Before playing volleyball, I loved skinny jeans. I felt comfortable in skinny jeans. I wore them every day. Why did playing a sport change that? Allow me to explain.
I used to dress up for nearly every occasion. Sometimes I’d take over half an hour doing my hair. I wore earrings, necklaces, AND bracelets. But athletic girls (not sure I can even call myself that, but…) just don’t have that kind of time. And although volleyball season is over, I kept a few of the habits I picked up.
Here are all the ways playing a sport changed my style.
1. I want to live in my leggings.
Like I said, I used to rock a good pair of tight, high waisted skinny jeans. But when you’re changing quickly in a locker room after practice and you’re a sweaty mess and need to get to your next appointment, you’re not going to want to pull on those perfect Gap skinny jeans. So you throw on a pair of athletic, spandexy leggings that feel like . . . well, heaven. And you live in those leggings during that sports season.
Then it ends and you figure you’ll go back to your trusty pair of jeans because, well, it may not be totally appropriate to wear your spandex leggings to church, or work, or dinner, or school. But when you put on those jeans you think, “Huh. These are the most uncomfortable pants I’ve ever worn,” and, “I want my leggings back,” and, “I can’t cross my legs in these . . . or sit down . . . or move,” and, “These take ten minutes to pull on,” and, “My spandex made my bum look better than this.”
I think you get my point. Thanks to athletic leggings, jeans are kind of ruined for me.
2. Hats became a thing . . . and so did messy buns.
I just didn’t have time to wash my hair immediately after practice every day, so I usually opted for a baseball cap or messy bun. Now, baseball caps have become a my saving grace for days when I can’t wash my hair.
3. Oversized sweatshirts and spandex shorts have become my at home attire.
When my brother went to college, I stole basically all his old sweatshirts. Whenever I’m home doing school, or writing, or having a chill day, you can probably bet I’ll be wearing one of those sweatshirts that’s way too big for me but is super comfy and a pair of my volleyball spandex shorts that are also very comfortable.
4. I’m not as high matenance.
I used to have a make up routine that I did EVERY day before leaving the house. It was super simple and easy, but I felt weird if I skipped even one of those steps. While playing a sport, however, I got used to going out with very little to no make up on at all, and definitely became more comfortable in my own skin. I think this is probably a good thing, since I’ve been able to cut my morning routine a bit shorter.
5. Dry shampoo is my new best friend.
Again, this is because of not being able to wash my hair after practice. If it weren’t for dry shampoo, I’m not sure I would have made it through volleyball season.
6. I miss my giant gym bag
I got use to carrying around a huge gym bag that held a change of clothes, my sneakers, my water bottle, dry shampoo, a hairbrush, perfume, school books, make-up, and so on and so forth. . . . But because it’s not really acceptable to carry around a gym bag everywhere you go (unless you’re playing a sport or actually going to the gym!), I had to give up that giant bag that held EVERYTHING. I don’t really like purses, so I decided to buy a backpack. It’s not a gym bag, but it’s the next best thing.
In conclusion, playing a sport changed my wardrobe a bit, maybe for the better . . . or maybe not. What do you think? Do you prefer athletic clothing or work attire? Leggings or skinny jeans?
Love,
Gabriella
Outfit details –
Denim jacket – Old Navy
Shirt – Gap
Leggings – Gaiam
Shoes – Sold out but very similar pair here
Backpack – Similar by Christian Siriano
I love the athletic look on you! Love the hat!
Thank you!! <3