They say spring is the season of change, a time to break old habits and start anew. But if the winds of change haven’t hit you yet (you’re still not hitting the gym), then it may be time to take matters into your own hands.

The trick: IF YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU’RE MORE LIKELY TO FEEL GOOD.

The gym is no exception. True, it’s not a runway, but it’s not an opp to wear your bottom-of-the-drawer spandex from the 80’s either. You never know who you might run into, which is why I’ve made this handy dandy list of do’s and don’ts for gym attire.

DON’T
Wear monochromatic ensembles
Be unnecessarily revealing
Pair pj bottoms with a tank top (I’ve seen it!)
Wear black trouser socks

DO
Buy fabrics that handle sweat well– like a wicking cotton
Pick pieces that are versatile enough for all kinds of exercise, from stretching to vigorous running
Wear a sports bra

Tips:
Keep it simple.  Stick to black work out pants.  I like the ones that hug the leg all the way to the calf. They elongate your legs and make them look slim.  Grey bottoms are not as nice.  They show a lot of sweat and don’t lengthen your legs as much.

From Left to Right, C9 Champion Black Running Legging, $24.99 or Nike Dri-FIT Running Leggings, $60

If you’re not quite ready for leggings yet, Victoria Secret’s foldover yoga pants are cute too.

Yoga Foldover Pant , on sale now for $19

If you are looking to stay comfortable and don’t want skin-tight pants, Nike has great running shorts in a variety of colors, as well as sweat pants that you can scrunch up to your knees for a baggy look.

If you keep it simple on the bottom, you can have some fun with your top. (i.e. colorful sports bras) Champion’s “C9″ line for Target has some great colors, like lime green and bright pink.  Target is a great place to find affordable stylish gym attire.

For those of  us who need a little extra padding in the chest area, Lululemon has phenomenal padded sports bra in a variety of colors.  They’re my favs!

For tops, go with cheap solid pieces ’cause they wear out quickly. Target’s Mossimo tank tops are the best.

White Tank, $8.99, Baby Blue Tank, $7.99, Gray Tank , $7.99

Among my other favorite gym accessories:
1. Bright colored headbands (Target has a pack of 3 that are non-slide for $5)
2. Nike’s Gym Sack

Nike Gym Sack, Nike.com $15

3. Mosimo tank tops from Target as mentioned above
4. Athleta’s Half Moon Organic Sweaters or any loose sweatshirt that allows your shoulders to peek out, like the one Scarlett Johansson designed with  Reebok. (pictured below)

Athleta, $79

The ‘Hearts’ collection by Reebok is no longer available; does anyone know of any other cute off-the-shoulder sweatshirts?

Where to Shop:
Lululemon
Target
Niketown or Nike.com (Brick and Mortar stores have the best selection)
Body by Brazil (online only)
Lucy
Zobha
Athleta

I hope this post inspires you to put together a cute workout outfit and hit the gym. If you have a favorite workout piece you’d like to share with us, please email me at Jess@ineedprettythings.com

I love sharing great finds!

Your gal,

Jess