noun  ath·lei·sure  \ ˈath-ˌlē-zhər , -ˌle- , -ˌlā- , ÷ˈa-thə- \

Stylish activewear, designed to be as comfortable for running errands as it is for actual running—but chic, too.

Clothes fit the culture. That's true of any fashion trend.

“I often get asked whether the bubble around leisure will burst anytime soon, and the answer is no,” said Matt Powell, senior sports industry advisor at NPD, “Athleisure rules the runway.”

It’s totally acceptable to wear your outfit all day, every day. Even if you haven’t worked out at all. Case in point, even the makeup brand Tarte has a line of “athleisure beauty essentials.”

Many of the clothes that people now consider work-appropriate incorporate sports-inspired materials, like spandex, Lycra, and other synthetic fibers. It's combining two trends that have dominated American casual clothing — durability, and comfort. Who doesn’t want that?

Start with the essentials

Cropped sweatshirt or hoodie, simple and versatile black high waisted leggings, tank crop top, big sunglasses, oversized cropped t-shirt -- lots of crops in this trend -- some trendy white shoes, and an accessory.

Can’t afford to drop $70 on a new pair of shoes? Don’t fret -- slides are very much on trend right now. For one, they are superbly comfortable. For another (as if you needed another reason) they surprisingly look great with joggers and a T-shirt, whether you're out getting the morning coffee or heading home after the gym.

Stay on trend

Until only 2-3 years ago, fitness style didn’t really have a trend. It used to be all black or whatever dry-fit something-or-other. Now there are seasonal trends. Mesh panel trends. Color-blocking trends. Even the ‘70s and ‘80s are back —cutoff sweatpants, oversized champion sweatshirts, sweatpant shorts, and short shorts are in. From athletes, to models, to celebrities.

People are wearing a lot of tube socks now. Who would have thought?

Invest in the pieces that hybrids fashion AND function

“First and foremost, it’s got to be clothing made using performance fabrics so it’s not see-through when you bend forward (key if you’re trying to get away with wearing leggings to work!) and so it’s quick-drying, it’s odor resistant, it’s moisture-wicking,” says Australia-based Vie Active designer Noa Ries.

The Augusta Legging was made specifically with this in mind. 86% nylon for durability, 14% spandex for stretch and fit, high-waisted to avoid a muffin top. Understated seam lines and a minimalist aesthetic make for easy wear with any outfit for any occasion.

Seriously, accessorize

It only takes one piece to take your athleisure look from studio to street.

Throw on a pair of mirrored sunglasses, a clean hat, structured leather jacket, a shirt tied around your waist, and you’re good-to-go. The key is that each piece has a sleek, aesthetic sporty feel to itself.

Look for Matching Sets

You’ve probably already noticed many fitspos and Celebrities sporting matching sets of leggings and crop tops. It’s a great look, and very on trend.

Don’t get scared off from buying outfits that are too “matchy,” either, not only because it’s in style, but also because you don’t have to wear it as a set all the time. Mix and match! Layer it up.

When in doubt, stick to neutrals

Sometimes it can feel like a bit of a risk to put yourself out there and wear something very vibrant that makes a statement. If you’re unsure, stick with black, white, grays, and nude palettes. Maybe some understated geometric prints. Then move into brighter colors and trendy patterns as you get more comfortable.