Sportswear as a statement of haute couture

Runways are adorned with classic athletic pieces such as tracksuits, sports shirts, and jerseys, which merge perfectly with high fashion components. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner are frequently spotted wearing stylish athleisure ensembles, which have prompted her followers to emulate her style.

There was quite a great deal of anticipation this season at the Spring-Summer 2024 runways. The ready-to-wear catwalk season that officially wrapped hundreds of shows taking place across New York, London, Milan, Paris, and a few off-schedule presentations in far-flung locations, noticed an advent of athletic wear.

The fusion of sportswear with tailored silhouettes, heels, and flats highlights the versatility and appeal of athletic-inspired fashion.

Windbreakers and hoodies

A-listers like Taylor Swift, Bella Hadid, and Rihanna have recently embraced these sporty styles.

At Miu Miu, polo t-shirts and collared shirts are paired stylishly with skirts and blazers, while The Row matches windbreakers with satin pants for an effortlessly chic look. Louis Vuitton and Gucci are also embracing this trend, incorporating windbreakers with distinctive skirts.

“Sportswear is undoubtedly dominating the summer fashion scene this year,” observes Ankur Shukla, fashion expert and owner of Tara C Tara. “Layering is also key to mastering this trend,” he notes. “Think about layering a lightweight sports jacket over a tailored dress or mixing a sporty crop top with high-waisted, wide-leg pants. The goal is to create a harmonious balance between the casual, relaxed vibe of sportswear and the structured elegance of tailored pieces. This blend not only adds visual interest but also ensures comfort and practicality.”

Fusion of athletic attire and haute couture

Preppy fashion, reminiscent of college days, also made a comeback on the runway. The mingling of sporty and Ivy League styles is set to dominate fashion this year. “Summer fashion is undergoing a lively transformation this year, spearheaded by sportswear,” begins Ayushi Dewan, proprietor and designer at Aadews, a brand renowned for blending fashion with comfort. “We’re witnessing a thrilling fusion of athletic attire and haute couture, where traditional sports garments like tracksuits, jerseys, and sports shirts effortlessly blend with tailored ensembles, heels, and chic flats. This trend isn’t solely about comfort but about composing a genteel, contemporary aesthetic that fluently adapts to diverse occasions.”

Activewear with blazer

A summer-friendly direction, known as ‘blazer shorts’, features blazers paired with tailored Bermuda shorts. This sophisticated yet playful look graced the runways of Chanel, Staud, Maison Margiela, Loewe, and Dries Van Noten.

Dewan continues, “One of the key aspects of this trend is its practicality. Imagine pairing a sleek sports bra with a tailored blazer and high-waisted trousers. This combination exudes contemporary elegance while maintaining a relaxed, sporty vibe. The beauty of this trend lies in its ability to transition effortlessly from day to night. By adding a pair of chic heels or statement flats, you can easily shift from a casual daytime look to a more polished evening ensemble.”

‘Warrior’ outfit

Throwing back to 2018, sports psychologist Priyanka Sarkar recalls how Serena Williams made waves at Roland Garros by wearing a catsuit, calling it her ‘warrior’ outfit. After having her daughter, she needed strength like a superhero, and the catsuit provided it. A year later, she returned to the court. Likewise, Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner’s appearance with a Gucci bag at Wimbledon in 2023 marked a significant moment where luxury fashion met sports.

Dubbed athluxury, this trend ricochets a lifestyle shift towards overall well-being, where sportswear goes from the gym to daily life, promoting inclusivity and body positivity.

“I see this trend as more than just a fashion statement—it’s a reflection of evolving societal values towards health, inclusivity, and self-expression. By blending sporty and chic elements, individuals are not only making a fashion statement but also embracing a lifestyle that celebrates movement, authenticity, and individuality,” shares Priyanka. She also adds that sportswear is quite certainly the next in fashion. People seek comfort, versatility, and functionality in their clothing choices, making sportswear a perfect match. With improvements in fabric and design, sportswear will adapt even better to different activities and environments, cementing its role in everyday fashion.

By blending sporty and chic elements, individuals are not only making a fashion statement but also embracing a lifestyle that celebrates movement, authenticity, and individuality.” — Priyanka Sarkar, sports psychologist

We’re witnessing a thrilling fusion of athletic attire and haute couture, where traditional sports garments like tracksuits, jerseys, and sports shirts effortlessly blend with tailored ensembles, heels, and chic flats.” — Ayushi Dewan, proprietor and designer at Aadews