With the Olympics in full swing, we sat down with Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred who has shared her thoughts on the sportswear trends that have been taking over our Instagram and TikTok feeds this summer (we’re looking at you Tenniscore) and how you can incorporate this active aesthetic into your wardrobe according to your favourite Olympic event.
It has truly been a summer of sport. From the Euro’s (we’re still not ready to talk about it) to Wimbledon and now the Olympics – we’re been full on locked-in to everything that involves very fit people doing very fit things.
And we can’t lie – it’s been influencing our wardrobe too. From the Zendaya-approved ‘tenniscore’ trend to rocking football shirts a la Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid, incorporating sportswear into our everyday summer wardrobe has become our go-to off duty cool girl aesthetic.
But with the Olympics giving us a myriad of events and styles to choose from – how can we choose where to get our fashion inspo from?
Luckily, we’ve sat down with Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred, who has shared her thoughts on the sportswear trends that have been taking over our Instagram and TikTok feeds this summer and how you can incorporate this active aesthetic into your wardrobe according to your favourite Olympic event.
On the sportswear trend Megan reveals: “With trends such as Tomboy Femme and Surfer Nephew taking over our TikTok feeds this year, it’s no surprise that the popularity of sportswear is on the up. Casual whilst cool, incorporating overtly sporty items such as football jerseys and tennis skirts into our summer wardrobes is a great way to create a point of difference and interest into everyday outfits.”
1. Gymnastics
From the balance beam, uneven bars and those incredible floor routines, we can’t get enough of watching incredibly agile people fly through the air in sparkles and slick-back buns. But shy of wearing a full on leotard outside – how can we recreate this super sleek look for ourselves?
Megan recommends: “Watching gymnasts, you’ll realise that their look is all about being sleek, aerodynamic but with a touch of glitter and sparkle. A slick back bun is an obvious essential, but you can elevate this with an oversized scrunchie or ribbon and clips.”
“You can also take some inspiration from the ‘balletcore’ trend, which shares some of the same disciplines as gymnastics and opt for some understated ballet flats, tights and a soft mini dress in a light pink, cream or white.”
2. Track & Field
Track & field events have given us some serious fashion moments over the years: Flo Jo, Maggie Vessey and more recently, Sha’Carri Richardson. But how can we emulate these legends ourselves?
Megan suggests: “Track & field competitors are very good at playing with colour and standing out on the track. Take Florence Griffith Joyner’s one-legged neon sportsuit for instance and between you and me, waiting to see what nail art Sha’Carri Richardson has opted for is more exciting than the event itself. These women are eager to stand out and make a statement and you can get this confident look yourself this summer with a few styling tweaks.”
“Track & field athletes are all about colour, so think tones of lime green, cherry red and Aperol Spritz orange – all of which are huge colour trends this year. You can also play around with print and lean into maximalism. For example, abstract print is having a moment this season and this is a perfect time to try it out.”
“Running is also having a moment this year, so go for some bright running trainers and a matching print short and sports-bra set and be the chicest one at your next run club.”
3. Tennis
Fiending for a tennis fix since Wimbledon ended? Us too. This trend catapulted by Zendaya’s press looks for Challengers earlier this year solidified ‘Tenniscore’ into our fashion psyches and we have been obsessed with anything white and pleated since.
Megan reveals: “It is important to note that Tennis and tennis outfits have a distinctly preppy feel, so items like headbands, white scrunchy socks and a jumper in cream or white draped across the shoulders will give any outfit a distinct Tenniscore vibe.”
“For everyday, swap out your regular midi or maxi skirt for a pleated version in white or cream. Instead of your regular white t-shirt, go for a polo style which you can layer with a preppy sweater vest.”
“You can take this trend to more formal events, by adding in Tennis accents to your regular date night or event outfits – think mesh inserts, green piping, preppy print like check and stripes.”
4. Football
Although we’re still sore from England’s defeat at the Euros, getting our tomboy on with some cute vintage football shirts never fails to lift our spirits. So, how can we carry this trend on for the Olympics?
Megan recommends: “Football shirts are everywhere this season and can be styled in a variety of different ways. You can go for the tomboy femme route and mix your football shirt with a satin or tiered maxi skirt, complete with flat trainers and a girly micro handbag or you can go full ‘blokecore’ with some knee-length shorts and baseball hat.”
“Football shirts aren’t the only way to show your love for the game. Football or boys sports shorts look great with summer staples such as a white tank top or frilly cami. Women football olympians also favour fun hair looks such as headbands and ultra-high ponytails, which is a great way to keep your hair at bay during the summer months.”
5. Breaking
Breaking is the newest event to debut at the Olympics this year, and with it comes a host of new styles and looks to emulate. With roots tracing back to 70s New York, we can’t wait to fulfil our Step Up fantasies this summer.
Megan suggests: “Breaking (or breakdancing) is an ode to hip-hop culture, which gained relevance in fashion circles around the 1990s. Luckily for us, 90s trends are very much trending right now, with styles such as parachute pants, bucket hats and ultra-cropped tops a favourite of fashion insiders.”
“Although full-on shell suits are probably too sweaty for warmer weather, styles such as ultra-low waisted bottoms, bandana head scarves and jelly shoes will give you that 90s sporty vibe that is synonymous with breakdancing.”
