Whether you’re catching an early morning flight, running errands around town, or grabbing an iced matcha post-workout, the athlete off-duty aesthetic continues to dominate casually cool moments. It’s the art of looking effortlessly put-together while leaning heavily into performance-worthy gear typically reserved for competitive jocks. The key to nailing it isn’t just throwing on a pair of sweatpants. It’s about unexpected proportions, a splash of tailoring, and clever styling details that take you from the gym floor to the streets without looking slouchy.
In need of some outfit inspo? Ahead, find five Refinery29-approved ways to nail the athlete off-duty trend, courtesy of Nike.
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Bermuda Shorts + Tank Top
Nothing feels cooler right now than a pair of longline shorts. We’ve waxed poetic about Bermuda shorts over and over again. But if you’re looking for a way to sportify the trend, these utilitarian babies are the perfect place to start. The key is to balance the oversized proportions with a fitted top like the one-shoulder design here. Electrifying green hues make the outfit pop even more, especially when you finish off the look with a pair of timeless Air Max sneakers.
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Capris + Cardigans
Cropped leggings and capris are making a definitive comeback, but the secret to making them look polished is with a classic cardigan. This ribbed knit design looks undeniably cooler when you leave a few of the bottom buttons undone. Bonus points if you wear yours with statement-making flats similar to the lace-up style shown here.
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Cropped Jacket + Midi Skirt
One of the most reliable style tips I’ve ever received is to always buy the matching piece. Even if you’re planning to initially wear an item on its own, having the coordinating set makes getting dressed easier. This fall, try swapping your usual sweatpants for a sweat skirt and a matching jacket. Butter yellow sneakers will give any outfit that fun wow factor we love so much. Finish the outfit with crisp white crew socks and a bright white top for instant street-style polish.
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Graphic Tee + Denim Shorts
Oversized long-sleeve graphic tees will immediately give you that borrowed-from-the-boys vibe, especially when draped over a long pair of shorts. Make the 2000s aesthetic really come to life with futuristic metallic sneakers and performance-level shield glasses.
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Culottes + Quarter-Zips
For a refined, architectural approach to athleisure, contrast a boxy quarter-zip pullover or windbreaker with dramatic, wide-leg billowing culottes. Neutral monochrome tones keep the voluminous silhouette balanced, while clean, minimal sneakers round out the effortlessly elevated look.
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From a mix of on-sale fashion finds and investment pieces to home upgrades (like loveseats, bath mats, and silk pillowcases) plus unique beauty picks (like banana perfume and "blonzers"), readers found these particular products worthy of carting up.
Coming in as the top-purchased Nordstrom sale product is this in-house square scarf. The versatile accessory can be worn as a headscarf, halter top, bag handle charm, and much more. While it's no longer on sale, there are still plenty of fun prints to pick from. (This Nordstrom brand pajama set was a close contender for top spot.)
Nordstrom Printed Square Silk Scarf, $, available at Nordstrom
Urban Outfitters Tiger Shape Tufted Bath Mat
Featured in our best weekend sales roundup, this quirky bath mat was discounted for a while during Urban Outfitters' homeware and back-to-campus haul sales. It's the perfect addition to a college dorm bathroom, or a narrow hallway or reading nook as a mini statement rug.
Urban Outfitters Tiger Shape Tufted Bath Mat, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Lululemon Dance Studio Evolve High-Rise Relaxed Short 3.5"
One of Lululemon's bestsellers from its rare summer sale was this newer version of the brand's popular dance studio shorts. The relaxed fit and drawstring offer more wiggle room for, well, dancing and is available in several neutrals. A close second was another pair of Lululemon shorts appropriate for post-movement lounging.
Lululemon Dance Studio Evolve High-Rise Relaxed Short 3.5", $, available at Lululemon
Adidas Japan Low Top Sneaker
Interestingly, funky Adidas sneakers from Nordstrom have found themselves as reader favorites for the last several months. During Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, these retro-inspired snakeskin sneakers were a top performer. And you can still cart this style up, along with leopard and cow prints or bold color combos for the fall.
Adidas Japan Low Top Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom
Bath & Body Works Banana Blend Perfume Mist, $, available at Bath & Body Works
Magda Butrym Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress with Adjustable Skirt
Surprisingly, this unique Magda Butrym bridal dress, which was originally priced over $3.5K, was sold a few times in a short period. While the design is nearly sold out, the luxury brand also has this sculptural bridal dress perfect for elevated bridal showers or an alternative wedding gown look.
Magda Butrym Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress with Adjustable Skirt, $, available at Magda Butrym
Blissy Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Previously on sale at Nordstrom, Blissy's silk pillowcases were a reader-favorite pick. They're ideal for keeping bacteria at bay, keeping hair frizz-free, and keeping those annoying deep-sleep indents off your face. Available in tons of colors and patterns, the 100% mulberry silk cases can be purchased in standard, queen, or king sizes.
Blissy Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $, available at Nordstrom
Zara High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans with Darts
Since being featured in Zara's new arrivals edit, these trouser-style jeans have been going strong. The front darts and wide cuff detailing add a more elevated feel to the jeans, making them easier to dress up. But you could also size up so the high-waisted fit sits lower, baggier, and more casual like how the Zara model is styled.
Zara High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans with Darts, $, available at Zara
Free People Serendipity Semiprecious Stone Strand Necklace
While this reader-favorite Free People charm necklace has sold out, the retailer has several new styles to get a similar look. This necklace's stones and earthy color palette has a whimsical vibe, and can easily be styled from the summer into the fall to channel a mystical muse aesthetic.
Free People Serendipity Semiprecious Stone Strand Necklace, $, available at Free People
Avec Les Filles Hooded Drawstring Waist Jacket
Quick! This top-performing jacket is nearly sold out on Nordstrom. Available in mustard yellow or chocolate brown, the utility-inspired pockets, drawstrings, and hardware; high-neck collar; removable hood; and water-resistant fabric are ideal for unpredictable fall weather. So this versatile outerwear just may be the best investment piece.
Avec Les Filles Hooded Drawstring Waist Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
Warby Parker Ilona Light-Responsive Lenses
It seems that some readers did some digging into our transition lenses review and landed on recommended Warby Parker light-responsive lenses. They darken in the sunlight and clear up indoors so you don't need to toggle between sunglasses and eyeglasses, especially in the summer. The lenses are available in tons of frames, and we're eyeing this smart tortoiseshell design for back-to-school season.
Warby Parker Ilona Light-Responsive Lenses, $, available at Warby Parker
Rat & Boa Antheia Dress
Featured in our Summer Shop, this maxi dress not only features a striking floral graphic, but on the back, there's also a unique thick buckle belt to hold up the strapless design. The juxtaposition of the soft petals and edgy leather strap may just be the reason some readers were drawn to this style for weddings, vacations, and more.
Rat & Boa Antheia Dress, $, available at Rat & Boa
Puma Speedcat Ballet Suede Sneaker
Ballerina sneakers have been popular for quite a while. The viral suede Puma Speedcats were reimagined into a ballet sneaker, and Refinery29 readers gravitated towards these in July. Whether you opt for pink or brown (low in stock), these are an excellent transitional weather shoe to have in your collection because you can wear them with or without socks.
PUMA Speedcat Ballet Suede Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom
Interior Design Winslow Loveseat
Living in a small space or hoping to cozy up a nook? Refresh with a small loveseat. Need help? This style was carted up in July. The fully-customizable design can be tweaked from the fabric and length to the cushion style and legs so that it perfectly complements your home aesthetic.
Interior Design Winslow Loveseat, $, available at Interior Design
Tibi Stella Crispy Nylon Pleated Cargo Pant
Also featured in the Summer Shop, the original white nylon cargo pant was carted up many times, partly causing it to sell out. But as we go into the fall, you can still find the same relaxed pant style in new black and navy color options. The elevated cargo can be worn for everything from weekend plans to the office.
Tibi Stella Crispy Nylon Pleated Cargo Pant, $, available at Tibi
Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Mother-of-Pearl Clover Pendant Necklace
Yet another Nordstrom find for the books. This dainty necklace features a classic Mother-of-Pearl clover pendant that can become an instant jewelry staple you won't need to swap out every day. And sitting under $70, it's been a no-brainer purchase for readers.
Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Mother-of-Pearl Clover Pendant Necklace, $, available at Nordstrom
Archies Arch Support Flip Flops
After being recommended in the Refinery29 team's July picks roundup, many readers added these flip flops to cart. "The real star is the arch support — perfect if you have flat feet, and still great for anyone who finds that walking around a city in flats, pounding the pavement, leaves their soles aching the next day," says Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita. She owns them in several colorways and praises their versatility for dressing them up or down.
Archies Arch Support Flip Flops, $, available at Archies
Julia Jordan Short Sleeve Rib Polo Sweater Dress
This chic sweater dress quickly became the top-bought dress for readers during Nordstrom's sale. From the delicate ribbing, cream trim, and button-up collar, this dress is giving '70s professional realness. If you haven't already, grab it before sizes sell out.
Julia Jordan Short Sleeve Rib Polo Sweater Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Fara Homidi Essential Blonzer Refillable Compact
Approved by makeup artist Fara Homidi, "blonzing" is the new after-sun flushed trend that Kilikita now swears by. Instead of blending blush and bronzer, Homidi created a line of blonzers with perfectly sun-kissed shades that cut out an extra step. And many readers proceeded to pick up this Baie berry color.
Fara Homidi Essential Blonzer Refillable Compact, $, available at Sephora
Slip 10-Pack Assorted Skinny Silk Scrunchies
If one Blissy silk pillowcase is more expensive than you're willing to spend, consider a pack of ten silk scrunchies, especially if you're wearing your hair up to bed. They're soft and delicate on hair, preventing breakage that standard hair ties can often cause.
Slip 10-Pack Assorted Skinny Silk Scrunchies, $, available at Nordstrom
Zella Effortless Sleeveless Midi Dress
Nordstrom's in-house brand Zella offers elevated athleisure and activewear. These pieces are usually bestsellers, so it's no surprise that the brand's midi dress was a top-performer in July. The sleek design features a built-in bra and hidden pockets (we love!), and it's a great closet staple for casual walks, brunches, and dates.
Zella Effortless Sleeveless Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
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After an ultra-hot summer of barely-there dressing, we’re looking forward to the fall and all the outfit inspo that comes with it, from back-to-school season to NYFW street style. And style It-girl Brenda Song has been spotting all the early fall trends for us. Teaming up with Marshalls, Song’s perspective helped launch the Fall Fashion Field Guide, highlighting five distinct aesthetics to shop and style.
“I feel like this might be a cheat of an answer, but I’m a little bit of all of them. And that’s how these personalities sort of came to be. I always say my style depends on what mood I’m in,” Song tells Refinery29. “But most of the time I’m probably an off-duty icon. I wouldn’t call myself an icon, but I’d like to dress like one!”
The actress elaborated that her fall outfit formula always starts with a staple like a T-shirt, jeans, or trousers before amping it up with accessories. “I think that’s where you can really have fun with your outfit. I love a great scarf. I love a fun purse, belt, jewelry,” Song says. “I have a gigantic accessories closet, so I feel like it’s a really easy way to update any outfit or dress up or dress down an outfit from day to night.”
Ahead, learn more about some of Song’s key fall trends, how to shop name-brand styles from Marshalls at any budget, and which of her TV and movie characters she thinks would wear each aesthetic.
When it comes to back-to-school season with her children and the start of NBA season as an avid basketball fan, Song gravitates towards easy, preppy, and sporty pieces. “When I wake up and I’m running around with the kids, I’m definitely an off-duty icon. Comfort is key, but just cuz you’re comfortable doesn’t mean you can’t look cute,” Song explains.
As an NBA courtside staple, Song adds: “I feel like I’m basically a player off the field. I think it’s so fun to pair a jersey with baggy jeans or a fun satin bomber. It’s such a fun way to dress up and still be comfortable while watching a game because you still gotta look cute courtside.” She also said that despite her 5’2″ frame, she’s been very into flats, including sneakers.
And thinking back on which of her characters would most likely wear this aesthetic, she says: “I think Wendy Woo is an off duty icon. She takes casual to the nth degree. She knows how to work with an amazing tracksuit, an amazing satin bomber. She knows how to make effortless look cool.”
The Belle of the Fall aesthetic is quintessential nostalgic fall style, focusing on lots of layering, rich textures, deep colors, and bold accessories. And though we’re still getting hot days, Song says: “I’ve been dressing aspirationally hoping for the fall weather. I go full belle of the fall. Lots of scarves, lots of hats. Give me a big chunky scarf and a big sweater. I want to be cozy.” She also says she loves a knee-high boot as well as a short boot with a fun sock peeking out.
Wondering which of Song’s characters she thinks would wear this aesthetic? “It’d actually be very London Tipton because London loves an accessory. That’s the thing about a belle of the fall; it’s taking your staple pieces and making the outfit with the accessories. London loves a shawl. She loves a scarf. She loves putting it all together.”
When asked about her date night outfits with her husband Macaulay Culkin, Song likes to set the mood with dressier pieces and leopard print (which she declares a neutral). “If it’s date night or dinner, it’s very vibe curator,” she says, adding: “I love a matching set, whether that be a flowy pant and a button up or I love a little satin midi skirt with a little camisole with a cute sweater or a leather jacket. I’m so ready to wear my leather jacket ’cause I feel like it just really makes any outfit instantly feel like that girl.”
You know who else is that girl? Her character Natasha. “One of my favorite characters of all time that I played was Natasha from Stuck in the Suburbs. I feel like she is a vibe curator. She can take one piece and go with it. She follows all the trends. She knows what’s coming, she knows what’s hot, what’s not. And she’s very unapologetic about how she dresses,” Song explains. “I was 16 on that movie set. I still regret not stealing so much of that wardrobe.”
As we enter spooky season, we’ll be seeing more witchy styles from chunky stone jewelry to dark floral maxi dresses. And although it’s the most out of Song’s comfort zone, she finds the style aspirational. “I feel like in this phase of my life, I would want to be more of the mystical muse. But because I’m running around with my kids, it’s just harder to be able to dress that way,” adding: “I feel like in my 20s, I was very much the mystical muse. I loved a big caftan, layering, tons of jewelry, big scarves.”
This is similar to Song’s Dollface character Madison. “It was all girls from California. So they had this sort of effortless, kind of boho vibe. I loved her wardrobe. It was one of my favorites.”
Perhaps there’s no back-to-work season, but the fall certainly feels like it, and it calls for a professional wardrobe. “When I go to work or I feel like I need to look like an adult, I’m the polished powerhouse.” This looks like structured blazers, leather work bags, slingback heels, and chevron prints.
And a not-so-boring office siren is character Ali Lee from Song’s Netflix basketball comedy series Running Point. “That girl has amazing blazers and she knows how to make an outfit feel polished but still really fun. Our costume designer Allyson Fanger is incredible at being able to make things work-appropriate. We use a lot of the same pieces in different ways. And I think that’s what I love so much about my character — the way that we approach fashion is how real people re-wear pieces,” adding: “Ali has a jacket that she loves. She wore the same striped shirt three times last season.”
There’s something so undeniably cool about a comfortable outfit that manages to look incredibly chic at the same time. Right now, fashion lovers are anchoring those not-trying-too-hard looks with—the reason why we’re here—drawstring pants.
Yes, easy-to-pull-and-go, adjustable trousers are having quite the moment. In addition to spotting several ladies wearing them during Copenhagen Fashion Week, Google’s data shows that the search for them is increasing year over year. And what’s even better? They look much more sophisticated than any pair of leggings.
Wear them with a frilly lace blouse or an understated tank top, depending on your mood. What solidifies the look as an instant hit? Finishing touches, like a pendant necklace or statement sunnies.
My personal favorite aspect is that drawstring pants are breezy enough to wear on sweltering summer days yet they give you enough coverage for when temperatures start to change in the fall. Cost-per-wear is one of the most important aspects I consider when shopping, so anything that I can keep in rotation year-round always earns bonus points.
Some bestsellers to consider adding to your cart include Free People’s nearly sold-out barrel design. The curvy silhouette is perfect for those who want something that has a modern twist. J.Crew’s Luna pant is another option that’s flying off the shelves, thanks to seven colors to choose from and variations made for petite and tall girlies. I could wax poetic on the effortlessly cool designs, but I’ll spare you and drop my faves below right now.
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