Sporty Spice: Our Favorite Ways To Try 2024's Athletic Fashion Trend
If you've been on social media, you've probably noticed athleisure is in for 2024. Dubbed the Sporty Spice trend, this look is all about athletic fashion. Just think about those iconic 90's trends Mel C of the Spice Girls used to rock in the band's iconic heyday.
But why is everyone turning to sporty clothing? Well, we have a few theories. The first relates to how many of us have been slipping into more casual gear ever since the COVID-19 pandemic showed us how much comfier sweatpants are over jeans (don't deny it, you know it's true). Secondly, there's no doubting that life is just getting busier, and sometimes it's just so much easier to slip in and out of the gym in the same clothes rather than spend time changing. Seriously, who has time for that? Thirdly, throwback Y2K fashion and various iterations of 1990s style have made major comebacks and it's safe to say we really saw a lot of the athletic trend around that time. Lastly, dare we say more than simply Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance? Because she's been rocking some serious sporty style at his games.
But believe us when we say there are loads ways to interpret this hot trend. There are so many sports out there, and that means countless ways to rock your Sporty Spice-esque outfits.
Make it moto
Featuring fabrics like leather and patterns like checkerboard, the racing aesthetic is a great way to try out the sporty trend if you're not trying to look as if you came straight from the gym. We saw Formula 1 inspired street style everywhere in 2023, and it seems the sporty trend is here to stay. January 2024 saw leather-centric looks popping up on the biggest runway stages. Although we've seen numerous interpretations of this trend feature jumpsuits, a skirt and top combo can be just as effective for nailing the look. It's also great if you're dressing up for night.
To embrace your own inner driver, stick with palette that mimics some of the super high-tech cars on the track. A simple all black skirt and tank is a great base under an oversized leather jacket covered in bright, red, yellow, or blue patches as accents. Knee high leather white boots make for a great contrast piece that adds a cool girl factor to the ensemble.
Bring out the two-piece crop top style
Be honest. When you think Sporty Spice, you think crop tops, right? One of the most modern ways to channel Mel C's '90s style is to opt for a cropped sports bra top and leggings in matching set. One simple block color will keep your look on the minimalist side (go for a bold shade like neon pink if you want to make a statement). Top it off with a leather jacket or oversized, open plaid shirt to make the ensemble more streetwear appropriate.
Prep it up
Hello, golfcore fashion! The nice thing this take on sportswear is that it uses pieces that are commonly found in everyday fashion, making it practical and easier to fit into every day life. The clothing also isn't as form-fitting as other looks, which may make it more suitable for those who want something comfier.
A wardrobe of polo shirts and long skirts that hit just above the knee is key for getting the preppy vibe. Stick with a pastel palette, like light pinks and whites, for spring, and switch to brighter colors, like turquoise or bold red come summer.
Shout out to soccer
Ready to show your support for your team in a fashion-forward way? Take a cue from Sporty Spice's Liverpool F.C. shirts, and get your hands on your team's merch. Sports jerseys look effortless with jeans (and there are plenty of on-trend denim options for 2024), skirts, or even shorts. Opt for a size larger than your normal one for a breezy, relaxed look, or tie it around your waist to create a flattering silhouette.
Serve on and off the court with a tennis sporty aesthetic
Tenniscore summer was all over TikTok in 2023, and it's slated to be hotter than ever for spring 2024. To really nail this aesthetic, think all shades of white — from your hat to your skort and shoes. A simple crop top, A-line skort, and sneakers formula will take you from the court to dinner (even if you have no plans to play, we won't tell), but if you're going dressier, you could even pair it with block heels and a trendy bomber jacket.