Generally speaking, I'm not really the "athleisure" type.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a comfortable outfit. But I always want to look polished and technical fabrics -- with all their practicality -- generally don't make the cut.
But when French label Anne Fontaine approached me about their new athleisure line AF Casual, I couldn't help but be intrigued.
A timeless french brand fusing function and fashion?
YES, PLEASE!
And from the moment this gorgeous pink mesh parka arrived at my door, I was smitten.
The whole AF Casual line is a millennial dream... sports-inspired pieces designed for an active yet stylish life. What's not to love? And each piece is positively GORGEOUS. I'm loving the embellished camo-version of my pink parka as well as the skirt and crop top set in the same fabric. Each piece is so versatile and down-right wearable -- the sort of pieces that you feel gorgeous in regardless of the activity (or how much you're perspiring).
THIS is the way athleisure should be. Gorgeous pieces that you can sweat in, shop in, shoot in, and snooze in.
And this jacket couldn't be more versatile to take me through fall, regardless of how casual or dressy I'm feeling...
Casual
SHOP THE LOOK:
Parka - c/o Anne Fontaine Casual || Jeans - c/o AG Jeans || Bag – Gucci (in size medium) || Mules - c/o Everlane || Sunglasses – Ray-Ban
For my casual days shooting clients or running errands, this parka is just about perfect.
It has plenty of deep pockets (to hold camera gear and my phone), beautiful tailoring (I love the raglan sleeves and exquisite venting in the back), and a gorgeous belt to pull the whole look together.
A belt that looks pretty smashing with my favorite Gucci bag too, don't you think?
During these last dog days of summer when the temperatures are still mostly sweltering, this parka has been a godsend. Not only does the mesh allow this coat to breath on hot days but it also keeps me shockingly warm indoors with the sub-arctic air conditioners that plague Chicago this time of year.
It's a win-win.
Dressy
SHOP THE LOOK:
Parka - c/o Anne Fontaine Casual || Dress - Asos || Pumps - Gianvito Rossi || Bag - Chloé || Sunglasses – Ray-Ban || Lips – Stila in ‘Beso’
What shocked me most about this parka though was how great it looks with dressy outfits. Have you ever seen an athleisure coat you could successfully wear with a mini dress and pumps before?
Without someone asking you if you came from the gym?
I certainly haven't.
Between the luxe look of the mesh fabric and the beautiful belt, this parka is practically made for a night out dancing.
Or to the theatre.
Or perhaps to dinner at a favorite restaurant (here are some of mine).
Which is crazy since it's such a technical coat. But I love that versatility. I just love how COMFORTABLE I feel in it. And I love that I don't have to compromise on feeling polished and professional either.
CONCLUSION
Anne Fontaine you really know how to do athleisure right. I can't wait to see what your fall/winter collection brings!
Thank you for proving that even an athleisure-adverse girl like me can find a beautiful medium between comfort and class.
(And for those of you who will ask, this post isn't sponsored -- my obsession with this line is 100% genuine. But I am eternally grateful to the Anne Fontaine team for sending me this jacket so I could experience the AF Casual line first-hand and share it with you, readers!)
