IT’S been a long and (occasionally) hot summer, but now that familiar back-to-school feeling is finally creeping up on us with the arrival of September.
For many of us, that means a renewed focus on our personal wellbeing – and what better way to motivate yourself to meet your exercise goals than with some shiny, new activewear?
Whether you’re already a fitness fanatic or just starting out, the right kit is essential when cooler weather comes. Not only are fabrics and designs specially tailored to improve comfort and performance during exercise these days, there are some super-stylish options out there too.
From tops to trainers, these are all the elements you need to get in gear for autumn…
TOPS
On chilly mornings, you’ll need more than just shorts and a T-shirt to keep warm, even if you’re working out indoors. A fitted, long-sleeved jacket, or sweatshirt in a high-performance fabric, is breathable and won’t limit your range of movement.
:: Lapp The Brand Seamless Cropped Jacket, £80; Seamless Contour Leggings, £100 (shoes, stylist’s own)
:: Nike Sportswear Heritage Women’s Fleece Crew, £44.95
VESTS
Sometimes all your need is one key piece to make the transition from summer to autumn, and a good vest top is ideal for all kinds of exercise, whether you’re getting sweaty with a HIIT session or stretching out with yin yoga.
:: Pangaia Seaweed Fiber Classic Tank, £55
:: Marks and Spencer Goodmove Printed Double Layer Top, £17.50
LEGGINGS
The bedrock of any workout wardrobe, a decent pair of leggings is worth investing in, because nobody wants to keep hitching up their waistband every time they do a squat. Plus, high-quality fabrics won’t sag, pull or turn see-through after a few wears. For an extra exercise boost, opt for compression leggings, which are said to help increase muscle efficiency and reduce recovery time too.
:: Contur Freestyle Vest, £57; Block-rocker Crop, £57; Bold Move Leggings, £75
:: Adidas by Stella McCartney Support Core Leggings, £99.95
TRAINERS
The latest trainer launches combine all the high-tech features you need in a sports shoe – support, comfort, breathability and lightweight materials – with a cool, fashion-forward aesthetic, so you don’t have to sacrifice style or substance.
:: Adidas Originals ZX 2K Boost Shoes, £109.95
:: Nike Air Zoom SuperRep Women’s HIIT Class Shoe, £104.95
