I'm All About Minimalist Workout Sets Right Now—These Have My Full Attention
As a regular gymgoer before the whole world turned upside down, it felt a little disheartening to say goodbye to my collection of cute workout clothes at the start of last year. I know most people consider leggings a wardrobe staple, but outside of the gym, I rarely ever wore them in a true sartorial sense. That was until I discovered Girlfriend Collective—the IG-famous cult activewear brand championed for its size inclusivity and ethically made workout clothes. In a feeble attempt to get enthused over working out at home (FYI: I hate home workouts), I bought a set from the brand after hearing so many glowing reviews from friends. I was not disappointed.
Although I quickly dropped working out at home, I kept wearing the set everywhere I went. It was a cool, figure-hugging alternative to sweatsuits, and the simple, elevated design made it easy to wear with any layer I threw over it. Shortly after, my obsession with minimal activewear sets was born, and now that I can officially hit the elliptical and weight room in full form, you can bet I'm shopping for more.
In case you're wondering, no, these aren't the frumpy workout clothes you may have worn in PE years ago—these activewear sets take the elevated look of athleisure and combine it with the sporty performance ability to make it through an hour of yoga, HIIT, boxing, or all the above. Consider it the fully evolved form of athleisure that you can actually break a sweat in. Read on to check out all of the gorgeous sets I'm tempted to buy as well as how a few of our favorite fashion girls are wearing them.
The best part about Girlfriend Collective's sets is that you can always mix and match between colors and styles, and they're all reasonably affordable.
Shop the matching Compressive Stretch Leggings ($68).
In terms of athletics, no other brand will give you as much optimum performance as Nike.
Shop the matching Yoga Luxe Shorts ($55).
Almost too good to just wear to your yoga class.
Shop the matching Composed Cycling Shorts ($43).
Coming in at $50 for the entire set, it's one of the cheapest on this list, but it doesn't skimp at all on performance ability and elevated design.
Shop the matching Scout High Waist Bike Shorts ($25).
Next to the summer sandals and floral dresses, you can find Mango's latest collection—an activewear line. Meant for low-impact activities, the items provide light support but look absolutely amazing.
Shop the matching Sports Leggings ($50).
Everlane's new activewear line feels like a second skin you never want to peel off. Highly recommend.
Shop the matching Perform Pocket Legging ($58).
The crossover detail feels trend-forward in a subtle way that's not too in-your-face.
Shop the matching Corse Crossover Shorts ($58).
If you're too frightened over potentially going to the gym in a pristine white set, I highly suggest this rich, neutral oatmeal shade, which feels like the next best thing.
Ukrainian brand Norba is a name to know if you like to discover new brands.
Shop the matching Essential Sport Leggings ($90).
Even if you hate the gym, this cute set will keep you motivated to be seen.
Shop the matching Spacedye Team Pockets High Waisted Biker Shorts ($72).
The ribbing on this just takes this set to a whole other level.
Shop the matching Seamless Ribbed Leggings ($79).
The high-waist detail is super flattering.
Shop the matching Veronica Ribbed Leggings ($104).
My favorite leggings of all time are from Alo, so you know this set is already in my cart.
Shop the matching 7/8 Airlift Leggings ($114).
Take a cue from our favorite fashion girls and pair your two-piece with a classic trench coat for full-on Sporty Spice vibes.
Shop the matching Geometric Leggings ($115).
The delicate touch of iridescence immediately catches the eye.
Shop the matching Stretch Leggings ($128).
Avocado dreams.
Shop the matching Scout High Waist Bike Shorts ($59).
Although the design is pretty understated, this punchy green is definitely not.
Sweaty Betty's workout clothes really deliver if you're into high-intensity sessions.
Shop the matching Power 9-Inch Biker Shorts ($68).
Be the star of your barre class.
Shop the matching High Waist Stretch Leggings ($124).
Carbon38 is literally a wonderland of cute workout clothes.
Shop the matching Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging ($98).
From Instagram's most endorsed athleisure brand.
Shop the matching Ribbed Top ($47).
Suddenly, I wouldn't mind 30 minutes on the StairMaster.
Shop the matching Vamp Tights ($115).
Shop the matching Bike Shorts ($13).
Ok, but this price is amazing.
Next up: I Have a $150 Budget—Here's What I'm Eyeing From Shopbop,Replica Store, and More
Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. While going to school at Columbia University in New York City, she got her feet wet in the fashion industry interning at Elle magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and New York magazine's The Cut. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. There, she worked on a multitude of projects, including styling inbook feature stories for New York magazine's print issue, writing and pitching market stories for The Cut, and serving as fashion lead for The Cut's branded content. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter. Now she is a fashion market editor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her duties as a fashion market editor, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times. But once the computer goes down and the emails turn off, she's likely eating her way through Koreatown, hunting down vintage furniture, scoping out new outrageous nail designs to try, or taking a hot cycling class.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm Obsessed With Cute Workout Clothes—These 35 Styles Are Bound to Sell Out on Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
Being the cutest person at the gym has never been so easy.
By Chichi Offor
-
The One Fall Essential We Could Never Live Without—and How to Style It
Cozy season is coming.
By Raina Mendonça
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
The Row Made Me Love This Jacket Trend, But TikTok Made Me Buy It
Prepare to see it everywhere this fall.
By Eliza Huber
-
4 Sporty Outfits L.A. Girls Are Wearing for a Summer of Wellness
Sponsor Content Created With FP Movement
By Raina Mendonça
-
My Spring Aesthetic Is Sporty Chic—These 18 ALO Picks Fit the Vibe
Sponsor Content Created With ALO
By Raina Mendonça