I’m a fashion stylist – 4 gym sins that make you look tacky, I don’t mind see-through leggings but nip slips aren’t OK
A FASHION stylist has revealed it’s possible to look tacky at the gym even when you're wearing trendy clothes.
Social media is full of people debating if fitness centers should have dress codes as a result of some members pushing the limits.
But, what do you think?
Aleksandra Olenska (@aleksandraolenska) boasts over 1,500 followers on Instagram and 5,000 subscribers on YouTube, where she helps women evolve their style to feel more elegant.
She told The U.S. Sun that the gym “is not the place for freeing the nipple” and therefore people shouldn’t be risking a “peek-a-boo” moment with their choice of outfit.
Speaking ahead of launching her style course, she said regardless of gender, exposing too much of your body by flashing cleavage or the outline of your bottom looks tasteless.
“We’ve all experienced the ‘do they not realize’ moment, when a fellow yogi wears leggings that become progressively more transparent as the derrière is thrust higher in the air in downward dog,” Aleksandra said.
“Opt for quality fabrics from reputable brands.
“Some people find a visible panty line tacky, though personally, I don’t mind.
“If under-the-legging thongs aren’t for you, then a full-bodied pantie is just fine.
"There’s an understated allure in seeing the faintest outline of knickers.
“Having said that, sometimes it’s not the outfit, it’s the attitude that’s far from chic.
“Perving over people in the gym, or spending more time taking selfies than working out, can make any gym outfit and its wearer look tacky.
“Likewise, having a sense of superiority, excessive grunting or hogging machines is definitely vulgar.”
Aleksandra aimed to reassure gym-goers that their clothes don’t have to be boring, as she shared advice for how to be unique without being tacky.
“Knowingly wearing garish gym gear with aplomb can be fun and uplifting,” she said.
“Sure, pairing an animal print onesie with bedazzled sneakers may seem showy, but sometimes it can be fun to play with a dash of traditional tackiness.
“I always say that whether you’re creating an outfit, or styling your home, include an element of ugly.
"Something weird and wonderful outside of your taste zone, to add personality and prevent a look from becoming too dull.
“This could look like some fluorescent laces in your pale pastel Nike sneakers, or some gaudy leopard print socks.
"As long as you embrace it with a twinkle of knowing conviction, and workout with equal enthusiasm, then great.
“I’ve been known to embrace my inner English irreverence on my walk to the gym in Paris, in a chic black Repetto catsuit, paired with fun tie-dye ankle socks and my glossy black Birkenstocks.
“I'm an expert in French style, who has lived and worked for private clients and luxury brands such as Chanel and Celine for over 20 years.
"And I can tell you that even in the anti-tacky fashion capital of the universe, Paris, embracing a dash of vulgarity might just be the height of sophistication.
“The ladies who Pilates frequently do so in heavy gold chains.
"And with the rise of fashionable clubs such as Le Tigre and Reformation, jolts of acid brights punctuate minimal ensembles - even if they are wrapped up in a cashmere pashmina post-workout.
“You might not want to go full-on unitard, but it’s a brilliant time to unleash a dash of inner Borat.”
Aleksandra said the biggest trends in the gym are currently inspired by styles that were popular in the 1990s.
These include bold jewel colors and matching high-waist, crop top sets.
She revealed her personal preference is currently for Alo Yoga’s airlift line of snug matching separates, in rich shades of purple and poppy pastels.
“Bear in mind that with any leggings, deeper colors will show wobbles and cellulite less, if you are concerned about this sort of thing,” she said.
“Color is also seen in the current Barbie-inspired trend for all things fuchsia and bubblegum pink, including workout ensembles.
“These can definitely be considered tacky - but also offer an effervescent jolt of dopamine dressing at the gym.
“Opt for high stretch, good quality materials that won’t quickly go saggy or baggy or bobbly.
“The bright pink space-dye combos from Beyond Yoga (which are also ideal for travel) are fantastic.
“Gym wear has also taken trends from the catwalk, notably the current penchant for brown.
“Matching workout sets in all shades of coffee, from pale putty to tan, camel and chocolate browns, offset with warm rich rusty oranges and bronzes, are seen on beautiful gym-going bodies of all shapes and sizes.
“Just be careful when wearing a tone too similar to your own skin color, unless you don’t mind appearing apparently stark naked on someone's Instagram feed.
“I love the chic Ilona body suit from French brand E.Leoty, who have made garments for the Opera de Paris ballet and British Olympic cycling team.
“A new femininity and softer, ballet and dance-inspired styles are also being seen in gym fashion trends - with wrap-around tops for warm-up or apres workout, and the return of exercise dresses.
“Keep-fit fashion seems to have finally caught up with Serena Williams boundary pushing tennis style.
“Take inspiration, and embrace skorts, colorful ensembles, and shiny, sparkly textures.”
Aleksandra argued gyms won’t need a dress code if people use their “common sense” to wear something suitable for the “vibe” of the place they are exercising in.
“The focus is on being truly in the moment - sweat, tears, and all - not on whether you’re wearing the latest trends, or looking cute for the ‘gram,” she added.
The fashion expert shared a list of things she hopes to see from sportswear brands in the future.
“The move for inclusive fitness fashion, including for all sizes, skin tones, and abilities continuing to evolve, as the desire for comfort, style, and self-expression intensifies,” she said.
“On a personal note, I hope that brands start stitching in the removable pads inside tops.
Read more on The Sun
"I can’t be the only one experiencing the laundry day frustration of trying to reposition them.
“I’d also somewhat dubiously like to predict that someone invents a supportive sports bra that doesn’t seem like an apres workout-workout to wrestle off! A girl can dream.”
