort to get great results, motivating you to get outside, do some form of exercise, and really allow yourself to feel accomplished in your day-to-day. During this latest round of lockdown, clothing and the structure it provides can really help you feel put together and motivated, even without the extreme of going full glam every day. Athleisure can be a happy, comfy medium that’s also a great step forward in feeling good about your day.