Achieving the Sporty Look

I was always the girl who wore dresses and skirts to school more often than not, liked my hair curled, would opt for reading rather than running, and shied away from team sports. My natural look has always been more on the girly side rather than the athletic side, skirts as opposed to spandex. Besides my natural inclination toward clothing with beads, sequins, and lace, I was never able to pull off a truly "sporty" look because I always felt like an athlete poser. In gym I was never picked first and I'd reluctantly agree to play church volleyball just because it was church. However, in recent years I've realized that even though I may not be athletic, I can pull off a sporty look and still look cute.

The sporty look to me has always seemed laid back and care free: loose shirts, loose jeans, loose hair. My best sporty looks start off with t-shirts that are loose fitting, but still cute. I have a concert shirt from when I went to see The Fray that has a neat design, flatters my figure, while still hanging loose. I'll wear that with jeans or jean capris (usually a boycut jean best enhances the look). I have another loose tee my mom brought me back from Nantucket Island that's chocolate and pink that looks especially "loose" with one-day-worn jeans and some flip flops. Sporty t-shirts can also be found in college tees. Even the more closely fitting shirts look athletic and the graphics and writing add to a "Go team!" sports feel. Another style of pant I've found works well with the sporty objective is a loose cargo. I have a pair that's loose fitting, but still make my hips and legs look cute.

Now it's time to tackle the shoes. The sporty look encompasses your whole outfit, shoes included You can't just wear tennis shoes with everything and expect that to look sporty because if you wear running shoes with everything, you'll look poser. Definitely go with flat shoes. I bought a new pair of shoes when I bought the aforementioned cargo pants because I realized my Mary Janes would destroy the integrity of the pant. I went for a brown, flat tennis shoe with cool stripes on the side. That shoe I've found can make any outfit more sporty. Another shoe I don't have but desperately want is one of the newer Sketcher® styles: the flat, strappier, Mary Jane-ish tennis shoe. Cute but still sporty, looks good with capris or skirts—truly a golden find.

Wear your hair either loose and down (it can be slightly curled, but looks better straight) or up in a low pony tail. Makeup should be brownish, natural tones that don't overpower the face. You see? Even if you're like me, you can look athletic! What I've found is the key however for looking sporty is a confident attitude. If you feel self conscious in your new look, you'll look out of place. Wear your clothes with confidence and have fun seeing the surprised looks when you say "Why no, I actually don't play basketball!"