How The Rise of Athleisure Has Become The Death of Self-Expression.

Casual these days isn’t what it used to be, is it? There was a time when jeans and a cute top were the go-to for a laid-back dinner with friends, but now, show up in that, and suddenly, you’re the one who’s "dressed up." It feels like athleisure—leggings, oversized hoodies, and sneakers—has taken over as the new normal, and I can’t help but wonder, when did we decide gym clothes were the standard for everything? As someone who loves to dress up, I have to admit, this shift feels a bit like the death of personal style. I mean, sure, comfort is great, but can’t we find a middle ground?

While COVID definitely sped up the rise of athleisure, I think there’s more to the story. It’s like there’s this unspoken idea that dressing up is somehow elitist, or that trying too hard makes you look out of touch. We live in such a youth-obsessed world, where looking effortless is key, and it seems like people are afraid of seeming too “grown-up.” Remember when kids couldn’t wait to dress like adults? Now it’s the adults who want to stay in sneakers and sweats forever, hoping to hold onto a sense of youth. And don’t even get me started on the pressure to fit in with the crowd. The minute athleisure became the trend, everyone jumped on board, and suddenly, you’re the odd one out if you dare to wear jeans.

Here’s the thing—athleisure isn’t just about comfort. It’s kind of a uniform. When everyone’s sporting the same stretchy leggings, oversized hoodies, and plain tees, where’s the individuality? Clothing is supposed to be a way to express yourself, to give people a little sneak peek into who you are. It’s a chance to look in the mirror and see your true self shining back. But when every outfit starts looking like a carbon copy of the next, we lose that spark of personal style. And, yes, I understand that for some, choosing workout wear daily is a form of self-expression. But let's be real—it doesn’t say much beyond the fact that you might hit the gym at some point. Where’s the fun in that? What about the creativity? I miss the days when people weren’t afraid to stand out a little, when fashion was a way to take risks and feel genuinely beautiful in something unique.

The beauty of fashion lies in its ability to let us explore, mix, and play with different looks—finding what makes us feel not only comfortable but confident and gorgeous. It doesn’t have to be athleisure versus dressing up. We can have both! There’s room for a balance. Why not blend comfort with a touch of personal flair? Maybe it’s a pair of relaxed jeans with a statement blouse or a fun dress that feels just as easy to wear as your favorite leggings. The point is, we don’t need to stick to one uniform. There’s so much power in stepping away from the safety net of “same” and embracing what makes us feel beautiful, whatever that looks like for each of us.

It’s time to rethink the “new casual” and bring back some variety. You can still feel comfortable and be effortlessly chic without falling into the monotony of athleisure day in and day out. After all, fashion should make you feel good and look good—why settle for anything less?

xoxo,

Amelia's Closet