Sometimes the hardest part of staying fit is simply finding time for your workout. The best solution outside of teleportation could be in your closet. Finding those crossover pieces in your wardrobe that can carry you from your run or pilates class to your office—or vice versa—can be a huge timesaver.
If you’re a runner, biker or take frequent classes, use this as a guide for how to maneuver around office dress codes after breaking a sweat in the best performance gear on the market. Dressing for success just took on a whole new meaning.
Start With the Basics
Athena Crop Top, Outdoor Voices $50 1 of 16
The best way to stay prepared for a workout during the workweek is to start with the bottom layer. Wearing something like a crop top or longer shirt with built in support gives you the freedom to layer what you like on top. The Athena crop top is perfect under shirts in the office, and then supportive enough to wear directly into your workout. Made out of sweat-wicking material, the Athena crop top is double-layered for support and is suggested for "slightly sweaty" activities, like jogs or hikes.
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Light High Neck Top, Outdoor Voices $55 2 of 16
Every gym-to-office closet should include a solid tank that can handle the grind of every day workouts. Another great layering tool, a tank is perfect for a quick transition by adding a jacket on top, or as a base layer for another shirt. The Light High Neck Top is light and breathable, and perfect for workouts like barre or yoga.
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Your Next RaceStart With the Basics
HIIT & Run Tank, Aday $65 3 of 16
If you couldn't tell from the name, the HIIT & Run Tank was made to take on the sweatiest of workouts, like those killer high intensity interval training workouts that everyone both loves and hates. This tank from Aday is moisture-wicking, quick-drying and UV resistant, which means you're good to go for the hardest workout, indoors or out.
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Your Next RaceLayer It On
Castor Reflective Tank, MPG $48 4 of 16
When it comes to layering, a simple shirt is perfect to wear either to your workout, or as a quick layer over your basics on the way to the office. This Castor Reflective Tank from MPG is focused on keeping you in the "Run Zone." It's reflective, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and has an added philanthropic element. Every tee bought contributes to MPG's partnership with Clothes for Bowls, which provides meals for children in Uganda.
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Your Next RaceLayer It On
Perfect Crewneck, Aella $85 5 of 16
Everyone has a go-to simple tee in their closet, and your gym-to-work wardrobe should be no different. The Perfect Crewneck by Aella lives up to its name as a tee that can basically do everything—whether it's at the gym or in the boardroom. The inside layer of the tee is made with Coolmax, which is a wicking fiber that helps keep you cool and dry during and after any workout. When tested, this tee held up to both a run and yoga session with ease. Note: This shirt does run a bit small, so make sure to consult Aella's sizing chart before ordering online.
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Your Next RaceLayer It On
Long and Lean Long Sleeve, Athleta $59 6 of 16
This shirt from Athleta is a basic essential for any fitness junkie. This top can be a stand-alone item or work with other layers. It features side splits for breathability and the longer length, as Athleta says, "covers your assets." This shirt is made of microdermal fabric that has been recycled, so it's soft and eco-friendly. This shirt is perfect for lightweight workouts and quick adventures.
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Your Next RaceWhen You Can Get Away With Leggings
Throw and Roll Leggings, Aday $125 7 of 16
After getting a lot of press for the versatility of their leggings, the Aday Throw and Roll Leggings had to be included in this article. These leggings are constantly on short waitlists and preorders, simply from their popularity in the fitness community. These are the ultimate leggings to carry you from the gym to your office, or vice versa. They are made with "Olympic-standard bonded seams," and according to Refinery21 the leggings are made in the same factory as Michael Phelps' swimsuit that was banned in the Olympics for providing an "unfair advantage." These leggings boast UV protection, pilling resistant and moisture management.
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Your Next RaceWhen You Can Get Away With Leggings
Every-Wear Tech Tape Lapis Night Leggings, Spanx $98 8 of 16
There are very rarely leggings that you can get away with wearing into the office, but one of these exceptions is the Every-Wear Tech Tape Lapis Night Leggings from Spanx. Coming from the Spanx brand, you can probably already deduce that these leggings are form hugging and are made to support your body. The double-layer waistband helps manage problem areas that many worry about when wearing leggings to the office. The Slim-X performance fabric is made to take on big workouts while keeping you dry and fresh.
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Your Next RaceWhen You Can Get Away With Leggings
Indigo Run Tight, Lucy $128 9 of 16
Made to look like traditional denim, the Indigo Run Tight is the perfect way to sneak leggings into your office outfits without being found out. The Run Tights don't just excel in fashion, they are also perfect for any kind of workout you might be doing. The features include: chafe-free FlatLock seams, Lucy Tech, reflectivity and moisture-wicking fabric. This means these tights offer protection against chafing, breathability and quick drying—a true triple threat.
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Your Next RaceWhen You Can Get Away With Leggings
Slim Leggings, Aella $175 10 of 16
The Slim Leggings from Aella are the office-approved version of your favorite leggings. These leggings go where your usual black leggings can't, and with a straight shape at the opening of the leg, they are a great option for a workout or a boardroom meeting. Made with an elastic waist and fabric that Aella promises won't fade or wear to transparency, these leggings can hold up to lighter workouts and short runs really well. Note: These pants do tend to run a bit small, so make sure to consult Aella's sizing chart before ordering online.
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Your Next RacePants
City Trek Trouser, Lululemon $128 11 of 16
Made to bring you from a quick hike to dinner with friends, the City Trek Trousers from Lululemon are the pants that your leggings just can't be. They're structured like your average work pant, but are made for chafe-free movement and maximum comfort. These pants are offered as "to and from" pants, and are a great option for lighter workouts. They also feature reflective details for visibility and secure pockets to hold everything you take with you to the gym and office.
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Your Next RacePants
Do Everything Cuffed Pant, Lucy $79-$89 12 of 16
The Do Everything Cuffed Pant completely lives up to its name. It holds up to light to medium workouts well, and also has an added purpose: layering easily over yoga shorts, for seamless transition from both work-to-gym and gym-to-work. These pants also include Lucy Tech, meaning they have a four-way stretch that "provides optimal range of motion." Including sizes from XS to 3X, and an adjustable pant drawstring, these pants give you a customizable fit to take you through everything life has to offer (even if it's a rest day on the couch).
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Your Next RacePants
Chelsea Cargo Pant, Athleta $89 13 of 16
Athleta's Chelsea Cargo Pant is advertised for an adventurer on the go—but they're great for more than that. These pants are semi-fitted and are made with Athleta's performance Featherweight Stretch. They are perfect for light to medium workouts. For the environmentally conscious consumer, these pants are made with recycled poly, which means you can purchase them guilt-free. With six pockets, you'll be prepared for anything and everything throughout your day.
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Your Next RaceAfter Workout
Embrace the Space, Lululemon $128 14 of 16
So you've finished your workout—now what? Well, the commute to the office can be a bit uncomfortable if your workout was a real sweat session. One of the best ways to combat this is the Embrace the Space jacket from Lululemon. The cut is reminiscent of the trendy bomber jackets, but this jacket is much more than a stylish addition to your closet. It includes "sweat-wicking, thermo-regulating technology" for maximum comfort after you've left the gym.
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Your Next RaceAfter Workout
Up in the Air Jacket, Aday $125 15 of 16
Looking for a jacket that can take you through a run, and then through your day at the office? The Up in the Air jacket from Aday is a great option for your active lifestyle. It can be either a fitted jacket or, when unzipped, a loose, blazer-like option for your day. Made with moisture management, quick-drying and stretch material, it's equipped to handle your more strenuous workouts, all while keeping you warm and dry. An extra bonus? The inside lining is eco-friendly, so the environment is unscathed by your great look.
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