Whether you are a runner who grabs a pair of shorts and a tech t-shirt for a race or a running fashionista, you likely have a go to set of running clothes that you wear whenever it’s clean (or maybe even when it’s not. I’ve never pulled dirty clothes out of the hamper to run. Ahem.) Tell us about that outfit. Is it the exact same pair of shorts or do you have several in different colors? Is there a tank or shirt that’s your go to top that never chafes and makes you feel good? What about your shoes? Do they match or are they equipment not fashion?
The evolution of my (warm weather) running uniform…
When I first started running, I wore compression shorts and whatever race shirt I got my hands on. My shoes were whatever neutral shoe felt good in the store.
Then I moved on to some comfy shorts I found, once again combined with a logo’d tech shirt.
Then I discovered skirts and tried a bunch of different options for skirts and shoes. (Best picture of my legs ever LOL, mostly because the skirt (not a Skirt Sports skirt) was riding up where it did not belong.)
Finally, I came to my happy place AKA the Happy Girl from Skirt Sports, compression socks, and Altra Running shoes.
Seriously, my tops may vary, but you’ll find Altra One 2 or 2.5 on my feet, compression socks, and a Happy Girl or Gym Girl Ultra on my bottom half. I seriously could have chosen any one of dozens of race photos to show you.
If I could only choose one skirt, I’d choose the Happy Girl in Tantrum (affiliate link, available on the site now, use MCM20 for 20% off). I LOVE this pattern and wear it in the GGU for now. Best part? Every single shirt goes with this pattern. Seriously. So do all of my Altra Running shoes. (affiliate link)
If you have a “uniform”, what is it? Has it changed over time?
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I definitely have go-tos. Once you find something that works, it’s hard to try anything else!
Exactly! I’ve never chafed in my running skirts. That right there makes them worth the investment.
I love your transition from whatever works to its comfy and looks good! Those race photos are very flattering too, and not just the leg one!
Thanks! Believe me, there are plenty of unflattering ones out there too.
I’ve never tried a running skirt but they look comfortable. And I love the fun patterns!
You should try one. I swore I’d never wear one until I actually found one that worked for me. Feel free to use code MCM20 to get 20% off a Skirt Sports skirt if you want to try one!
It’s crazy to step back and see how the styles have changed just in the time we’ve been blogging! In the “old days” all bottoms seemed to be black. Look at those Vibrams. I still have some floating around here.
I loved my Vibrams (still do for things like white water rafting), but I run too many miles on pavement and my feet just could not take it. I’ll be hitting my 8 year anniversary of blogging soon. Hard to believe.
I never really thought of having a running uniform! I pretty much wear the same types of clothing – running shorts and a short sleeved tech tee, some from races, some on sale at places like Old Navy and Target. Some brands of socks are nicer than others. I’m not really loyal to anyone just yet!
I’m addicted to Skirt Sports. I think I own one of everything LOL.
I loved seeing how your running “uniform” has transformed over the years. I’ve never tried the Happy Girl skirt, but it’s on my list. I like to stick with the ones that are a little shorter. You’ll find me in a skirt and tank, compression sleeves and Brooks shoes. I also never run without a headband!
My uniform is similar, although different shoes.
And I must admit I like my sparkleskirts, too. I know, heresy, but I do won far more Skirtsports than Sparkle skirts! They are both the only ones that don’t ride up on me.
And you have great legs!
I’ve heard great things about the Sparkle Skirts, but I was already committed to Skirt Sports by the time I heard of them.
I love trying stuff, clothes, food, pretty much anything. I actually like the cut of sparkle skirts a bit more — really good for curvy girls. But my closet is pretty well stocked with skirtsports. I’ll continue to shop both, no doubt, and athleta, and lulu, and target . . .
Mine started out like yours and now it’s a SkirtSports skirt & compression socks 🙂
It’s an evolution LOL.
It’s awesome how our running styles evolve. Those skirts look great on you! I love the arm sleeves too!
Those are my favorite arm sleeves. I wish I had more of them from YMX.
Why, oh why, can’t I do the skirt thing? I feel like ever since I was little I battled my mom about wearing dresses and skirts. It’s still a big deal for me to wear a dress for a date night with my hubs. They look adorbs and there are so many options to choose from, but I just can’t do it!! You look so cute and so does everyone else running in a skirt. Maybe someday for me. For now, I’ll stick with my shorts and tanks. 🙂
Have you tried one? I used to hate skirts growing up as well and now I love them (both in real life and in running). I wear super comfy stuff that makes me look pulled together but feel like I’m in comfy lounge clothes. Win!
I was on who promised myself I’d never wear skirts while running… I don’t really know why since I played lacrosse. Once I decided to try a running skirt, there was no going back.
It’s an addiction. I hated skirts growing up LOL.
I typically wear Lululemon capris and a matching tee or tank. Unless it’s winter, and then I’m wearing mostly Under Armor cold gear. 8 layers of it!
I wore so many layers for a few runs this winter that I almost could not bend my knees LOL.
Now you’ve got me thinking of my “uniform” when I first started running – stretched out sports bra, cotton t shirt! My how things have changed!
Ha ha, totally been there.
Great uniforms- I love the progression of your running style in pics! And that you have shoes that match your skirts. LOL
I have every color of One that Altra makes LOL.
It’s short tights and running singlet at the moment. That’ll become tights and t-shirt soon (hopefully if the temperature ever drops) then capris and long sleeve tee. And then it’ll be back to short tights and singlet. The circle of life.
I swear I should live by you 6 months of the year – but I’m not sure which I hate more right now – cold or hot.
I never used to run in skirts for the longest time. But since I’ve started I gotta say they are very flattering. Also, I love that most have pockets on the side.
Pockets, comfortable, and cute? I think everyone should run in a skirt LOL.
I’d rather be in a running skirt than anything else! That Tantrum pattern is so cute!
Tantrum goes with EVERYTHING. I just bought it in Happy Girl so I can wear it as “street clothes”.
Glad you found what works well for you! I mostly focus on clothes that feel comfortable, and not so much about how they look…but when they are cute its definitely a plus!
The best part about the skirts is that in addition to be cute, they are comfortable and functional. I’ve never chafed when wearing a skirt, no matter how wet I’ve gotten.
My running uniform has definitely evolved–I remember I ran my first race in a pair of soccer shorts, a cotton t-shirt, a rain jacket and the sneakers I wore to work! Now I wear a seamless top, running shorts and the most comfortable running shoes every 🙂 I am curious about the Altras though, I’ll have to check them out!
I love love love my Altras, but they do take some transition time.
Ah I should have linked up to this one! Love all the skirts it’s almost time to wear them everyday again
I actually ran in a skirt and tank top on Tuesday. I’m ready for the temps to stay around there. (Not ready for hot though)
It is funny how tastes evolve over time ! I have never tried a running skirt.
I never thought they’d be my thing, but I had trouble finding shorts that worked.
My “uniform” varies somewhat, but I usually have shorts and a tank if the temperature is above 60°. I’ve only run in a skirt once, but I wear them often when training my clients.