5 Chic Outfit Ideas to Wear to the Gym Regardless of What Men Think

Activewear has come a long way. The girlies finally have chic, functional gym clothes that make them feel confident, rather than having to settle for a basic sports bra or the most unflattering, baggy tee from high school gym class. And I’ll admit it: a cute outfit is a huge part of what gets me to the gym, and I say lean into it!Apparently, not everyone agrees. Shane Gillis said (randomly) during his recent SNL monologue, “I haven’t been to the gym in so long. I didn’t know women just dress like whores now.” Sorry, what? Are bike shorts a moral failing now? Did matching sets do something to him? Just because some men are perfectly happy looking like they got dressed in the dark doesn’t mean the rest of us have to be!Anyway, five really freaking cute workout outfit ideas inspired by style muses like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Maura Higgins—all of which you can shop right here. I’m not taking fashion advice from a man who thinks a sports bra is a scandal, and neither should you!This Layered LookBackgridHailey Bieber’s off-duty uniform of white tees, trousers, and loafers gets plenty of attention, but her workout clothes deserve the same treatment. When she stepped out of a Pilates class in this all-brown look, I was immediately sold. The layered halter-meets-off-the-shoulder top was the star of the show, and the Maison Margiela x Salomon sneakers (sadly sold out) proved Mrs. Bieber’s workout outfits deserve a spot on the moodboard.This Gorpcore-Inspired LookGotham//Getty ImagesWhen I say I want to look like an early-2000s gym icon with a gorpcore twist, THIS is exactly what I mean. And of course, Bella is the one who nailed it. She’s wearing a layered athletic tank (which has been all over our feeds lately), itty-bitty shorts (the shorter, the better, IMO), and calf-high socks straight out of a retro fitness ad. The sporty shades and graphic sneakers seal the deal, giving the whole look an outdoorsy, trail-ready edge that lands somewhere between Y2K workout girl and off-duty hiker.This Off-the-Shoulder OutfitHollywood To You/Star Max//Getty ImagesOne thing (ahem, or ting) about Maura Higgins is that she can make even the most basic pieces look elevated. Exhibit A: this athleisure look, which I’ll be recreating ASAP. I love the off-the-shoulder white tee layered over a halter tank, paired with butter yellow leggings. Using a luxury tote as an oversized gym bag? Genius.This Capris-and-Cropped Tee Outfit MEGA//Getty ImagesThe capri takeover has officially reached the gym. Personally, I love capris as an option for the sweaty girl who doesn’t want to wear shorts but runs too hot for full-length pants. They’re the perfect in-between, and paired with a little cropped tee, you’ve got a workout outfit that’s actually cute.This Earthy, Tonal Look Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin//Getty ImagesSticking to one color palette makes a matchy-matchy set feel intentional rather than lazy. Olivia Culpo’s look is the perfect example: she styles her snakeskin-print activewear set with an earthy-toned sweater tied around the hips and a camel-brown clutch for a put-together finish. It’s the kind of outfit that goes straight from a workout to brunch with friends.Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.