Dressing Up Your Sporty Side

Do you like to dress active for casual daytime activities? I find myself wearing exercise pants and a t-shirt far too often, and it can be pretty overwhelming when you start to count how many times you dress down for the gym, walking the dog, and other types of "boring" activities when you can't dump on the finery like other places. Boo, I say, boo!

In the spirit of looking and feeling our best, here are a few things I am planning on doing to look as fashionable as possible when rocking simple stuff like exercise pants, long-sleeve zip ups, and sneakers. It's tough-- some people say "why even bother when you're just doing stuff around the house or the gym, anyway?"-- but I prefer to look good whenever I can... it makes me feel better about myself, too.

Here's what I add to my casual looks to dress things up:

(Simple CZ Pendant, Ice.com)

1. A pretty, casual necklace. If you don't have any pendants, get one now. These stylish, slip-on necklaces can easily dress up your look, but they aren't too much when you pair them with things like exercise pants and zip up cardigans. If you have a pair of black, well-fitting exercise pants and a microfiber shirt, a CZ pendant could look really elegant. This is perfect when you are out walking the dog or taking a stroll on your own.

2. A new pair of sneakers. There are so many attractive options out there, so how couldn't you get a new pair? I am digging the soft-step ones with toning additions, like the ones from Skechers and New Balance. These shoes aren't just working overtime for your style points, but for your body as well!

(Chainlink Slouchy Beret, Urban Outfitters)

3. A hat that isn't a baseball cap. Try to stock up on fun hats that don't overwhelm your sporty attire. I am a huge fan of berets and slouchy caps, and they always look perfect with tunics and jeans. If you're trying to keep your look relaxed, but you like something unusual to pep up your style, this is definitely the way to go.

4. A great "final layer." If you have a limited budget and you want to look good while exercising, you might want to try something pull-on. Try a long-sleeve shirt with a fleece underlayer -- but make sure that it has a half-zip at the neck to make taking it off and putting it on more comfortable! A low-key plaid or simple geometric design looks great on.

What do you wear when you exercise or hang out on the weekend?