A couple of months into the New Year and it feels as though the winter chill may finally be behind us. I think we can all agree that during those cold few months cooped up at home, finding the will to get out and to the gym was challenging to say the least. Many of us would have quickly surrendered to an afternoon of pyjamas and Netflix with one look out the window only to see the frosty darkness outside.

But now spring has sprung - in other words, out with cozy and snug and in with active and fit. With bright, sunny days ahead, we can feel refreshed and ready to improve our physicality once more.

The classic adage 'when you look good, you feel good' is at the core of exactly why we should make an effort in styling our sporting ensembles. Of course, 'feeling good' is linked to 'doing good' - in this case bringing fun, motivation and a self-confidence to our exercise. Naturally, shaping up at the gym can also mean shaping up our workout fashion game.

This isn't to say splurge on overpriced activewear brands offering arguably quite conventional gear. As teenagers, a reasonable price is especially of the essence when it comes to clothing purchases. With a touch of creativity and imagination, it's easy to create trendy gym outfits with minimal spending.

Here's five ways to fashion-fortify your workouts without breaking the bank:

1. Basics But Better

When it comes to gymwear, it's easy to gravitate towards sticking with the 'basics' because of their versatility. These include sporty staples, such as leggings and tank tops, which can easily be incorporated into any look especially when in neutral colours like black and cream. So, how can we make the most of these mainstream pieces many of us already have to cultivate our own disctinctive flare?

The golden rule to go by here truly is 'less is more'. It only takes one garment that's a little more original in design to lift the entire outfit to new heights of individuality. This could be a crop top flaunting a unique cut or a mesh long sleeve whose texture offers eyecatching contrast. Wearing something in a bolder colour could also be an option as a striking element amongst more conservative shades.

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2. Sweatproof? It's Gym-Proof

When styling activewear, it's crucial to recognise that we aren't in any way limited to what is typically perceived as 'gym gear'. There is no reason why the term shouldn't in fact be redefined as any sweat proof material suitable and comfortable for working out in. Clothes from sports such as tennis and dance could both be integrated with a little imagination. Perhaps you're an athlete, or just already have these in your wardrobe - either way, this is a creative solution to bring ingenuity to outfits without spending a penny.

A personal go-to is the both functional and cute tennis skort, which highly complements tank tops and long sleeves alike. These are rife in my closet and perfect for post-training strength and conditioning, showcasing their all-round practicality from court to gym.

A trend which has experienced steady ascent in the past few years is balletcore - an aesthetic focusing on femininity and comfort, influenced by dance costumes worn during rehearsals and performances. Balletcore is set to take center stage in 2025 which means now is a better time than any to implement dance gear into our gym look. Think wrap cardigans, crop tops and leg warmers for a touch of sophistication and grace every session.

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3. Gym Gems

Whether you're a gold or silver girly, jewellery is essential when it comes to embellishing our fitness fashionwear. The first thing to consider is investing in waterproof pieces, which although slightly more expensive, are worth the splurge if they'll be worn regularly. There is nothing worse than seeing your favourite jewellery gradually tarnish, its former sparkle now a distant memory having suffered frequent exposure to water and sweat.

Layered necklaces and earring stacks are trends predicted to spiral this year, presenting us with a fun opportunity to mix and match to reflect our individuality. The combinations are endless, although I would advise against large hoops or anything loose or dangly which could get caught on something mid-workout.

Another way to add personal touch could be by choosing pendants that symbolise specific beliefs we resonate with. For example, the lock and key represents loyalty and trust whereas feathers stand for inspiration and freedom. A special pendant acts as more than just a fashion statement - the deeper meaning held within can help inspire and bolster your mindset.

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4. Hair Care

I'll be first to say that when it comes to gym friendly hairstyles, a simple and quick high ponytail is a trusty go-to time and time again. In saying that, a change up is still welcome here and there to keep things fresh. Needless to say, the main priority is 'out of the face' and 'stays in place'. The last thing anyone wants is a sweaty mess of hair that requires repeated fixing and readjusting mid-workout.

One solution is the slick back bun, minimalist yet chic and forever synonymous with the clean girl aesthetic. With a bristle brush and gel at hand, this sleek updo can be achieved with various hair types and textures and is perfect for keeping hair securely wrapped for as long as you need. At the other end of the spectrum is the messy bun, an apparent rival of the slick back making significant headway in 2025, whose leffortlessly elegant look can be attained in under two minutes.

If time is on your side, however, then braided hairstyles, which put less strain on your hair but are equally flattering, could also be an appealing option. French, fishtail and dutch braids may appear complicated but don't fret - they are in fact quite straightforward and countless online tutorials can lend a helping hand. For a pop of colour, scrunchies, hairbands and claw clips absolutely cannot be overlooked. These can all be coordinated with your outfit for a rejuvenated and youthful glow.

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5. Final Touches

Having skillfully styled an outfit très à la mode, neglecting accessories would be like falling at the last hurdle. Hats, for example, made of moisture-wicking material can be ideal for vigorous workouts and may even block out distractions in particularly busy spaces. Alongside that, a small gym bag is an undeniable must-have to safely keep your valuables and belongings in one place.

Don't forget to throw in a micro-fiber towel of choice, lightweight and quick-drying, so you can stay fresh and clean during and post-session. These will all improve your exercise experience and also present further opportunity to customise your look with complimentary colours, standout patterns and trendsetting designs. After all, you're never fully dressed without an accessory.

On the surface, putting some extra effort into our activewear may not seem to be a big deal at first. However, with a few simple steps, we can make stylish changes to our gym gear that will bring both our fashion game and workouts to the next level.