If you enjoy an active lifestyle or spend a lot of your time outdoors with your family, you’ll need a wardrobe that’s up to the job. Whether you will be spending hours at the side of a pitch whilst your children compete in their favourite sports, or spending weekends hiking with the family, keep warm and look good with a stylish leisurewear wardrobe. Designed to stand up to the wind, rain and cold weather whilst reflecting your own unique style, fashionable leisurewear is an essential part of your wardrobe, but how do you know what to choose? Here is a guide to help you create a capsule wardrobe of leisurewear that will keep you looking and feeling great on all your outdoor adventures.
Style and Comfort
Creating a stylish yet practical leisurewear wardrobe is all about finding the right balance of fashion and comfort. It is a common misconception that keeping warm and dry comes at the expense of style. Once you know what staple pieces of clothing you need to create a capsule wardrobe out of, you can choose designs and styles that you enjoy and adapt the style of your wardrobe to suit the activities you are doing.
Start by choosing versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, depending on your activities. Investing in a few staple pieces that you can mix and match to create different looks is the key to creating the perfect capsule wardrobe. For the basics, such as trousers, it is best to stick to neutral colours, before adding in bolder colours and patterns for accent pieces. Neutral-coloured or black jeans, trousers and joggers are a good staple to begin with as they can be easily paired with a range of tops, such as t-shirts and tank tops.
During this stage, it is important to consider the weather and climate in your area, and to bear this in mind when selecting tops and jackets. If it is usually cold whilst you are outdoors, opt for tops with breathability and moisture-wicking properties to keep you warm and comfortable during excursions. Opting for long sleeve designs will also keep you warm, particularly when paired with a durable jacket, gilet or fleece. If the climate is often hot, or you tend to plan your leisure time around the summer rather than winter, choosing lightweight fabrics in a breathable material, such as linen or loose dresses, will keep you cool.
Fashion and Functionality
Once you have the key staple pieces, you can then build your capsule wardrobe around these basics. This is where your own personal style can shine through as you blend functionality with fashion.
When searching for the right items to pair with your neutral-coloured basic pieces, look for items with subtle design details and pops of colour. Similarly, if you have a favourite brand of leisure or athleisure wear, or you have seen a particular piece being highly reviewed, this is a great opportunity to pick up a few staple pieces. When choosing these pieces, take time to understand the different materials and fabrics available and consider how you will feel in them when exercising. If your hobbies are particularly strenuous, such as running, then prioritise pieces that will make you feel comfortable and allow you to freely move around without worrying about your clothing. Similarly, be sure to check the quality of the material and make sure that it’s going to last.
Once you have the basics covered, put together a variety of looks from your wardrobe and enjoy the outdoors in style. Be sure to choose styles and designs that you feel comfortable in and take the time to understand the unique requirements that you have for your wardrobe.
Accessorise
When it comes to selecting additional items or finishing touches for your outdoor wardrobe, there are several practical items that shouldn’t be forgotten. A light jacket, or a waterproof coat depending on the environment you’ll be in, will ensure you stay warm, comfortable and dry, as well as completing any outdoor look. During the colder months, layering pieces such as a long sleeve top, a gilet, and finishing with a jacket ensures you are prepared for harsh conditions but also offers you several options if the weather changes.
When it comes to being suitably equipped for time outdoors, reliable footwear is essential. Shop around and try different styles to find a pair of reliable trainers that are both stylish and comfortable, and can be used for a variety of outdoor leisure activities. If you’re looking more specifically for something robust, as well as being prepared for whatever the weather throws at you, then a reliable pair of wellington boots is an excellent choice. Not only are they waterproof and durable, but they can also be worn over trousers or under a skirt or dress, allowing you to tackle any terrain with ease without compromising on style. When selecting wellingtons, it’s important to find a pair with gusset and snap fastening for a good fit, as well as a neoprene lining for extra protection from the cold.
If you have a particular hobby or outdoor activity, look for relevant items that will help you perform better and look good doing it as the final touches to your leisurewear capsule wardrobe. This may include sturdy, reliable boots and thick socks for long hikes, or leather gloves for a good grip during pursuits such as riding and shooting. Finally, incorporate items that add a final element of your personality and style, such as a pair of sunglasses, a hat, and a reliable necklace with a strong clasp. With these tips, you can enjoy the great outdoors with peace of mind, knowing that your stylish and practical leisurewear wardrobe is equipped for all your needs.
