I Left These 7 Athleisure Finds in 2021 and am Swapping in These 7 New Ones

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I'm in the middle of a spring closet cleanout, so picture me writing to you at my desk with clothes everywhere and boxes piled high surrounding me. I take the side project seriously. After going through the obvious sections, such as winter coats and sweaters, the final step in my cleanout happens to be my activewear collection. Since it's seasonless, it often gets overlooked as an area of the wardrobe that needs an update. However, especially because many of us are still spending more time at home, it deserves attention. 

Gone are the days of bright neons and wild fringe. The athleisure pieces that I am swapping in may be "trends," but I only spotlighted items that you'll want to wear for years to come. The "anti-trend" movement has made its way over to athleisure, and I'm here for it. Discover the six trends I insist you exercise and lounge in below.

Swapping out: Highlighter Color Palette

Swapping in: Retro

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(Image credit: @waityouneedthis)

The retro aesthetic has become more than just an athleisure trend. It's made its way into our everyday wardrobe. In Princess Diana fashion, casual elegance can be so sophisticated. I'll be getting the look with fun sneakers, logo sweatshirts, and effortless shorts.

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Swapping out: Old Tees

Swapping in: '90s Ribbed Tanks

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(Image credit: @naomielizee)

While I love working out in a long-forgotten comfort T-shirt, the white ribbed tank top is taking over. The basic graced the runways of strong designers such as Loewe, Chloé, and Bottega Veneta, so you bet you'll be seeing me wearing it at the gym.

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Swapping out: Standard Leggings

Swapping in: Cargo Joggers

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(Image credit: @indyabrown)

While running to the grocery store once called for the favorite pair of leggings, things have changed. This year, cargo pants are having their moment, and they come in jogger form. Swap them in to give rich-mom energy.

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Swapping out: Graphic Prints

Swapping in: Tennis-Core

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

Tennis apparel holds a sweet spot for me. My mom bribed me to join the tennis team in high school with promises of Lululemon miniskirts, and that certainly got my interest. It's fun to be wearing this trend all over again as an adult.

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Swapping out: Camo

Swapping in: Onesies

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(Image credit: @chrissyteigen)

Those early a.m. classes are much easier to get to when this piece is in your closet. Getting ready takes only seconds when you have a workout onesie. And if Chrissy Teigen approves, then so do I. 

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Swapping out: Distressing

Swapping in: Ruching

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(Image credit: @bykwest)

It's fascinating to me the difference that ruching can make in a simple sports bra– and-legging set. It adds texture and excitement to your look without being too flashy. I predict this trend will be here to stay.

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Swapping out: Joggers

Swapping in: V Leggings

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(Image credit: @kelseaballerini)

Nothing will make your activewear collection feel more updated than buying into the "V-legging" trend. It went viral on TikTok for how much it flatters your waistline, so you're going to have to give it a try.

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Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.