Good Sports

Each season there's always a designer or few that try it, but in spring/summer 2012 the sportswear trend really gained hype in the fashion scene.
Maybe it's all in anticipation of the upcoming London Olympics? The fact that it mixes comfort and modern style? Or maybe they've just realized that it'll be more cost effective to mix gym clothes with day wear. Two for the price of one, who doesn't love that?
Well whatever it is, it works.

Now I'm sure your all want to avoid looking as though you just finished a half-marathon or scored a home run. So in order to make this trend seem less scary I'll give you a few tips that'll draw the line between work out and wear out.

(L to R: Rag & Bone, Alexander Wang, Akris, Isabel Marant, Akris, Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Versus, Lacoste, pictures from style.com and edited by me)

Now here are my ideas and tips for looks that might inspire you to give this trend a shot.

(1-Jason Wu pullover, 2-Aubin & Wills tshirt, 3-3.1 Phillip Lim jacket, 4-Pierre Hardy clutch, 5-Karen Walker sunglasses, 6-Alexander Wang bag, 7-3.1 Phillip Lim shorts, 8-Alexander Wang dress, 9-Rag & Bone skirt, 10-Roksanda top, 11-Jason Wu pants, 12-Henry Holland for Le Specs sunglasses, 13-Jil Sander bag, 14-Christopher Kane shoes, 15-Gilmore shoes, 16-VPL bra, 17-VPL bra, 18-Michael Kors bodysuit, 19-Michael Kors bangle, 20-Michael Kors watch, 21-3.1 Phillip Lim vest)

If your not afraid to make a statement with punches of neon colour try wearing the trend with key items like above. Scuba swimwear, visible zips, strong panelling and modern cuts prove the trend is all about execution. Sports bras like ones from VPL worn under tanks or jackets are a great trend staple. Look out for fabrics such as mesh and neoprene that add to the sporty aesthetic.
Stream line the look, think like an olympic swimmer!

1- Michael Kors shoes, 2-Illesteva sunglasses, 3-Lisa Marie Fernandez bathers, 4-Versus clutch, 5-Adam pants, 6-Jonathan Saunders dress, 7-Versus clutch, 8-Versus shoes, 9-Casio watch, 10-Pierre Hardy backpack, 11-Proenza Schouler top, 12-Paul&Joe jacket)

For those a bit shy or new to the trend, try pastels or toned down brights like purple of blue. The key is simplicity so clean lines and a mixture of structured and relaxed fits make the look work. Items with striped piping immediately add a sporting touch and add a minimal detail.

Sports wear Decoded: By Kate