Ask CF: How Do I Style Sporty Pieces in a Feminine Way?

Give your style the best of both worlds!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

Welcome to the latest edition of Ask CF! Every two weeks, we select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way!

Ask CF Question

Hello AskCF!

I’m a “tomboy” and love sports. I’ve been keenly following the FIFA World Cup (go Croatia)! I’m pretty visible about it in the way I dress. How would you recommend dressing up active clothes like jerseys, team swag, running shorts and track pants to be more feminine? How can I give off a more feminine look while still remaining sporty? I want my fashion to go from off-side to on point!

From,
Goalie to Girly

Our Response

Dear Goalie to Girly,

Sporty clothes used to get a bad rap for being unstylish; however, thanks to athleisure, the fashion world has mostly gotten over that notion. Usually, though, athleisure/sporty style has more of a tomboyish aesthetic, with most items being either menswear-inspired or very sleek and minimal. That is not to say that you can’t style sporty clothes in a feminine way; all that is needed is a little creativity and a willingness to take some fashion risks!

{RELATED POST: The Ultimate Feminine Capsule Wardrobe}

Below, see three outfits that incorporate both sporty and feminine pieces, along with advice on how to style your favorite sports swag!

Outfit #1

Products: T-Shirt – Topshop, Pants – ASOS, Jacket – Zara, Tote – COS, Earrings – COS, Necklace – COS, Mules – Zara

I decided to style this look around a super-cute pair of coral pink joggers, which are a great update to your standard black pair — not to mention that they look really pretty when paired with bright red, orange, and white.

To get this look, begin by pairing the joggers with a white t-shirt that has a subtly stylish roll-sleeve detail. (Note: The tee shown here could easily be swapped for one baring the logo of your favorite sports team.) Next, add a not-so-basic white denim jacket with beautiful eyelet cutouts for an ultra-feminine touch.

Add some gold geometric earrings for a bit of contrast, as well as a sleek-yet-girly statement necklace for some polish.

White pointed-toe mules are an unexpected way to add some more femininity to the outfit, while a textured red tote completes this girl-meets-boy ensemble.

Outfit #2

Products: Top – Topshop, Bag – Mango, Skirt – Mango, Shoes – Zara, Earrings – COS, Bracelet – COS, Sunglasses – ASOS

I’m going to be honest here: This look was a little bit difficult to come up with, as styling a sports jersey in a way that doesn’t make it look like you’re on your way to practice or to watch a game is hard. But, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be done!

For a quirky-yet-sporty look, tuck the jersey of your choice (or this fun yellow Adidas one) into a belted mini to give it some shape. Then, put on some androgynous metallic silver platform shoes to make the look really stand out!

A minimal round structured bag adds an element of sophistication to the outfit, while trendy rectangular sunglasses give it the just the right amount retro-chic flair.

Add some modern and unique silver jewelry — I love these super-cool hoops and bracelet! — to finish off the look.

Outfit #3

Products: Blouse – Everlane, Shorts – Topshop, Jacket – Urban Outfitters, Slides – Zara, Earrings – Nordstrom, Tote – Madewell

This casual, cool, and classic look is peppered with feminine details; it would also be a great outfit to wear to summer classes!

To get it, begin by putting on a loose-fitting silky sleeveless blouse. Next, throw on a pair of running shorts with white trim. (Note: There are a lot of styles of running shorts out there, but this particular look works best with a looser, retro-inspired style.)

A delicate-looking sheer pink windbreaker is a pretty way to keep yourself from getting chilly in overly-air-conditioned rooms/on cooler summer nights, and these sporty and sweet embellished pink slides are versatile enough to wear with a variety of different looks. A knotted denim tote is perfect for carrying your essentials, while subtly glam stud earrings add just the right amount of sparkle to the outfit.

I hope that these looks have provided you with some inspiration as to how to style your sporty clothes in a feminine way. Thanks for your question! 

Do you have a fashion question? Send it to us!

Is there something in your closet that you want to wear but have no idea how to style? Do you need advice on what to wear to an upcoming event? Do you have a specific fashion conundrum? If you have a fashion-related question that you would like to see answered in this column, simply email it to askcf @ collegefashion.net, and one day you might see your question answered right here on the site!

What do you think?

Is your style more feminine or more tomboy, or is it a mix of both? How do you like to style sporty clothes? Which of these outfits is your favorite?

Let me know in the comments!

Leave a Comment