Refinery 29 This Month's Best Fashion Finds

Refinery 29 explores: How running marathons reconnected me with my personal style

This article first appeared on Refinery 29. Authors: Serena Brown, Jessica Morgan.

Growing up, my entire life was about sports. I played on every team at school, from football to tennis, athletics to cross-country — dressing the part in sneakers and gym clothes even exterior of practice. As I got older, every bit my body matured and my style changed, merely my love of sports never waned. In my early on 20s, I discovered and joined a few running collectives in London where I made loads of friends that I'd arrange to run with every weekend. But there was always something to consider before I laced upwardly and striking the road: my fashion.

The way I'd style myself before a race would give me the conviction and fearlessness I'd need to complete it (and a reason to bounce out of bed at 8am every Dominicus). I'd pair leopard print leggings with a brilliant pink running jacket and matching sneakers, or wear neon xanthous shorts with a purple long-sleeve acme and white sneakers. For races, like marathons — of which I've completed four, from the Boston Marathon to the Great Wall of Mainland china marathon — I'd do the same. My floral headband would sit atop my head, pink glitter on my eyelids and a assuming red lip matching my colorful ensemble.

Over time, I've incorporated my running style into my daily personal fashion, blending my sporty look with more feminine pieces. Wearing bold, bright and colorful clothes makes me feel and look proficient, and when information technology comes to dressing myself for my lifestyle, comfort comes higher up everything. I naturally gravitate towards sneakers for their versatility, functionality, and practicality. The Cloudnova Wrap sneakers from running brand On have been a go-to, thanks to their expert fusing of comfort and style (think: cushioning cloud technology, jump-like sole and minimalist design) – they're the shoes I attain for no matter the occasion or season.

Nigh days, my style is dictated by the way I feel when I wake up in the morn, only mostly I expect for sartorial choices that will have me effortlessly from brunch to work in style. For my everyday uniform, I keep things applied and minimal: denim jeans, crisp white shirt, grey sweater and a khaki vinyl trench, paired with the On Cloudnova Wrap sneakers in flame.

The purple and orange colorway complements my pared-downwardly, day-to-day expect, elevating the minimal-notwithstanding-functional outfit. Information technology means that I can practice everything I want to without worrying almost beingness uncomfortable — the shoe quite literally molds to your foot. As someone who is always embarking on spontaneous adventures, this combination of functionality and comfort is key.

I challenge the myth that sneakers tin can't be styled with feminine mode pieces. I love pairing the utility style of the flame colorway with a flowing floral clothes and denim jacket for spring. The combination of more soft, feminine styles and edgier accessories is something I love to experiment with. This look proves that the Cloudnova Wrap isn't but near condolement and operation: the gradient cease and ribbon closure make it a mode statement in itself.

My manner does change, withal. Wearing color is important to me: information technology gives me confidence, and it makes me feel powerful and potent, which is why I chose to style the cumin colorway with a bold red suit. If I'm going to go all out on the top, I like to go on it uncomplicated on the bottom, which is why this combination works then well — I dearest the clash of the sugariness, minimal blueprint. The ruby-red gives off boss vibes and proves that you tin multitask when it comes to fashion. This is the kind of outfit that reflects my good mood on a sunny day — wearing assuming colors instantly makes me happy.

My human relationship with running has undoubtedly strengthened my bond with fashion. I've constitute empowerment and confidence through the combination of mode and comfort, which I carry with me whether I'chiliad walking down the street or powering through a race.

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