By Taylor Nadauld, Contributing Blogger
Coming out of a year in quarantine, two things have become abundantly clear: I can never go back to uncomfortable clothes, and I also can’t wait not to dress like a bum.
The unforgiving rigidity of jeans and buttons and sleeves have become foreign sensations to me. I have spent literal weeks living in a blur of old sweat pants and ratty T-shirts and I am almost...almost content to stay like this forever.
But I have to say, I am so excited to emerge from my hibernation for summer this year. With the weather warming up and local attractions slowly starting to reopen, I can’t wait to get out and enjoy all the small pleasures we sacrificed just a year ago.
Luckily, I recently discovered the beauty of athleisure wear, and it has become my go-to hack for gracefully reintegrating back into society, without sacrificing comfort.
The very first thing I want to do this summer is take a long bike ride in the sun with my friends. As kids, we used to love biking to the local ice cream shop, then cruising through the backcountry, dripping cones in hand.
I plan to bring those childhood memories back this year dressed in my navy Prime Flex Ultra Hold 7’ Bike Shorts. These shorts are super supportive and have a nice stretch that makes drifting past beautiful farm fields a breeze. And paired with the slightly cropped Tie Dye Super Soft Easy Tank, and a strawberry ice cream cone, you’re sure to keep cool on a hot summer day. It only felt right to style this fit with a high-top pony in a velvet scrunchie. This look seriously brought out my inner child, and I’m not complaining! I can’t wait to come home from a long ride and throw on an oversized sweatshirt over these shorts for an effortlessly cool look.
For a chill, solo day of hiking or yoga, I know I’ll love wearing my Microtech Ultra Hold Laser Capris in light green. If you live in leggings like I do, I highly recommend these ones. They’re soft as butter, and subtle detailing around the ankles adds a touch of style. I paired these leggings with the Stratus Mesh Detail Tank, also in light green, for a monochromatic look that felt perfect for a hike in the mountains. This lightweight tank is super flattering, and something about the monochromatic look makes this fit look intentional and put together, when really it took no effort at all. Throw on some sunnies, white sneakers, and don’t forget a water bottle to keep hydrated wherever this fit takes you. If you live at a high elevation like me, throw on a fuzzy jacket to keep out the chill. A denim jacket could also elevate this look and take it from hiking in the woods to a day at the mall.
Finally, I can’t go without introducing you to one of my favorite pieces in my closet. The pink Prime Keeping Pace Skort is so beautiful, yet so comfortable that I’m wearing it as I type this! The shorts underneath the skirt mean I never feel uncomfortable or exposed, even on a super windy day such as this. And it’s got plenty of pockets: two on the outside, plus an extra zippered pocket, and a hidden one under the skirt!
I paired this with white tennies and the Super Soft Easy Breezy Tank. This white tank top is so light and airy, yet not see-through. With a slightly open mesh back, this piece goes beyond your typical plain white tank. Keep some sandals and a pair of earrings in your tennis bag, throw on a denim jacket and a crossbody purse, and you’ve got a super cute outfit to take you from the court to lunch with friends! I could even envision myself wearing this skort to date night, paired with some cute sandals and a fitted cropped tank with a jacket. This skirt comes in a variety of colors, but I love the pink to break up all the black and grey in my wardrobe. It’s perfect for summer, and makes my pasty skin feel tan!
So there you have it. 3 simple, comfortable outfits to transition you out of quarantine and into summer in style. Not to mention, all of these pieces can be mixed and matched to get new outfit combinations.
What are you most excited to do again summer? Does your wardrobe need an update? Check out all of the affordable athleisure that will take your summer activities to the next level!
