What do we think of Athleta?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 31, 5'8" and a size 4. Athleta for work out clothes, like you're seriously working out, is fine. Athleta for casual wear looks frumpy to me and is really just a step up from wearing yoga pants and a tshirt. It seems to be moms that want to wear something that they can run after their kids in and be supported, but they think because it's a dress or because its colorful, that they look like they've tried.

It's definitely not sexy - pp with those three dresses, I hate to break it to you. Everything is full coverage, thick stretchy looking material, holding you in, cross in the back stuff that looks athletic rather than stylish. The colors and patterns are dowdy and say late 30s to 40s mom to me.

Want to be comfortable and stylish and still able to run after your kids? The slim moms in well-fitting skinny or straight jeans, ballet flats or ankle boots, a tshirt and a scarf or fitted moto jacket have the same effect and for much cheaper than a bright patterned stretchy dress with a built-in bra.

Skinny jeans are tacky. Ballet flats make everyone's legs look fatter. Ankle boots are dowdy.

So what do you recommend, Coco? Please enlighten us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Didn't you or some other moron also say that Athleta is for women who are out of shape?

PP, why the name calling? I don't get why these threads have to disintegrate into name calling or accusing those who disagree of being poor or too fat. If you disagree, say you disagree and why. Calling me a moron for a fashion opinion doesn't make any sense. No, I did not say that Athleta is for women that are out of shape. I said it's great for workout wear, but that I don't think it's "in" and that I don't think the dresses that were posted are "sexy."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

The other day I had lunch with my husband near his job, wearing my Athleta shorts and some random shirt. Later that day, his co-worker said to him: "Who did I see you having lunch with? Your girlfriend? I thought you were married." My husband said: "That was my wife." The guy said, "Oh, I thought it was some college kid you picked up." I'm 37, so this story obviously made my day (though, admittedly, maybe I was dressed a little casual). But you don't put on a pair of [insert brand here] shorts and automatically become frumpy/dowdy. There are plenty of frumps wearing ballet flats, skinny jeans, and scarfs. If you find something that flatters you--regardless of whether it's at the Gap or Nordstrom, or whether it is trendy or not--by all means, buy it.

Exactly. Men do double-takes when they see me wearing these size 6 shorts: http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=86349&vid=1&pid=739408092

Suburban frumpy? How about sour grapes?

I don't get why it's "sour grapes" to say that something is suburban frumpy. My opinion is that Athleta is, generally speaking, suburban mom, which is generally the opposite of "in." It doesn't mean that some people don't think some of it is sexy mom or that you don't look hot in those shorts. What straight men don't like well-toned women in shorts? It doesn't mean that because you look hot in those shorts that Athleta is "in." Also stating my opinion that it is not in has nothing to do with how I look in Athleta or that I'm jealous of those that do look good in Athleta. The simple fact is that I think it says suburban mom. Is your look suburban mom? Your husband likes you in Athleta? Awesome, rock on with it.

What is it, exactly, about those shorts that says "suburban mom" to you? Do you feel bad about yourself because you can't afford DC?

Ah, the "you don't like it so you must not be able to afford it" defense. Got it. You win.

Not what I said or implied, rocket-scientist. I said that you seem to be very down on the suburbs, and implied that this may be because you live in the suburbs, as you cannot afford the city. Which, in turn, causes you to obsess about whether you look urban enough all the time.

You also sound like a SAHM. I cannot wear jeans to my office. But I can wear an Athleta dress or skirt with tights and boots. Wake up; smell the coffee. Get a job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 31, 5'8" and a size 4. Athleta for work out clothes, like you're seriously working out, is fine. Athleta for casual wear looks frumpy to me and is really just a step up from wearing yoga pants and a tshirt. It seems to be moms that want to wear something that they can run after their kids in and be supported, but they think because it's a dress or because its colorful, that they look like they've tried.

It's definitely not sexy - pp with those three dresses, I hate to break it to you. Everything is full coverage, thick stretchy looking material, holding you in, cross in the back stuff that looks athletic rather than stylish. The colors and patterns are dowdy and say late 30s to 40s mom to me.

Want to be comfortable and stylish and still able to run after your kids? The slim moms in well-fitting skinny or straight jeans, ballet flats or ankle boots, a tshirt and a scarf or fitted moto jacket have the same effect and for much cheaper than a bright patterned stretchy dress with a built-in bra.

Skinny jeans are tacky. Ballet flats make everyone's legs look fatter. Ankle boots are dowdy.

So what do you recommend, Coco? Please enlighten us.

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=918981002
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=880253042
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=880253042
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84087&vid=1&pid=553361012 (with cardigan for work).

[Anonymous]

For me, I'm fit and have great legs and skin, so I'm not ready to shop at a store like Athleta just yet. I think it depends on what season of life you are in. I also think if you are younger, but a bit out of shape, then Athleta might be a good fit for you.

It is most definitely "mom clothes

OK, who's the genius who came up with this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 31, 5'8" and a size 4. Athleta for work out clothes, like you're seriously working out, is fine. Athleta for casual wear looks frumpy to me and is really just a step up from wearing yoga pants and a tshirt. It seems to be moms that want to wear something that they can run after their kids in and be supported, but they think because it's a dress or because its colorful, that they look like they've tried.

It's definitely not sexy - pp with those three dresses, I hate to break it to you. Everything is full coverage, thick stretchy looking material, holding you in, cross in the back stuff that looks athletic rather than stylish. The colors and patterns are dowdy and say late 30s to 40s mom to me.

Want to be comfortable and stylish and still able to run after your kids? The slim moms in well-fitting skinny or straight jeans, ballet flats or ankle boots, a tshirt and a scarf or fitted moto jacket have the same effect and for much cheaper than a bright patterned stretchy dress with a built-in bra.

Skinny jeans are tacky. Ballet flats make everyone's legs look fatter. Ankle boots are dowdy.

So what do you recommend, Coco? Please enlighten us.

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=918981002
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=880253042
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=880253042
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84087&vid=1&pid=553361012 (with cardigan for work).

To each her own.

[Anonymous]

"Want to be comfortable and stylish and still able to run after your kids? The slim moms in well-fitting skinny or straight jeans, ballet flats or ankle boots, a tshirt and a scarf or fitted moto jacket have the same effect and for much cheaper than a bright patterned stretchy dress with a built-in bra."

Boy, I can't imagine anything more comfortable and stylish than wearing tight skinny jeans, a tshirt and a scarf in mid-July, running errands or going to the park with my kids....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 31, 5'8" and a size 4. Athleta for work out clothes, like you're seriously working out, is fine. Athleta for casual wear looks frumpy to me and is really just a step up from wearing yoga pants and a tshirt. It seems to be moms that want to wear something that they can run after their kids in and be supported, but they think because it's a dress or because its colorful, that they look like they've tried.

It's definitely not sexy - pp with those three dresses, I hate to break it to you. Everything is full coverage, thick stretchy looking material, holding you in, cross in the back stuff that looks athletic rather than stylish. The colors and patterns are dowdy and say late 30s to 40s mom to me.

Want to be comfortable and stylish and still able to run after your kids? The slim moms in well-fitting skinny or straight jeans, ballet flats or ankle boots, a tshirt and a scarf or fitted moto jacket have the same effect and for much cheaper than a bright patterned stretchy dress with a built-in bra.

I'm the PP with the three dresses. Just to be clear, of course it's not sexy as in go-on-a-date with your husband sexy. But, it's the sexiest thing I'm going to put on after coming home from work on a hot summer day, taking off my suit, and making dinner and putting the kids down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 31, 5'8" and a size 4. Athleta for work out clothes, like you're seriously working out, is fine. Athleta for casual wear looks frumpy to me and is really just a step up from wearing yoga pants and a tshirt. It seems to be moms that want to wear something that they can run after their kids in and be supported, but they think because it's a dress or because its colorful, that they look like they've tried.

It's definitely not sexy - pp with those three dresses, I hate to break it to you. Everything is full coverage, thick stretchy looking material, holding you in, cross in the back stuff that looks athletic rather than stylish. The colors and patterns are dowdy and say late 30s to 40s mom to me.

Want to be comfortable and stylish and still able to run after your kids? The slim moms in well-fitting skinny or straight jeans, ballet flats or ankle boots, a tshirt and a scarf or fitted moto jacket have the same effect and for much cheaper than a bright patterned stretchy dress with a built-in bra.

I'm the PP with the three dresses. Just to be clear, of course it's not sexy as in go-on-a-date with your husband sexy. But, it's the sexiest thing I'm going to put on after coming home from work on a hot summer day, taking off my suit, and making dinner and putting the kids down.

Sure, and I'm sure you look nice in them. I'm sure the Pp who posted the work dresses looks nice and put together and feels comfortable. I'm certainly not advocating for every mom to be high-fashion or some man's definition of sexy at all times. And I think people look fine in Athleta and are probably comfortable, but I still don't think clothing from there is "in" or trendy or whatever the OP meant.

[Anonymous]

I also don't mean to make it sound like I care deeply or spend any time judging anyone for wearing athlete. I was having a slow day at work today and literally just yesterday chatted with a mom wearing a cross-backed built in bra bright colored sundress, so it was a timely post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Want to be comfortable and stylish and still able to run after your kids? The slim moms in well-fitting skinny or straight jeans, ballet flats or ankle boots, a tshirt and a scarf or fitted moto jacket have the same effect and for much cheaper than a bright patterned stretchy dress with a built-in bra."

Boy, I can't imagine anything more comfortable and stylish than wearing tight skinny jeans, a tshirt and a scarf in mid-July, running errands or going to the park with my kids....

Obviously I wasn't saying literally wear this outfit every single day no matter what the weather or what you're doing. Sorry for not being 100% clear on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 31, 5'8" and a size 4. Athleta for work out clothes, like you're seriously working out, is fine. Athleta for casual wear looks frumpy to me and is really just a step up from wearing yoga pants and a tshirt. It seems to be moms that want to wear something that they can run after their kids in and be supported, but they think because it's a dress or because its colorful, that they look like they've tried.

It's definitely not sexy - pp with those three dresses, I hate to break it to you. Everything is full coverage, thick stretchy looking material, holding you in, cross in the back stuff that looks athletic rather than stylish. The colors and patterns are dowdy and say late 30s to 40s mom to me.

Want to be comfortable and stylish and still able to run after your kids? The slim moms in well-fitting skinny or straight jeans, ballet flats or ankle boots, a tshirt and a scarf or fitted moto jacket have the same effect and for much cheaper than a bright patterned stretchy dress with a built-in bra.

Skinny jeans are tacky. Ballet flats make everyone's legs look fatter. Ankle boots are dowdy.

So what do you recommend, Coco? Please enlighten us.

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=918981002
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=880253042
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&vid=1&pid=880253042
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84087&vid=1&pid=553361012 (with cardigan for work).

Are these dresses supposed to be an example of cute or suburban frump?

I'm a new poster and these are hideous, but I suppose these drapes would cover a jello belly.

[Anonymous]

Sure, those clothes are for hiding a "jello belly". Whatever you say.

[Anonymous]

I LOVE athleta because I am a middle aged mom who wants something comfortable that won't look horrible. I love the summer dresses. I live in them. But, if I love them, then by definition they are not stylish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sure, those clothes are for hiding a "jello belly". Whatever you say.

They look like house gowns.