Fashion

Alert: Derek Lam x Athleta Dropped A Day Early

by Alexa Tucker

Heads up, athleisure devotees: Derek Lam's Athleta collaboration has dropped a day early, according to Racked. It still doesn't hit stores till tomorrow, but it's time to whip out those credit cards, because it's officially available online. Granted, it's all a little pricier than the activewear brand's usual merch, but hey, all for the cause, right?

The 38-piece line features leather, cashmere, and other ultra-luxe fabrics to bring your gym-to-street style game to the next level (or, y'know, home-to-street style. No one needs to know.) When the collab was announced in February, Athleta president Nancy Green said, "Versatile clothing with elevated style that takes her throughout the day is incredibly important to our customer," and it certainly seems like this collection delivers —trendy joggers, short-sleeved jackets and even form-fitting dresses have a place in the line.

In a feature on Athleta's blog, Derek Lam 10 Crosby's VP of Design Elizabeth Giardina added, "As a designer and an athletic woman, I feel like I truly know the customer – she wants her activewear and athleisure to be functional for her busy life, fit great, feel great and look fabulous."

Yep, that sounds about right. In a perfect world, I'd kit out my fitness/lounging wardrobe with everything in the collection, but I'm ballin' on a budget (plus, I have to save myself for the winter and spring collections, right?) Here are seven items that I'm seriously considering investing in.

Mesh Tank Top

This tank is heather gray in the front, party in the back — perfect over a colorful sports bra.

(Mesh Lane Tank, $68, athleta.com)

Color Block Crop Top

This crop top would tempt me to skip the gym and and pair with a jersey knit pencil skirt and lace-up heels for a night on the town.

(Block Avenue Tank, $64, athleta.com)

Gray Paneled Dress

I don't know where tennis ends and brunch begins.

(Downtown Dress, $128, athleta.com)

Leather Shorts

Never have gym shorts looked this chic. I think my Adidas need a new buddy.

(Downtown Leather Short, $228, athleta.com)

Cozy Striped Sweater

This would be perfect for getting to and from barre class when the weather gets chilly... or to and from Starbucks for a PSL.

(Stripe Luxe Cashmere Sweater, $218, athleta.com)

Double Duty Parka

The zip-up gray terry sweatshirt comes with the structured outer shell, so it's really like two jackets for the price of one, right?

(2 N 1 Town Parka, $248, athleta.com)

Multicolored Track Pants

Paired with a white tee and your favorite sneaks, these are the perfect errand-running bottoms.

(Downtown Track Pant, $98, athleta.com)

Images: Courtesy brand; @Athleta/Instagram