Oct 30

How to Style Your Pilates Outfits (With Budget-Friendly Finds)

How to Style Your Pilates Outfits (With Budget-Friendly Finds)

I get asked all the time on Instagram where my leggings, tops and matching sets are from when I share my workouts. You can always find the pieces I'm wearing in my workouts in my ShopMy.

A lot of the time, I'm wearing Alo. I love the variety, and they have so many cute sets! But I also wanted to share a few other looks I think you'll love, depending on your personal style.

Whether you're drawn to ballet-inspired looks, classic matching sets or a more athletic style, I've put together five Pilates looks and how I'd pair each one. I've included a few more budget-friendly alternatives, too.

A few basics for building your Pilates wardrobe

Before getting into the different looks, there are a few pieces I'd start with. You don't need a whole new wardrobe to get dressed for Pilates. A few versatile basics will go a long way, and you can build from there.

High-waisted leggings. Pilates works your core throughout class, so I look for leggings that stay in place and feel comfortable as I move through each exercise. A high waist is a great starting point, whether you prefer a classic full-length legging, a capri or a flare for mat workouts.

A layer that's easy to take off. You warm up quickly working out, so I love having a cardigan or zip-up to throw on before and after a workout.

Grip socks. They keep your feet planted on the reformer and on the mat, so you feel steady through every move.

Once you have these, pick the style that feels most like you.

1. The classic Pilates girl

You can never go wrong with a great black set. Black leggings, a supportive bra and a soft layer on top make this an easy everyday uniform. You can wear these pieces together or mix them with almost anything else in your closet.

How I'd style it

Leggings

Adanola Ultimate Leggings ~$65

Bra

Adanola Ultimate Narrow Racer Back Bra ~$50

Layer

Adanola Ultimate Long Sleeve Zip Up Top ~$75

Budget-friendly: H&M Activewear Jacket ~$39

Finish the Look

Adanola Socks ~$30

Nike V5 RNR Shoes ~$95

2. The ballet-inspired Pilates girl

Think soft neutrals, delicate details and a little ballet-inspired touch. I love this look with either flare leggings for a more relaxed feel or capris for a classic studio look, finished with a wrap top or shrug and ballet flats.

How I'd style it

Leggings

CSB Jersey Flare Pant ~$63

CSB Freedom Leggings ~$60

Budget-friendly: H&M Flared Yoga Leggings ~$44

Bra

CSB Freedom Halter Tank ~$50

Layer

CSB Ballet Wrap Top ~$70

Budget-friendly: H&M Sports Wrap Top ~$29

Finish the Look

Dolce Vita Ballet Flats ~$135

Stretchy Non Slip Headband ~$5

3. The athletic Pilates girl

For the sportier girl who loves a cool, off-duty look. Think neutral tones, sleek leggings or biker shorts, a structured jacket and chunky sneakers. Add a baseball cap and sporty sunglasses to finish the look. It's a little more streetwear-inspired, with pieces that work just as well outside the studio as they do on the way to class.

How I'd style it

Leggings

Vuori Daily Track Legging ~$118 or Daily Leggings ~$98

Budget-friendly: OFFLINE By Aerie The Hugger High Waisted Piping Legging ~$59

Bra

Vuori Yosemite Bra ~$58 or Daily Layered Bra ~$64

Budget-friendly: OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me Tipped Low Key Longline Sports Bra ~$44

Layer

Vuori AllTheFeels™ Full Zip ~$128

Finish the Look

Polo Ralph Lauren Chino Cap ~$55

New Balance 740 Shoes ~$114

T — F Oat Milk Pilates Grip Socks ~$22

4. The retro Pilates girl

This look has a slightly nostalgic feel, and perfect for grabbing a coffee and running errands afterwards. The trick is to keep your workout set fitted underneath, then add the oversized pieces on top for an effortless look.

How I'd style it

Leggings

Alosoft High-Waist Iconic 90's Capri ~$98

Budget-friendly: Abercrombie & Fitch Bike Shorts Sculpt ~$40 or Drawcord Bike Shorts ~$45

Bra

Alo Seamless Modal Ribbed High Neck Delight Bra ~$74

Alosoft Center Stage Bra ~$68

Budget-friendly: Abercrombie & Fitch Double-Layered Sports Bra ~$45

Layer

Alo Mini Cable Sweater Cardigan ~$148

Budget-friendly: Old Navy SoSoft Cropped Crewneck Cardigan ~$20

Vehla Gia Sunglasses ~$280

Finish the Look

New Balance 530 Shoes ~$109
Rothy’s Max Square Mary Jane ~$165

5. The cozy Pilates girl

For early-morning classes, colder days and those workouts you squeeze in at home. A matching set with an oversized knit and comfortable sweats makes getting dressed feel easy, especially when all you want is to roll out of bed and get moving.

How I'd style it

Leggings

T — F Studio Core Leggings ~$86

Bra

T — F Studio Core Bra ~$75

Layer

Beyond Yoga LuxeFleece 2.0™ Jogger ~$108

Beyond Yoga LuxeFleece 2.0 Oversized Crewneck ~$128

Budget-friendly: Gap High Rise VintageSoft Relaxed Joggers ~$23, VintageSoft Wedge Crewneck Sweatshirt ~$29

Finish the Look

Alo Half-Crew Scrunch Socks ~$32

UGG Classic Short II Boots ~$190

New Balance 530 Shoes ~$109

A few final thoughts

A lot of the brands I've mentioned are the ones you'll see me wearing most often, but I also love switching things up depending on my mood. Some days I'll go for a more classic look with ballet flats, and other days I'll put on my New Balance sneakers for something sportier. I especially love adding a cute cropped jacket or an extra layer when I'm heading out for a long walk.

It's fun to have a few different looks to choose from, and you can do so much with pieces you already own.

I only share things I really love, but some of these are affiliate links and partnerships, so I earn a small commission if you shop through them. It costs you nothing extra.

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