A sorority girl’s guide to dressing for the gym

School is almost back in session and the possibility of gaining that freshman 15, or any weight for that matter, is “weighing” on your mind. Between classes and extracurricular activities, it can be hard to find time to hit the gym, so most of the time it’s between activities.

I still want to look presentable for class, but I also don’t want to have my hair and makeup done just to sweat it all off at the gym later. One thing that my sorority (Phi Mu) sisters have taught me is how to look good for class and be comfy for the gym.

Outfits

A tank and capris/shorts

Why go to the gym when you can work out outside?

Function tanks

This is a comfy outfit and you can get creative with it. One thing you can do if you are in a sorority, fraternity, or club is wear your function shirts with your name on it. This is a great way to get your name out there and it’s a great conversation starter.

T-shirt and shorts/capris

Throwback pic from two years ago because why not?

Not feeling the idea of showing your arms? Think a tank top will be too chilly during class? Just wear a t-shirt. You will not look overdressed or underdressed, but a happy in between of comfy casual.

Sports bra and shorts

Pardon my concentrating face and laundry

You can easily wear a sports bra and a pair of Spanx underneath almost anything so you can layer up. Wear that cute dress to class and take it off for the gym. If you don’t feel like wearing workout clothes to class, just pack them in your backpack and change later.

Makeup

No makeup

Personally, I am a fan of the no makeup to the gym appearance. I feel like it’s pointless to sweat and have your makeup caking up or pouring down your face, so I avoid it. Plus, you do not need makeup to be beautiful. Natural is beautiful. If you really feel worried about not wearing makeup, here are some tips to look like you’re wearing makeup or having a rejuvenated look.

Wash face, wet fingertips and manually curl eyelashes to make them look longer, use a colored lip balm to keep your lips looking a little larger and non-chapped, and (this one is a little weird) pinch your cheeks to give yourself some color. You are good to go.

Wearing makeup

Natural may be beautiful, but if you have to wear badge attire or you have a presentation, you need to dress up a bit more than normal. Wear light makeup and you will be good to go. A little foundation, eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss will complete your look and you won’t have to worry about having too much makeup on to work out.

The hair

A messy bun or ponytail are my go-to hairstyles, but when I want to go to the gym later, I make some tweaks to the bun or ponytail. By simply adding a braid, you can have your hair gym ready, matching your cute outfit or making your simple outfit a bit more fashionable.

Dutch braid and bun

This is a post work out photo so my hair is a bit frizzy

Dutch braid (braid under) a portion of your hair to the bottom of your scalp. Tie off into a low ponytail and then twist and bobby pin into a bun.

French braid and ponytail

French braid (braid over) the front portion of your hair all the way down. Take all of hair and pin it up into a ponytail.

Be creative and comfortable with your outfits. No one says you can’t try to look cute while hitting the gym, but the most important part of working out is not stressing about how you look.