Chatting yesterday… about exercise… about diet… and in general about our healthy lifestyle regimes… I was reminded that looking the part is best when we are acting the part.
A question was raised… the difference between European women and other women when it comes to wearing fitness attire.
I have noticed in Europe, particularly France, that leggings and lycra are for sport only… with trainers being the exception… it’s fashion all the way with the active footwear.
Women don’t wear their yoga comfort as their dress up. They might wear it to and fro but not all day.
When I walk to the gym I cover up my gear with my trench coat and a scarf… even my new pretties from Zella… because I would feel self-conscious pounding the pavements in sports attire… I would feel undressed.
In other places, I would think nothing of it. Women don’t dress up as often and casual/sport clothes are easily worn all day.
Truthfully, I love the European way… probably because I enjoy dressing up.
If I am going to lounge around all day I prefer to hide away in my PJs… where no one can see me.
French women appear to enjoy being well dressed and certainly care greatly about their appearance.
These days sportswear is so much better looking than it once was… but even so I don’t see it worn out on the streets without purpose.
Leisure wear is almost too relaxed… there is a formality to life in Europe that isn’t the same as elsewhere… and I don’t think I have seen a tracksuit out and about for years…
When European women do sport up… it’s a sleek and flattering style du jour… no baggy, terry towelling monsters that add an extra dimension to the derriere.
Is it a question of taste? A matter of style?
I believe it’s more to do with a pride in personal appearance… wanting to look your best, despite the occasion… it’s about appearing to have made an effort.
Sports gear has connotations of “lazy” dressing despite their reason for being.
Sports clothes… Are they acceptable as street clothes or is that a big no, no?
Underneath The Trench
if you missed my favourites from yesterday…
zella ‘rev me up’ jacket // under armour scoop neck tank // zella streamline live-in capri leggings // zella perfect run tights
athleta forerunner tee // nike stripe tank // nike free 5.0 training shoe
