Like everyone at this time of year (and in the most cliché fashion ever) I’ve decided 2023 is going to be my fitness girl era. It’s my number one goal each year, and I took it a lot more seriously last year, so for 2023, we’re leveling that consistency up a notch.
I think because I’m petite and curvy I’ve always struggled to feel comfortable in the typical ‘gym fit’ silhouette. I need to be supported and have a functional design to my outfits and this used to mean very restrictive and frumpy looks. A complete buzzkill to any motivation I ever had to workout. Who wants to wear something tight when you‘re feeling bloated or self-conscious? Not me.
So I’m happy to announce that after about a year of hard search and determination, I’ve found the best brands to get on the radar if you’re a similar shape to me.
Remember, working out is a privilege and should be fun for every and anyone. Never let how you feel about yourself stop you from treating your body right. With this in mind, I hope you enjoy my top five outfits and the fun workouts I do in each. In the words of Lizzo… It’s about damn time!
The ‘Hot Girl Walk’ outfit
A bit biased maybe, but I adore this outfit! In fact when I wore it I got so many compliments that it may now be my everyday uniform.
It’s so versatile. Bad hair day? Cap. Feeling bloated? Sweatshirt. Sore feet? Trainers. The problems that this outfit solves are endless. I fell in love with the ‘hot girl walk’ message back in 2020 and now love to go on solo walks or with a friend, and I feel this outfit is the perfect HGW fit: super comfortable but also socially ‘acceptable’ to pop into a fancy coffee shop, thrift store and a quick Zara run.
The distressed vintage cap really pulls this look together to give off that effortless ‘I just threw this together’ look, while the brown zip-up takes from oversized trends with a 90s nod. These Adanola leggings are perfect if you’re shorter as the length hits perfect without any wrinkling around the ankle. The white socks are also très 90s Diana, which helps curate a great retro on-the-coffee-run look.
Read more on activewear:
- 6 affordable activewear brands for stylish workouts, from Gymshark to Adanola
- What you should really be wearing to Pilates, by an expert
- I tried M&S’ Goodmove range for 3 different workouts – and the results were interesting
- Every winter running outfit essential you need when it’s freezing outside
The TikTok Pilates girlie outfit
Who hasn’t fallen victim to that perfect ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic that’s haunting every corner of my TikTok page? The one thing I definitely have taken from these perfect routines are the outfits: ‘Vanilla Girl’ aesthetic is ideal, with a neutral light look and a co-ordinating sweatshirt casually draped over the shoulder for a minimal outfit *chef’s kiss*.
This set is from Adanola, and is potentially the most buttery-soft fabric I’ve ever felt. If, like me, you often find workout gear too restrictive and uncomfortable, try giving this fabric a try. It’s called the ‘marshmallow’ and that perfectly describes it.
Being shorter can make it tricky to find a matching set, but I feel the proportions of this bra-and-legging combo is perfect. The bra also has a soft supportive inner band that helps to give larger chests that lift while still feeling comfortable. The monochromatic colour palette is also great at keeping the silhouette streamlined – every petite girl’s dream. The takeaway? Don’t be afraid to go for a lighter shade; it may just surprise you how flattering it can be.
The couch-to-5k-run outfit
Do I enjoy running? No. But do I enjoy the runner’s high? Yes. It also helps that Lululemon has stepped in – or rather sprinted in – with the most game-changing outfit ever.
It can be challenging to dress a curvier, petite shape for high intensity but Lulu has answered all our prayers. One word… Align. If you don’t know, get to know. Head to the Lululemon website now and search exclusively for the Align range and there you will find the most figure-hugging, seamless, body-skimming and curve-enhancing collection.
My life changed when I first tried on this Align jacket which I now wear when I’m running outdoors. The stitching and cleverly designed seams help to create and enhance your hourglass shape in a way that is breathable, and dare I say it, very flattering. I’ve also teamed this look with the Align jackets BFF, the Align leggings, for a lengthened and very smooth set of legs guaranteed to boost your confidence.
The ‘Honey’ hip-hop dancing outfit
I’m a 90s kid and a huge fan of the dance films that my teenage self grew up on. Think Step Up, Stomp The Yard, and the best of all, Honey. There’s something so fun about a dance class, especially anything hip hop or 90s R’n’B, and believe me you’ll be so engrossed that you won’t even notice you’re exercising. I always take the opportunity to go full 90s!
An easy way to look and feel great is to wear sweatpants. They’re comfortable, breathable and handy if you don’t want to show off your legs.
Tala is a brand I discovered recently and it’s amazing at creating unique workout wear with flattering designs. I love this body-skimming black fit that has that extra fun top detail. It draws your attention away and focuses it on the cool cut-out feature instead.
The gym baddie outfit
The gym can be an intimidating place. Especially if you aren’t comfortable in the clothing you’re wearing. Surprisingly I find wearing a little bit of colour can really brighten your mood and push you out of your comfort zone. I love wearing colour at the gym and a people-pleasing green is the best neutral safe girlie option.
Petite gals should note that crop tops can help us look taller and our legs longer. A zip-up long-sleeve crop top is the perfect design to keep the balance of the look, whilst showing off a little midriff. I love the fact Tala is a sustainable brand and uses fabrics that are made for a more feminine shape and allow your skin to breathe.
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