Fashion

17 Sporty Plus Size Pieces For Cool Chicness

by Mariah Carrillo

While I love a pair of sky-high heels and a statement dress as much as anyone, I prefer easy, livable pieces for most of my daily sartorial needs. With the rise of normcore and athleisure trends in the last few years, athletic plus size clothes that are equally cute are more available than ever for those of us who dress for comfort first. From hot new fashion sneakers to major designer collabs with athletic brands, cozy, sporty pieces aren't just for the gym anymore.

Unfortunately, even with all the great new sport-inspired trends out there, plus size fashion retailers have sometimes lagged behind in this area. Maybe it's because of the rampant concern trolling in our culture that assumes fat people must all be inactive or clinically unhealthy. Or perhaps it's because, with all the pressure on plus size women to wear "flattering" clothing, the often oversized or skintight lines of athletic-wear seem like a risky proposition.

Either way, there's no reason that everyone shouldn't be able to enjoy the stylish yet wildly comfortable potential of athleisure trends, and there are so many amazing plus size sporty pieces out there now to experiment with. From varsity jackets to joggers to mesh crop tops, here are the best and brightest new styles that you'll want to live in every day.

1. Sporty Pullover

Equator Pullover, Sizes 10 - 28, $130, Universal Standard

This great sweater from Universal Standard gussies up a traditional pullover style with double zippers and super-soft French terry. Wear it with sneakers and jeans or heels and a pencil skirt; either way, you'll look put together while feeling super cozy.

2. Statement Jumpsuit

Side Stripe Jumpsuit, Sizes 14 - 28, $119.90, ELOQUII

Jumpsuits are the ultimate easy dressing solution. What could be simpler than a one-piece outfit? The bold side stripe on this jumpsuit from ELOQUII gives a simple design a bit of edge.

3. Cut-out Dress

Ponte Cold-Shoulder Dress, Sizes 14 - 28, $89.95, Lane Bryant

Sexy cut-outs make this simple LBD a stunner. Balance the drama with your favorite pair of comfy sneakers.

4. Graphic Tee

Pink Lotus Refresh Graphic Tee, Sizes 1X - 2X, $46, Nordstrom

If you like to spend a lot of time working on your fitness, this bright tee will make your priorities clear. Getting to the gym will be even more appealing when you look this good.

5. Mesh Top

Moyra Crop Top, Sizes 1X - 3X, $78, Monif C

For a less casual look, this mesh-paneled zipper crop top is perfect for taking athletic trends from the gym to evening cocktails. The bold, cherry shade will ensure all eyes are on you when you hit the dance floor.

6. Relaxed Joggers

Ava and Viv Leisure Joggers, Sizes 0X - 4X, $24.99, Target

Joggers: The pants that feel like pajamas, but can be dressed up any number of ways for a super-chic take on loungewear. Whether you accessorize yours with heels and a cropped jacket or slip-ons and your favorite tee , you'll love the ease these bring to your wardrobe.

7. Oversized Jumpsuit

Minimal Cami Jumpsuit, Sizes 12 - 24, $68, ASOS

This oversized jumpsuit is a great basic piece to layer with your favorite sporty outerwear and accessories. The generous cut allows for freedom of movement, and the cropped length is ideal for warming weather.

8. Bright Crop Top

Jonelle Crop Top, Sizes 2 to 24, $52, Rue 107

Add a pop of color to your athleisure collection. The fitted proportions and mesh overlay make this an excellent piece to balance the more voluminous silhouettes of joggers or track pants.

9. Soft Trench Coat

Avoir Trench Coat, Sizes 10 - 24, $160, Carmakoma

For sudden showers, this clean-lined trench coat will have you covered. Wear it with your favorite leggings and a crop top for an easy spring look.

10. Color-Block Dress

Two-Toned Knitted Dress, Sizes 0X - 3X, $190, Addition Elle

This dramatic dress mixes different proportions and bold color-blocking for a one-of-a-kind statement. Even if you're not usually a fan of dressing up, this effortless piece might just change your mind.

11. Zipper Joggers

Junarose Relaxed Jogger, Sizes 14 - 22, $51, ASOS

These relaxed lounge pants have a little something extra going on in the form of zippered details and a clean black and gray color scheme. Before you know it, they just might become your go-to weekend staples.

12. Mesh-Paneled Hoodie

Longline Hoodie, Sizes 14 - 24, $59, City Chic

Perfect for layering over leggings, this long, sleeveless hoodie will be great for any transitional weather. The mesh panels on the shoulders bring some extra fun to the mix.

13. Varsity Jacket

Varsity Roll-Sleeve Bomber Jacket, Sizes 1X - 3X, $29.90, Wet Seal

This bomber spices up a traditional varsity style with roll-tab sleeves and a slightly shrunken shape. Worn over a tailored shell and a pair of trousers, this jacket will add a cool new sensibility to your work wardrobe.

14. Paneled Leggings

Meridan Leggings, Sizes 1X - 3X, $98, Lysse

Leggings just might be the foundation of contemporary athletic style. Since this garment will likely get some heavy rotation in your wardrobe, make sure you pick a version with something special to set it apart, like these mesh-paneled leggings from Lysse.

15. Mesh-Overlay Skirt

Paris Skirt, Sizes 2 - 24, $76, Rue 107

Taking activewear textures in a ladylike direction, this fresh midi skirt is created from double layers of mesh. The inner lining provides shape and coverage, while the outer layer is semi-sheer and twirls beautifully.

16. Striped Trousers

Straight Seam Trousers, Sizes 8 - 20, $99.99, Mango Violetta

If your favorite trousers and the track pants you wore in high school had a baby, it would be this pair of seamed pants from Mango. The wide leg is easy for warmer weather, and the white and navy palette is crisp and cool.

17. Embellished Sweatshirt

Short-Sleeve Sweatshirt, Sizes 0X - 4X, $148, Mynt 1792

The basic sweatshirt gets a makeover with sheer elements and geometric embroidery. This piece is a perfect way to combine a love of sporty style with a more formal office dress code.

Whether you love sports and fitness or your favorite activity is binging on Netflix episodes from the comfort of your couch, athletic-inspired pieces will keep you looking cute and feeling cozy. What could be better?

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Images: Courtesy Brands