Step up to the sports luxe trend (From Halesowen News)

Step up to the sports luxe trend

7:00am Saturday 30th January 2010

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Forget the gym kit and take on this season's sporty chic trend.

Do you have an allergic reaction at the very mention of a workout? Then chuck that gym bag into the nearest skip and sprint to the High Street to go sporty chic - no sweat required.

The 'sports luxe' trend does what it says on the tin, luxurious sportswear that's destined for anywhere except the gym.

Think traditional sportswear after a serious shake-up on a Power Plate machine.

Jogging bottoms are teamed with sky-high heels, lycra and velour exchanged for high-shine parachute silks, and rucksacks shrugged off for Eighties-style bumbags.

Yep, the Eighties revival is ready for a workout again but this time around on the fashion treadmill the full-on fluro brights have been toned down. Instead, look for a muted colour palette, punctuated with flashes of neon green, yellow or orange.

The spin on sportswear was evident on the spring/summer catwalks at Bottega Veneta who showcased techno fabrics, Ashish re-worked sporty logos like Nike's 'Just Do It' into bling-tastic sequins, and Alexander Wang set the get-fit fashion tone with grey marl jersey and hooded jackets.

So put some muscle power into this surprisingly wearable trend. You don't need gym membership to sign up to the sporty style club.

:: Leisurely jog Keep your jogging bottoms for Sunday best. The uber-relaxed staple has shaken off its 'chav' image for a trend-setting makeover.

The key turnaround is your footwear - kick off the trainers for towering heels and you'll be looking model-like minus the treadmill action. Wear low slung with tapered ankles to look catwalk hot.

Try: Ashish for Topshop track pants, £75, Mint Velvet silver sateen sports pants, £59; ASOS cross front skinny fleece joggers, £18; American Apparel Chambray track pants, £36.

:: High jump No Olympic talent is required to make tracks with sporty jumpsuits and shorts in high-tech fabrics like parachute silk or draped jersey.

Keep the trend wearable with muted shades like dove grey, caramel and beige to keep the mood fresh and light for spring.

If you want a souped-up way to work shorts or joggers, be cheerleader-inspired and go for all out glam with metallic sequins.

Try: Fuse by Preen zip detail grey jumpsuit, £65 at Very; Yogo Ego blue strapless jumpsuit, £32; Ashish gold sequin gym shorts, £270 at Selfridges.

:: No-sweat tops You don't have to wear go-faster stripes or a sports bra to work a gym-inspired top with panache.

A scuba-diving holiday in Egypt was the inspiration behind Julien Macdonald's athletic cut-out vests, as sported by Cheryl Cole during her X Factor performance.

Subtle neon detail will also add a hint of sporty chic without the Fame wannabe vibe.

Try: Marisota animal print zip jacket, £35; Oonagh by Nanette Lepore Sid neon top, £85; Pineapple grey Monster hoodie dress, £22 at ASOS.

:: Sports luxe kit Sporty-style accessories are the easiest way to give your wardrobe a workout and transform into a 'gym bunny-meets-lady who lunches'.

Trainers have been given stylish elevation with rubber heels or wedges - think Victoria Beckham circa 2007 making her mark at an LA Dodgers baseball game in high-heeled sneakers.

Or display some fitness pretence by throwing a sporty luxe gym bag on your shoulder - filled with anything but workout gear naturally!

Try: Office Lap It Up heeled trainers, £70; Ash multi buckle wedge suede trainers, £125 at ASOS; Oasis white bumbag, £28 (available in March); Nike gold luxe club bag, £50 at Debenhams.

:: Stockists American Apparel: www.americanapparel.net ASOS: www.asos.com Debenhams: 08445 616 161/www.debenhams.com Marisota: 0871 984 6000/www.marisota.co.uk Marks & Spencer: 0845 302 1234/www.marksandspencer.com Mint Velvet: 0845 456 2200/www.mintvelvet.co.uk Nanette Lepore: 0207 221 8889 Oasis: 0845 899 0009/www.oasis-stores.com Office: 0845 0580 777/www.office.co.uk Selfridges: 0870 837 7377/www.selfridges.com Topshop: 0844 984 0264/www.topshop.com Very: 08448 222 321/www.very.co.uk Warehouse: 08451 222 251/www.warehouse.co.uk Yogo Ego: www.yogoego.com :: Get the look Leopard print coats have practically become a celebrity staple. Go wild like Myleene Klass in Motel's Husky coat, £110 (www.motelrocks.com).

:: Buy it now We're going starry-eyed for the new Swarovski Crystallized jewellery collaboration with model Daisy Lowe. The Starlight collection is made up of three unique pieces - necklace, bracelet and earrings - priced from £52, available from www.swarovski-crystallized.com Fashion flash :: Go dotty The designer behind 'that' M&S polka-dot dress Samantha Cameron sported at the Conservative Party Conference has launched her own label. Alison Mansell's Damsel in a Dress range is an ultra-feminine collection of dresses with vintage design details and classic tailoring. Damsel in a Dress, starting from £99, is available at John Lewis stores and online from February.

:: Choo boot It's an unlikely pairing but Ugg Australia have confirmed a collaboration with Jimmy Choo. The fashion pack are scratching their heads as to how the furry Yeti boots will be given a Choo transformation but prices range from £495 to £695 so expect big things! Tamara Mellon, founder of Jimmy Choo said: "Other than Jimmy Choo, UGG Australia is the only other footwear I have in my wardrobe. We're delighted to have created a special capsule collection that captures the best of both brands - the legendary comfort of UGG with the spirit of Jimmy Choo." Five styles will be available in varying colours and are set for release in October.

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