JANE Fonda’s shiny spandex leotards are, mercifully, a thing of the past.
Workout fashion can be just as fickle as the runway, and the sweat-monkey look circa 1985 has long since given way to a far more sleek, chic gym style.
Here, our guide to the must-tosses – and the must-haves to substitute.
Gym carryalls
Then: Adidas bags. In the ’80s, everyone from Madonna to Boy George carried a big, bulky bag that screamed, “Workout!”
Now: Marc Jacobs’ “Christy” yoga mat tote. This far more subtle workout pack carries your gym clothes and is also long enough to fit a yoga mat.
Yoga attire
Then: Caftans. Only yogis could achieve the true bliss of nirvana in these toga-like contraptions.
Now: Nuala, a line of yoga-inspired activewear launched by Christy Turlington (www.nuala.puma.com). The stretch pants and comfortable tops not only complement your figure, but make it easy to wrap your legs around your head.
Workout-friendly watches
Then: G-Shock. Extreme sports fans were devoted to these funky, colorful watches that had cute figurines.
Now: Nixon. It’s the sports version of a Hermes watch or a vintage Rolex that offers tide charts all over the world. Enough said.
Gym fabric
Then: Spandex – à la Jane Fonda’s leotards.
Now: Velour – à la Juicy Couture’s sweatsuits.
Portable music
Then: CD players. Finally, you could choose your own music instead of being a radio victim.
Now: Shoulder-wrap MP3 players. No more worries about CDs skipping while you’re pounding the pavement/treadmill.
Hair accessories
Then: Rubber bands. Ever try to take a slick rubber band out of a sweat-soaked ponytail?
Now: Christian Dior’s logo baubles. These glamorous hair accessories – which slide painlessly right out of your hair – come in black, gold and pink, and can be bought at eluxury.com.
Post-workout cleansers
Then: Soap and water.
Now: Dermalogica antibacterial yoga mat wipes (20 wipes are $14 at dermstore.com).
Sweat-proof cosmetics
Then: Max Factor waterproof mascara.
Now: Max Factor waterproof foundation.
Fancy footwork : Old-school tennis shoes have nothing on these new-fangled sneaks
BIG, BAD & RED
Reebok’s red and gray iridescent Classic Forza. $75 at http://www.reebok.com.
QUICK SILVER
Reebok’s blue with silver Classic Fresh Mesh. $65 at http://www.reebok.com
WHAT A MESH!
Fila’s blue and gray FGT K1 Mesh sneaker. $89.95 at Foot Locker.
JUST DOTTY
Adidas’ white perforated leather Showsan sneaker with black stripes. $64.99 at http://www.adidas.com
TRUE BLUE
Puma’s blue Velcro Siblee sneaker. $90 at http://www.puma.com.
GET COCKY
Le Coq Sportif’s pink, white and red Cyclo Lace sneaker with rooster motif. $120; call Apropo, (646) 473-1440, for store info.
SIMPLY SHOCKING
Nike’s silver and light blue Shox NZ sneaker. $100 at http://www.niketown.com.
Styled by Alyssa Dineen
