Aja Naomi King Shows You How to Wear Athleisure
The How to Get Away with Murder actress, photographed at the lush Golden Door Resort in California, demonstrates how to wear the athletic-inspired trend without breaking a sweat.
By Clarissa Cruz and Megan Deem
Photo: Todd Marshard
Ahead of the Curve
A racing stripe revs up a figure-hugging sheath, and with sporty accessories—a slouchy backpack, a leather cuff—the look is more flirty than fancy. The kicker? Strappy, sky-high heels: "They are gorgeous, just not meant for this terrain," laughs King, 30, who plays ambitious law student Michaela Pratt on the ABC drama.
Game Changer: The Clover Canyon dress is made of neoprene, the same material used for wetsuits.
Dress, Clover Canyon, $272. Necklace, Tory Burch. Backpack, Under Armour. Bracelet, Mitchel Primrose. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.
Game Changer: The Clover Canyon dress is made of neoprene, the same material used for wetsuits.
Dress, Clover Canyon, $272. Necklace, Tory Burch. Backpack, Under Armour. Bracelet, Mitchel Primrose. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.
Photo: Todd Marshard
All Things Sporty
A casually knotted sweatshirt adds a breezy touch to a dramatic gown.
Game Changer: The elegant CH Carolina Herrera gown is constructed with neoprene mesh.
Gown, CH Carolina Herrera, 212-744-2076. Sweatshirt, Obey, 464. Hair tie, Emi-Jay Inc. Handbag, Banana Republic. Cuff, Giles & Brother.
Game Changer: The elegant CH Carolina Herrera gown is constructed with neoprene mesh.
Gown, CH Carolina Herrera, 212-744-2076. Sweatshirt, Obey, 464. Hair tie, Emi-Jay Inc. Handbag, Banana Republic. Cuff, Giles & Brother.
Photo: Todd Marshard
Gym Dandy
Workout wear is anything but dreary with this colorful, graphic print sports-bra-and-leggings combo. "This outfit reminded me of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," says King. "The top and bottom fit so nicely, I did the running man as soon as I put them on!" Throw a relaxed, bum-covering anorak on top, and the look can go from barre class to brunch.
Game Changer: The top and leggings, made with compression fit Lycra-blend fabric, are by athletic wear label Lucas Hugh, which tests its garments on professional athletes.
Anorak, Adidas by Stella McCartney, $320. Sports bra, $235 and leggings, $410, Lucas Hugh. Headphones, Monster Products.
Beauty Highlight: You Glow, Girl
NYC makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff explains how to get radiant, gorgeous skin.
"Start with a primer, like Dior Diorskin Airflash CC Primer, which evens texture and contains golden micropigments," says Sheriff. "Then, depending on the level of coverage you need, smooth on a BB cream, or a cream or liquid foundation." A slight flush always looks healthy, so swirl a pink or coral blush on the apples of your cheeks next. (We love Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette.) Finish by setting your makeup and giving your complexion one last dose of dewiness using Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray. "It hydrates," says Sheriff, "to keep you looking fresh."
Game Changer: The top and leggings, made with compression fit Lycra-blend fabric, are by athletic wear label Lucas Hugh, which tests its garments on professional athletes.
Anorak, Adidas by Stella McCartney, $320. Sports bra, $235 and leggings, $410, Lucas Hugh. Headphones, Monster Products.
Beauty Highlight: You Glow, Girl
NYC makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff explains how to get radiant, gorgeous skin.
"Start with a primer, like Dior Diorskin Airflash CC Primer, which evens texture and contains golden micropigments," says Sheriff. "Then, depending on the level of coverage you need, smooth on a BB cream, or a cream or liquid foundation." A slight flush always looks healthy, so swirl a pink or coral blush on the apples of your cheeks next. (We love Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette.) Finish by setting your makeup and giving your complexion one last dose of dewiness using Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray. "It hydrates," says Sheriff, "to keep you looking fresh."
Photo: Todd Marshard
Sports Authority
Perforated details give this chartreuse knit top and skirt a hit of edgy sexiness. A casual jacket adds coverage—and a soft counterpoint to fierce heels and a bold metallic cuff.
Game Changer: The anorak is part of Lauren Ralph Lauren's recently launched activewear line.
Jacket, Lauren Ralph Lauren Active, $110. Top, $325 and skirt, $325, Jonathan Simkhai. Bracelet, WXYZ Jewelry. Handbag, Tory Burch. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.
Game Changer: The anorak is part of Lauren Ralph Lauren's recently launched activewear line.
Jacket, Lauren Ralph Lauren Active, $110. Top, $325 and skirt, $325, Jonathan Simkhai. Bracelet, WXYZ Jewelry. Handbag, Tory Burch. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.
Photo: Todd Marshard
Sparks and Recreation
A navy tennis-inspired sweater and white leather cropped pants serve as a crisp backdrop for a team of neon accessories.
Game Changer: The sneaker is the latest offering from New Balance's REVlite collection, which features lightweight support and breathable mesh.
Sweater, Liz Claiborne at JCPenney, $54. Cropped pants, Zero + Maria Cornejo. Necklace, Alexis Bittar. Rainbow bracelet, Gabriele Frantzen. Wrap bracelets, Liza Schwartz Jewelry. Sneakers, New Balance. Handbag, Juicy Couture. Water bottle, S'Well.
Game Changer: The sneaker is the latest offering from New Balance's REVlite collection, which features lightweight support and breathable mesh.
Sweater, Liz Claiborne at JCPenney, $54. Cropped pants, Zero + Maria Cornejo. Necklace, Alexis Bittar. Rainbow bracelet, Gabriele Frantzen. Wrap bracelets, Liza Schwartz Jewelry. Sneakers, New Balance. Handbag, Juicy Couture. Water bottle, S'Well.
Photo: Todd Marshard
No Slouch
An asymmetrical top adds polish to formfitting pants and sneaks. "I think it's a top, but I know I would attempt to wear it as a dress," says King. "I love the looseness, and the high slit makes it a little dangerous."
GAME CHANGERS Metro leggings by Athleta have become a cult favorite outside the gym. Two reasons: The Lycra Black fabric doesn't shine when stretched, and they have errand-friendly pockets. The Nike Zoom Fit Agility sneakers have cushioning positioned specifically for gym workouts.
Top, Zero + Maria Cornejo, $750. Leggings, Athleta, $69. Sneakers, Nike.
GAME CHANGERS Metro leggings by Athleta have become a cult favorite outside the gym. Two reasons: The Lycra Black fabric doesn't shine when stretched, and they have errand-friendly pockets. The Nike Zoom Fit Agility sneakers have cushioning positioned specifically for gym workouts.
Top, Zero + Maria Cornejo, $750. Leggings, Athleta, $69. Sneakers, Nike.
Photo: Todd Marshard
Fair Game
A bikini top and a puffer jacket may be unlikely companions, but in classic black and cream, they work. Completing the eclectic look? The surprise of pairing a mesh skirt with sneakers. "I love that we didn't go with a heel for this," says King, who stays in shape with yoga and Spinning.
Game Changers: The jacket by Moncler features a water-resistant nylon exterior and a lightweight down interior. The DKNY sneakers have memory-foam sock liners for support and cushioning.
Bikini, Lisa Marie Fernandez, $385. Jacket, Moncler. Skirt, Clover Canyon, $264. Hair tie, Emi-Jay Inc. Necklace, Rue Gembon. Sneakers, DKNY.
Beauty Highlight: Three Steps to Sleek
A chic, flawless ponytail is as easy as 1-2-3. Pantene celebrity stylist Kim Kimble shares the details.
1. Make sure your hair is bone straight to begin with, using either a flatiron or a blow-dryer.
2. Pull your hair back into a tight ponytail. Take a dab of Pantene Pro-V Stylers Texturizing Sculpting Wax to smooth out the top of your hair and any stray pieces around the edges of your face.
3. Lightly mist a strong-hold hairspray over the wax, then seal everything with the heat from a blow-dryer.
Game Changers: The jacket by Moncler features a water-resistant nylon exterior and a lightweight down interior. The DKNY sneakers have memory-foam sock liners for support and cushioning.
Bikini, Lisa Marie Fernandez, $385. Jacket, Moncler. Skirt, Clover Canyon, $264. Hair tie, Emi-Jay Inc. Necklace, Rue Gembon. Sneakers, DKNY.
Beauty Highlight: Three Steps to Sleek
A chic, flawless ponytail is as easy as 1-2-3. Pantene celebrity stylist Kim Kimble shares the details.
1. Make sure your hair is bone straight to begin with, using either a flatiron or a blow-dryer.
2. Pull your hair back into a tight ponytail. Take a dab of Pantene Pro-V Stylers Texturizing Sculpting Wax to smooth out the top of your hair and any stray pieces around the edges of your face.
3. Lightly mist a strong-hold hairspray over the wax, then seal everything with the heat from a blow-dryer.
Photo: Todd Marshard
Tangerine Dream
Even lace can handle a workout: This neon orange sweatshirt plays well with a sleek pencil skirt. An optic white sun visor and color-blocked headphones are both functional and fashionable.
Game Changer: The skirt, by the surf-inspired, eco-friendly brand Rosel, is made of neoprene.
Sweatshirt, A.L.C., $545, 831-626-3368. Skirt, Rosel, $330. Sun visor, I Still Love You NYC. Headphones, Urbanears x Marc by Marc Jacobs.
How to Wear It
It's easy to try the "athleisure" trend, says O creative director Adam Glassman, if you just remember the rules of the game.
Layer your look. Pair activewear with fashion-forward pieces, such as a posh top and trench with yoga leggings.
Play accessories against your clothes. Elevate casual garments with high-fashion accents like bold heels and bracelets. Choose relaxed pieces—sneakers, chunky watches—for more structured looks.
Think sporty details, not a full-on outfit. Skip the football jerseys and look for mesh, pops of neon and racing stripes.
Game Changer: The skirt, by the surf-inspired, eco-friendly brand Rosel, is made of neoprene.
Sweatshirt, A.L.C., $545, 831-626-3368. Skirt, Rosel, $330. Sun visor, I Still Love You NYC. Headphones, Urbanears x Marc by Marc Jacobs.
How to Wear It
It's easy to try the "athleisure" trend, says O creative director Adam Glassman, if you just remember the rules of the game.
Layer your look. Pair activewear with fashion-forward pieces, such as a posh top and trench with yoga leggings.
Play accessories against your clothes. Elevate casual garments with high-fashion accents like bold heels and bracelets. Choose relaxed pieces—sneakers, chunky watches—for more structured looks.
Think sporty details, not a full-on outfit. Skip the football jerseys and look for mesh, pops of neon and racing stripes.
From the February 2015 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine