The Polished Wide-Leg Pant
The wide-leg trouser has become a modern wardrobe staple, seen on runways from The Row to Toteme. Athleta’s take on this trend often features its signature technical fabrics, offering a structured yet comfortable alternative to traditional wool or linen.
To integrate them into a high-end look, focus on proportion and texture. Pair a dark-colored Athleta wide-leg pant with a fitted cashmere sweater or a crisp, tucked-in silk blouse. The key is to balance the pant's relaxed, sporty vibe with more traditionally luxurious fabrics up top. Finish the outfit with leather loafers, a structured handbag, and minimalist gold jewelry to create an ensemble that reads as intentional and chic, not like you just left the gym. It’s the perfect execution of the 'workleisure' trend that has dominated office style.
The Elevated 'City' Trench
A great trench coat is timeless, but recent designer collections have played with softer, more fluid silhouettes. Athleta’s versions often come in lightweight, wrinkle-resistant materials perfect for travel and transitional weather. To make it look expensive, styling is everything. Cinch the waist over a monochrome column of color—like a cream-colored knit top and matching trousers. The trench becomes the sophisticated outer layer that pulls it all together. Avoid pairing it with other overtly athletic pieces. Instead, treat it like you would any classic coat and wear it with tailored denim, sleek ankle boots, or even over a simple midi dress for a look that feels both effortless and polished. The technical fabric adds a modern edge that can feel surprisingly fresh.
The Minimalist Matching Set
Matching sets have moved far beyond the sweatsuit, evolving into a uniform for the modern, polished woman. While luxury brands offer sets in silk and cashmere, Athleta brings performance and comfort to the table with ribbed knits and soft, draping fabrics. The secret to making an Athleta set look high-end is to break it up and accessorize thoughtfully. Wear the ribbed flare pants with an oversized, high-quality blazer and pointed-toe heels for a surprisingly sharp silhouette. Use the matching top as a foundational layer under a leather jacket. When worn together, elevate the set with a single piece of statement jewelry, designer sunglasses, or a high-quality leather belt to anchor the look and steer it away from pure loungewear.
The Plissé Moment
Pleated fabrics, or plissé, have been a favorite of designers like Issey Miyake for decades, prized for their texture and movement. Athleta recently incorporated this detail into its collections, offering everything from pleated running shorts to jackets and dresses. These pieces offer a unique opportunity for high-low dressing. A plissé dress or skort from Athleta can look remarkably chic when styled with an eye for contrast. Pair a plissé dress with minimalist leather sandals and a simple clutch for a vacation dinner. Or, take a page from the current Pilates-inspired aesthetic and layer a plissé jacket over a streamlined tank and leggings for a post-workout look that feels incredibly put-together. The texture does the heavy lifting, making the whole outfit feel more considered.
The Soft-Tailoring Blazer
Modern tailoring for fall 2026 is all about softer, more relaxed silhouettes that don’t feel stiff or corporate. Athleta has leaned into this with blazers made from comfortable, stretchy materials that offer structure without constriction. These pieces are the ultimate bridge between comfort and polish. To make an Athleta blazer look like a designer find, focus on the fit and what you pair it with. Wear it over dark-wash, wide-leg jeans and a simple tee for a classic, grown-up look. Or, drape it over your shoulders with a satin slip dress for an evening event. The trick is to treat it not as activewear, but as a genuine piece of modern tailoring that just happens to be incredibly comfortable.
