It's 7.40am, you need to look presentable by 8.30am, and your jeans suddenly seem unbearably dull. That's exactly where sporty chic comes in. The shapeless tracksuit you once threw on only to go running is over (or almost): sports brands have been courting fashion crowds, and sporty chic is turning up everywhere — in the office, at brunch, on the terrace.
The principle is simple: keep the comfort of a piece designed for movement, but pay attention to cut, fabric and colour. In reality, it's the fastest solution when you need to look pulled together in ten minutes.
The tennis dress: a fail-safe choice
At first glance, it looks like a simple summer dress. Except it was originally cut for the tennis court. And nothing's stopping you wearing it with flat sandals and a touch of tan. It's the piece that makes you look effortlessly put together, with a straight cut, a polo collar and a look that's sporty yet polished.
Cotton or technical jersey styles, straight-cut with a polo collar, remain the easiest to live with day to day. On the wardrobe front, Adidas by Stella McCartney produced its own versions in the past, and the tennis line remains a safe bet at both Nike and Lacoste.
Shorts and playsuits: the versatile duo
A straight-cut short in navy can be worn smart or casual. It's the piece you throw on with a white T-shirt for the gym, then with a linen shirt for lunch on the terrace. One purchase, two lives — and a silhouette that changes completely depending on what you put with it.
The playsuit plays the same game: thin tie straps, a sun top, a shorts-style bottom. Half sport, half chic, it solves the question of beachwear as well as Sunday afternoon dressing, without you having to think too hard.
Where colour is concerned, dare to go for bright, zingy shades. Powder pink, bright red or bold blue wake up a very simple silhouette in an instant. That's where sportswear becomes fashion: it brings energy to your wardrobe.
Building a capsule in three pieces: start with a cotton tennis dress, a high-waisted short and a pair of white tennis trainers. They work together and can be worn during the week and at weekends — just follow the care label, and remember that leather trainers are generally cleaned by hand, not in a machine. A true capsule wardrobe that fits on one shelf.
Trainers and accessories: the detail that changes everything
A well-chosen pair of white tennis trainers remains the simple move that changes everything. Silhouettes inspired by 1970s and 1980s tennis have been occupying the catwalks for several seasons, and they're not going anywhere soon. Choose smooth leather and clean them regularly: that's often what separates a scruffy look from a polished one.
On the accessories front, the wide-brimmed sun hat is back in a big way, worn over a blazer or a straight dress. Round sunglasses with a coloured rim also work very well — a small detail that changes your whole face.
At Le Coq Sportif, the historic French brand and official outfitter to the French teams at the Paris 2024 Games, the trainers remain a classic. At Lacoste, the tennis heritage shows in the polos, bags and shoes.
How to make it work for your day
The rule is mixing: one technical piece, the rest in quality fabrics. Sports shorts with a linen shirt. A tennis dress with a leather bag. Trainers with fluid tailored trousers. It's that contrast that creates the look, not the number of logos.
Just avoid piling it on. If everything is sporty, it all turns into a tracksuit — and even the best piece won't save an overly technical head-to-toe look.
The easiest way in: take a single piece and wear it over a few days in different settings. You'll soon see which pieces deserve a lasting place in your wardrobe.
Budget
Budget-wise, sporty chic is fairly kind to your wallet, provided you choose your pieces carefully.
- Tennis dress: expect around £25 to £50 on the high street or at a sports specialist, £50 to £100 for a premium brand, and up to £130 and beyond for a designer piece. The price rises with the fabric — technical jersey and organic cotton cost more than basic polyester.
- High-waisted shorts: from £15 to £35 at a sportswear brand, £35 to £60 for smarter cuts.
- Playsuit: from £35 to £75 depending on brand and drape.
- White leather tennis trainers: from £50 to £85 for a decent pair that will last a few years, £85 to £130 in full leather for a longer life.
- Wide-brimmed sun hat: from £12 to £35 in classic straw, more for a hand-woven piece.
These ranges vary with location, brand tier and fabric. And if you want the real bargain, hunt the resale: second-hand shops and resale sites are full of sports pieces in perfect condition, often at half the price of new. Vinted, charity shops and dress agencies are your best allies — just check the fabrics and wear at the seams before you buy.
Sources
- Adidas, official site — adidas.co.uk
- Adidas by Stella McCartney, official collection
- Nike, official site — nike.com/gb
- Lacoste, official site — lacoste.com/gb
- Le Coq Sportif, official site — lecoqsportif.com; official outfitter to the French Olympic and Paralympic teams, Paris 2024
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