The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Looking Good Going to the Gym

Spoiler: You already own everything you need (and it takes 2 minutes).

If you work from home, you know the truth: the gym isn’t just a place to sweat—it’s the only place you might see humans all day. And yet, for a long time, I was showing up in outfits that whispered, “I gave up halfway through getting dressed.”

Old leggings. Random tops. Whatever Amazon basics were clean enough.

But here’s the thing:

The gym isn’t just a workout anymore. It’s my launchpad for errands, coffee runs, surprise bump-ins with people I used to work with. It’s public. And let’s be honest: sometimes it’s not even about the gym. Some days, I just want to live in leggings around the house—but still look like I tried.

And here’s the kicker: I actually own clothes I like wearing. So why wasn’t I wearing them?

So I created a formula. A stupid-simple, no-shopping-needed way to go from “rolled out of bed” to “passably put together.”

No new wardrobe.
Minimal effort.
Just three pieces that make your gym outfit feel like an actual outfit.

It takes two minutes, max. And it works every time.

But first, one quick caveat: This is for low-sweat workouts where you’ll be taking your shoes off—think Pilates, barre, rock climbing, yoga, or lifting. (But yes, you can make it work for sneakers, too.) And if things get sweaty? Just do a quick bathroom wipe-down or throw on a another layer before the rest of your outfit.

The Formula: 3 Things = Instant Upgrade

Take your basic workout outfit (leggings + any top) and add:

1. Something oversized on top
2. One accessory that makes it an outfit
3. Slip-on shoes that look intentional

That’s it. You’ll look like the kind of person who drinks green juice and answers emails from a standing desk, and all you did was throw on three things.

The Oversized Layer

This is the secret sauce. Add one item that feels big, effortless, and easy to take off:

• Blazer

• Trench coat

• Oversized button-down

• Vest

• Chunky cardigan or sweater

Pro tip: You’re adding polish, not problems, so skip anything you’ll struggle to take off before class.

The Outfit-Making Accessory

Here’s where the magic happens. One small touch = instant “I got dressed on purpose.” Make it fast and fumble-free:

• Pendant necklace

• Bold cuff or bracelet

• Sweater tied around your waist or shoulders

• Scarf

• Dickie (such a fun accessory!)

Rule of thumb: If it takes longer than 5 seconds to remove, it’s not the move.

The Slip-On Shoe

You’re taking your shoes off anyway—why not make them cute? Skip the beat-up sneakers and go for something that looks like a choice:

• Ballet flats

• Slides

• Sandals

• Loose boots

The more fun the better.

Real-Life Combos That Just Work

Tibi Vest, Mango cuff (old), Aerie capris, thrifted shoes // Tibi Vest, Bone Cuff, Kilchu sandals

I like picking vests with large arm holes to let out any sweat. And bangles are nice as they are big enough not to get lost when you take them off to workout.

Thrifted trench, Zara pendant, Kilchu flip flops // Tibi blazer, thrifted Banana Republic Shirt, Jeremy Scott x Melissa flats

A blazer or trench instantly upgrades leggings—bonus if it’s a little oversized.

Frank + Eileen shirt dress, thrifted scarf, Left on Friday workout set, Kilchu slides // Tibi shirt, cuff so old I can’t remember where I got it, Left on Friday workout set, Tibi flip flops

A breezy shirt dress or button-down doubles as a cover layer (and yes, it covers your butt too).

Why This Works

The beauty of this approach is that it's:

• Practical: Everything comes off easily when it's time to work out

• Flexible: Works with whatever's already in your closet and your personal style

• Efficient: Takes two extra minutes, max

You end up looking like someone who has their act together, even if you definitely don't feel like it some days. And the best part? You don’t need a million formulas—just one or two that always work for you.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a full wardrobe overhaul.

You just need to think of getting dressed for the gym the same way you’d think of getting dressed.

Because let's be real—when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, everything else (yes, even burpees) feels a little more manageable.

What's in your gym style rotation? I'm always looking for new combinations to try.

PS: I do use some affiliate links throughout the post to support my work at no cost to you.