** This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and Collective Voice. All selections, styling, and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
When it comes to gym workouts and fitness classes, having stylish activewear can be a real motivator—it’s amazing how much more excited I am to hit the gym when I feel good in what I’m wearing! Today, I’m sharing two versatile looks that work just as well for Pilates or weight training as they do for running errands or grabbing coffee after class. With the right layers—like this Long Hooded Puffer Vest—you can easily transition from workout to wherever your day takes you.
Zella Long Hooded Puffer Vest (S) // Energy Performance T-Shirt (S) // Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings in Grey Forged (M) // Studio Luxe Performance Jacket in Blue Azurine (M) // On Cloud 5 Running Shoe (9)
I’ve had my eye on these long puffer vests for a while, and when I saw this white one at Nordstrom, I had to try it. I think it’s so fresh and fun for topping off my fitness gear when I’m going to and from the gym or Pilates studio.
The longline silhouette adds an extra layer of warmth, and I appreciate the functional details, too. The drawstring hood, front zip closure with a snap storm flap, and side zip vents give it a sporty yet polished vibe. Plus, the front welt pockets are great for keeping my hands warm or stashing my keys on the go.
Underneath, I’m wearing the Zella Studio Luxe Performance Jacket over the Zella Energy Performance T-Shirt. I think this Blue Azurine color is so pretty, especially paired with the white vest. I usually keep a jacket on during my warmup—10 minutes of brisk walking on the treadmill—and this one is perfect for that.
The sleek fit and stand collar give it a flattering shape, and the thoughtful features like zip pockets and thumbhole cuffs make it both practical and stylish. The fabric is soft, stretchy, and moisture-wicking, so it’s comfortable whether I’m warming up or heading out after class.
These Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings in Grey Forged complement the other colors in the look without going with the more predictable black, and they’re a great price point. These leggings feel supportive without feeling restrictive, and the high waistband stays in place during workouts. Personally, I like this 7/8 length, but they also come in a full-length version for those who prefer.
For an entirely different vibe, I picked up the FP Movement Intercept Cotton Blend Sweatshirt and Free People You’re a Peach Pocket Leggings when I was shopping with a friend a few weeks ago, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like the look when I put them on together.
FP Movement Intercept Cotton Blend Sweatshirt in Hibiscus (M) // Vuori Energy Tank (M) // Free People You’re a Peach Pocket Leggings (L) // On Cloud 5 Running Shoe (9)
The washed pink sweatshirt makes another great layer for going to and from the gym—and perfect for warming up before a workout—but it also adds a fun, playful alternative to my usual fitness outfits. The boxy fit, slightly cropped silhouette, and unique seaming details make it stand out, while the cotton-blend fabric is cozy yet breathable.
Underneath, I’m wearing my Vuori Energy Tank, which I’ve had for years. Happily, it’s still available—and also at Nordstrom! And these leggings leggings are full of thoughtful features, like ruched ankles, reflective trim, drop-in pockets, and a back zip pocket that’s perfect for stashing a car key or some extra cash.
With both looks, I’m wearing On Cloud 5 Running Shoe. I love how comfortable these are, and the slip-on style makes them easy to get on and off. When it’s really cold or messy out, I wear my Sorel duck boots or UGG Adirondack snow boots to and from the gym and change into my sneakers when I get there. The best part is, all of these pieces are available at Nordstrom, for easy one-stop shopping!
As always, when you shop at Nordstrom, you get their free shipping and free returns. And don’t forget about their BOPUS (Buy Online Pick Up in Store) and contactless curbside pickup options.
And if you aren’t already a Nordy Club member, be sure to sign up so you can start earning points toward Nordstrom Notes when you shop. You also get to enjoy exclusive perks like members-only access to sales, offers, and events — like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which will be here again before we know it!
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15 Responses
Just stopped by to say I LOVE the “Shop My Closet.” Thank you so much for creating this!
I hadn’t seen this yet but just checked it out and fully agree! Such a time saver when we want to find something you’ve featured recently! And I I appreciate having the list of retailers too.
Showing bare ankles and that vest somehow don’t go together in my mind. I’m so cold right now with 25 degrees this morning. I’ve got on my knee high socks and fur lined booties on my feet to go out this morning. Yesterday I had sweats over my leggings to keep warm. I’m so sick of 20 degree mornings and 30s for a high.
You sound bundled up like me Terri! Fortunately I haven’t had to go outside. Southern girls are not cut out for this! I’ll take my 100 degree summers any day over this!
Exactly. We got a teeny amount of snow on Monday night and they closed schools yesterday. The real snow was in Houston this time. In central Texas it’s not really bad but we’re not used to it staying cold for a week. Im going to try to remember this week when summer comes. Lol.
Thank you for creating the SHOP/Shop My Closet tab! It is efficient to quickly refer to.
I just love my On Clouds, my go to everytime I need a sneaker. Think I may just have to get a back pair!
Love, love, LOVE the vest and the pink sweatshirt on you! This is exactly the style my fashionista daughter in law wears to the gym and as athleisure. These outfits give such an updated and youthful look that doesn’t look try-hard. I hope you keep them in your wardrobe!
I love the Zella 7/8 leggings! I got two pairs during the NSale this year and I have really enjoyed wearing them. They aren’t very compressive but they’re so soft and comfortable and look nicer than a lot of leggings. The Shop My Closet page looks great! I think it will be very helpful when I’m searching for something you’ve mentioned but I can’t remember which post it was in. Thanks!
Love “Shop My Closet”. Often I love something you style but waiting for sale or make sure it fits my style etc etc but then when I try and go back to order can’t find it unless you show again. This will be great or deadly for my budget. lol Love your long white vest with the blue. Since I’v gone grey I’m liking more color.
I love the leggings for work out purposes and can’t imagine wearing them outside/ infront of people when every nooks and crannies are visible and nothing is left for imagination. It’s another example of just becasue it’s available and everone is wearing I must jump on the bandwagon too. I also don’t understand why wearing work out clothes if you aren’t working out!!!
I agree. I would feel so naked but I see women walking around like that all the time. The thick athletic ones don’t look bad like the thin ones. It’s like wearing tights without the feet.
Frankly, stretch pants/leggings are the most affordable “catch-all” option (so to speak) left thesedays to be guaranteed you KNOW (lol!) are going to conform to you to fit. I mean, I can’t stand the bottoms with the brand logo all over which scream “gymwear” no matter what….or: the social media, nauseating Barbie yoga subculture of twentysomethings having artificial and UNhealthy looking bodies (I would never want even if I was magically offered a magic wand to look like or go back in time to be that age again) whom I doubt could pretend to act smart if they were wearing office attire instead (not sorry for sounding “old” -though, only 44- about it, ha!); so I just avoid them.
It really is a hassle finding tailored, in-between sizing, “real pants”….which fit a pear figure as well as, again, are *affordable* (under, I would say, the $80-range). Black/navy/olive leggings are theee solution to that (for me, anyhow: being 5′ 7” and a 12/14). It’s all about pairing them with a dressy/elevated style top. Case in point(?): I remember seeing a woman (around back in the Fall) in the supermarket I shop at wearing those (what I’d call, lol, bc I wouldn’t have the confidence to go near them myself!) almost painted-on type $98 Spanx. She was, about, in her 40s and of normal build — but: she’d completely tamed their “edgy factor”, if you will, of how they’d actually seem the rest of the time too “on display”; by pairing them with a pastel elongated cardigan (over a white tank) and ballet flats. I thought to myself: that is such a no muss/no fuss, cute put-together modern look for any age!
I fully agree about different color workout clothes being able to change your mood at the gym! It, unfortunately, can get awkward in warmer weather being self-conscious about sweat on lighter color pants though. I never wear socks with leggings bc I think it really dates the look like ” ’80s slumber party” (ughh!) and, it makes my own legs look too short and stocky; so: I don’t mind 7/8 for Spring/Summer, but definitely ankle-length the rest of the year.
Love the “Shop My Closet” feature, thanks! Especially love that it’s your favorites and not a long list. Makes shopping decisions easier for me:)