Back in December, I dubbed it “Year of the Lounge,” noting that “what started as a pandemic staple has grown into a cornerstone of hybrid dressing” where comfort meets sophistication. And guess what? The loungewear trend is still going strong. Athleisure looks have officially entered its glam era, especially among celebs over 40. From Jennifer Lopez to Jennifer Garner, these stars are proving that comfort chic is here to stay.
Atheisure Style Inspiration: Celebrities Over 40
Jennifer Lopez
While I’ve always been a fan of the way Jennifer Lopez goes ladylike one minute and “sporty chic” the net, it’s that versatility that carries her to fashion icon status — the way she can pair a long elegant coat with platform sneakers, or in this solid case of athleisure, a sweatsuit with a beige fur coat and a Birkin bag. Harper’s Bazaar came up with perhaps the best headline of all time, when they wrote “Jennifer Lopez Proves the Best Accent to a Sweatsuit is a Luxe Fur Coat.” She accented her athleisure-meets-high-end look with oversize aviator shades, chunky gold hoop earrings, and her hair pulled up in a bun.
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Celeb Tip: When in doubt, wear a fur coat with your sneakers.
Jennifer Garner
Actress Jennifer Garner doesn’t grace the covers of fashion magazines quite like she used to – but perhaps that’s because she’s swapped red carpet gowns for hoodies and sweatshirts and fancy footwear for tall tube socks. Still, there’s always something bold and luxe about her athleisure and that’s her statement-making sneakers. Besides the softness and support, there’s always a bold color or cool print to go with it. Whether it’s the pop of color with her Brooks Women’s Gylcerin 21 shoe or the red Men’s Torin 7 from Altra (see above), Jennifer brings a playful, fashion-forward edge to even the most laidback looks.
Celeb Tip: Nothing says athleisure like a good sneaker.
Kristen Bell
I love Kristen Bell’s subtle approach to athleisure – often pairing casual joggers with knits, or wearing matching activewear sets under tailored jackets. It’s the kind of “I might work out today, but also might sit on the floor with my kids” style that’s totally relatable.
While she won’t wear her leggings to host the Screen Actors Guild awards and she’s certainly not the first celebrity who comes to mind when you think of athleisure icons, Kristen Bell is quietly nailing the look in a way that’s totally accessible. In one look, she’s in a classic combo of slate gray leggings and a white crop top, with a sweatshirt tied around her waist for that easygoing “California mom on the move” vibe.
In a pic from the set of Nobody Wants This, she’s wearing a rich burgundy matching set with a cropped tank and high-waisted leggings, layered with a sporty red jacket and cozy shearling slides. It’s not hers exactly — she wore it for the show — but it’s proof that a coordinated set can still feel pulled-together and cool. And no you don’t have to be as fit as Ms. Bell. Check out Nordstrom, Nike and GLAD (Grind Like a Doll) for plus size options.
Celeb Tip: You don’t have to be stick thin to wear a matching set.
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts was once considered the athleisure poster girl — snapped by paparazzi in printed leggings, textured sweatshirts, and sneakers as often as she was in red carpet gowns. In the mid-2010s, she was frequently seen in stylish workout looks from Stella McCartney for Adidas, Live the Process, and Alala, mixing fashion-forward gym wear with designer bags and polished outerwear. But while her days of headline-grabbing gym looks have quieted, Watts hasn’t abandoned athleisure—she’s simply evolved it.
Today, at 56, she leans into elevated loungewear alongside the more fancy formal wear. Case in point: this airport look with oversized trousers, tonal layering, and minimalist sneakers. It may not be traditional athleisure, but it captures the same ethos — comfort, movement, and an understated kind of chic. It’s what happens when athleisure grows up.
Celeb Tip: For a more refined athleisure, try elevated loungewear.
How do you wear your athleisure?
—Simona Shemer
Photos: Harper’s Bazaar, Daily Mail, Travel + Leisure
You may like to read more of Simona’s celebrity style posts like Timeless Elegance: Celebrity Fashionistas Over 50 Embrace Schiaparelli and Celebrities at Fashion Week Spring 2025: New York, London, Paris and Milan.
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