Welcome to the latest edition of Ask CF! Every two weeks, we select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way!
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Ask CF Question
Hello AskCF!
I’m a “tomboy” and love sports. I’ve been keenly following the FIFA World Cup (go Croatia)! I’m pretty visible about it in the way I dress. How would you recommend dressing up active clothes like jerseys, team swag, running shorts and track pants to be more feminine? How can I give off a more feminine look while still remaining sporty? I want my fashion to go from off-side to on point!
From,
Goalie to Girly
Our Response
Dear Goalie to Girly,
Sporty clothes used to get a bad rap for being unstylish; however, thanks to athleisure, the fashion world has mostly gotten over that notion. Usually, though, athleisure/sporty style has more of a tomboyish aesthetic, with most items being either menswear-inspired or very sleek and minimal. That is not to say that you can’t style sporty clothes in a feminine way; all that is needed is a little creativity and a willingness to take some fashion risks!
{RELATED POST: The Ultimate Feminine Capsule Wardrobe}
Below, see three outfits that incorporate both sporty and feminine pieces, along with advice on how to style your favorite sports swag!
Outfit #1
Products: T-Shirt – Topshop, Pants – ASOS, Jacket – Zara, Tote – COS, Earrings – COS, Necklace – COS, Mules – Zara
I decided to style this look around a super-cute pair of coral pink joggers, which are a great update to your standard black pair — not to mention that they look really pretty when paired with bright red, orange, and white.
To get this look, begin by pairing the joggers with a white t-shirt that has a subtly stylish roll-sleeve detail. (Note: The tee shown here could easily be swapped for one baring the logo of your favorite sports team.) Next, add a not-so-basic white denim jacket with beautiful eyelet cutouts for an ultra-feminine touch.
Add some gold geometric earrings for a bit of contrast, as well as a sleek-yet-girly statement necklace for some polish.
White pointed-toe mules are an unexpected way to add some more femininity to the outfit, while a textured red tote completes this girl-meets-boy ensemble.
Outfit #2
Products: Top – Topshop, Bag – Mango, Skirt – Mango, Shoes – Zara, Earrings – COS, Bracelet – COS, Sunglasses – ASOS
I’m going to be honest here: This look was a little bit difficult to come up with, as styling a sports jersey in a way that doesn’t make it look like you’re on your way to practice or to watch a game is hard. But, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be done!
For a quirky-yet-sporty look, tuck the jersey of your choice (or this fun yellow Adidas one) into a belted mini to give it some shape. Then, put on some androgynous metallic silver platform shoes to make the look really stand out!
A minimal round structured bag adds an element of sophistication to the outfit, while trendy rectangular sunglasses give it the just the right amount retro-chic flair.
Add some modern and unique silver jewelry — I love these super-cool hoops and bracelet! — to finish off the look.
Outfit #3
Products: Blouse – Everlane, Shorts – Topshop, Jacket – Urban Outfitters, Slides – Zara, Earrings – Nordstrom, Tote – Madewell
This casual, cool, and classic look is peppered with feminine details; it would also be a great outfit to wear to summer classes!
To get it, begin by putting on a loose-fitting silky sleeveless blouse. Next, throw on a pair of running shorts with white trim. (Note: There are a lot of styles of running shorts out there, but this particular look works best with a looser, retro-inspired style.)
A delicate-looking sheer pink windbreaker is a pretty way to keep yourself from getting chilly in overly-air-conditioned rooms/on cooler summer nights, and these sporty and sweet embellished pink slides are versatile enough to wear with a variety of different looks. A knotted denim tote is perfect for carrying your essentials, while subtly glam stud earrings add just the right amount of sparkle to the outfit.
I hope that these looks have provided you with some inspiration as to how to style your sporty clothes in a feminine way. Thanks for your question!
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What do you think?
Is your style more feminine or more tomboy, or is it a mix of both? How do you like to style sporty clothes? Which of these outfits is your favorite?
Let me know in the comments!