As the last dregs of winter disappear with the chill and the wind, everyone is no doubt excited about trading their cardigans and coats for swimsuits and shorts.
But why can’t a change in season also mean updating what we wear before working up a sweat – or at least looking like we plan to?
Designers from Lululemon to Lorna Jane and some of Instagram’s fitness stars have shared with FEMAIL their tips on how to look fresh for spring – and what to throw out.
Designers from Lululemon to Lorna Jane and some of Instagram’s fitness stars, have shared with FEMAIL their tips on how to look fresh for spring – and what to throw out
Many agreed that with summer on the horizon, it was time to ditch those black and navy clothes and embrace the brighter side of your wardrobe
As the weather gets hotter, the colours will be getting lighter and brighter on tank tops and leggings.
The design team at Nimble Activewear is expecting plums and khakis to be prevalent for the spring season, as well as lilac and pastel colours.
‘Prints are a big trend here to stay but solid block colours are making a comeback,’ Nimble Activewear co-founder Vera Yan told Daily Mail Australia.
Instagram fitness influencer and Barre Body founder Emma Seibold agreed.
‘Spring and summer always bring with it some lighter tones, and I’m pretty excited about the pastels we’re seeing in activewear this season,’ she said.
‘Whether it’s pale pink, soft blues, or even really subtle yellows – they’re gorgeous when teamed with white and grey.’
Instagram fitness influener and Barre Body founder Emma Seibold (pictured) believes pastels will be a huge hit this spring, from ‘pale pinks to soft blues’
Bright and bold prints, one of the biggest trends to come out of activewear in the last few years, are definitely here to stay this season
Bridie Rinaldi, the women’s merchandise manager at Lululemon Australia, also expects to see ‘beautiful pops of colour like Candy Pink’ finding its way this spring.
Lorna Jane believes the high-waisted tights will also be here to stay.
But the marble print is one 2016 trend that Nimble Activewear co-founder Vera Yan believes won’t be making a comeback
‘We still see garments with multiple mesh panels, and the brave bearing their midriff in matching bra and tight twin sets,’ she added.
High jumper and model Amy Pejkovic, an ambassador for Champion, revealed she is most excited this season for the pinks and the high neck crop tops, which she finds ‘quite flattering’.
‘I love them! They don’t show too much skin, but it accentuates your waist line,’ she said.
When it comes to trends to keep stowed away or donate, Emma is ready to say goodbye to the black and navy in her wardrobe.
‘It’s time to freshen things up,’ she said. ‘Even if it’s just pairing these classics with some lighter, fresher tops in pastel colours.’
But there’s one popular 2016 trend that Vera believes has seen its last days.
‘I think marble is done and dusted,’ she said. ‘It had a great year last year, but is definitely on it’s way out.’
As it gets hotter and hotter, some are no doubt worried about showing too much skin outside of the gym.
But Emma believes that when you work hard for that body, so you deserve to flaunt it – and Vera agrees.
‘Athleisure is part of our every day wardrobe now,’ she said. ‘Whatever you’re comfortable with you should rock down the street.’
The design team at Nimble Activewear is expecting plums and khakis to be prevalent for the spring season and pink is also expected to be a major trend
High jumper and model Amy Pejkovic (pictured), an ambassador for Champion, revealed she is most excited this season for the pinks and the high neck crop tops
If you’re feeling too shy to rock that sports bra or crop top, there are plenty of fashionable options that won’t leave you feeling too warm – but still looking hot.
‘Go for a loose top with a super low back,’ Emma suggests. ‘These look amazing worn over a statement sports bra and, most importantly, allow your body to breathe.’
Vera suggests rocking a twist-back tank with cut-out details in the back or tie-up tanks that can be worn long or short for ‘a more crop top look’.
‘There are definitely ways to play with layering with plenty of options to cover up a bit more,’ she added.
And for those who hate wearing shorts, have no fear. Light and breathable legging fabrics are here.
‘There are so many great options available that almost feel like you’re wearing nothing,’ Emma said.
‘A 3/4-length pant also works really well if you’re prone to getting hot little legs while working out.’
For those who hate wearing shorts – have no fear. Light and breathable legging fabrics are here – and a crop pant can always help keep you cool
Bridie agreed, recommending looking for something in the ‘seriously smooth’ Nulux fabric.
‘Just because the weather gets warmer doesn’t mean your yoga pants shouldn’t still be comfortable,’ she said.
‘If you’re not into wearing shorts, try a pair of crops instead. Or if pants are your thing, go for a pant and material that’s lightweight.’
Amy also suggests getting a ‘light breathable pair’ with mesh panels, to get that ‘breeze onto your legs’.
For those who are brave enough to sport the bike short, Emma suggests pairing the look with a loose shirt or even a sporty one-piece swimsuit.
‘I think bike shorts are another cool nod to the 90s, much like the high-waisted, acid-wash Mom jeans I’ve suddenly found myself coveting,’ she said.
For those who may be feeling too shy to rock that sports bra or crop top, designers recommend rocking a tank with cut-out details in the back to keep you cool
Lorna revealed she prefers a yoga short instead, which she said offers a ‘softer, more flattering waistband.’
‘It has a much more flattering fit on the leg and, most importantly, has no unflattering (but highly functional if you are riding a bike) crotch padding!’
Now that you’ve spent all that money on stylish activewear, do you only get to show it off at spin class? Not so, according to these experts.
‘I think it’s all about what you pair it with,’ Vera said. ‘Really nice printed leggings, with a bit more of an understated top.’
Amy also suggests getting a ‘light breathable pair’ of leggings with mesh panels to get that ‘breeze onto your legs
And there’s just one item you need to take your leisurewear from spin class to brunch, according to the experts.
Emma suggests a ‘white silk shirt’ can be combined with sandals and leggings when you feel the need to dress up that Lycra and spandex, while Amy recommends rocking your crops and tanks with a pair of denim shorts.
As for Lorna, she has no problem wearing activewear whenever and wherever she goes.
‘My activewear is a metaphor for freedom – because wearing it gives me the freedom to move and workout whenever I like,’ she said.
‘When I wear my activewear I feel relaxed, I feel comfortable, and I basically feel like I can do everything I want to do in my day without and restriction.’