THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 27, 1996 TAG: 9606260084
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: 72 lines
IF THE PLEASURES of outdoor sports and are your thing, you'll find plenty of wardrobe options.
Designers are paying more attention to activewear. It's cropping up in a myriad of forms that are no longer meant for just track or field.
Today's sportswear is multifunctional. Fashion separates created for one sport can be worn for another.
And elements such as the polo shirt, the aerobic capri leotard, the pleated tennis skirt and the sleeveless dress not only work in the activewear arena but also in more casual dress settings.
Take the tennis dress. Robin Claffy, assistant manager for Sports Authority at Lynnhaven, says it's become one of the hottest fashion items on the court and off.
White will always remain a traditional base color, but designs with bright patterns are also available.
One new influence in running wear, Claffy says, is reflective clothing made of a fabric called Illuminite.
``Because speed walking is one of the fastest-growing sports, sportswear manufacturers are gearing their clothes toward early morning and evening usage, which requires high-visibility activewear,'' Claffy says. ``In fact, reflective fabrics are being incorporated into all areas of sports, from hats to shoes.''
With the return of retro and the continued presence of bright colors in the the more formal realms of fashion, it is no surprise that these influences would trickle down, making their own statement in activewear. ILLUSTRATION: COLOR PHOTOS BY BETH BERGMAN/The Virginian-Pilot
Join the club
Ellen makes a bright and bold statement on the golf course wearing
the latest contemporary look, which works on or off the green. Hot
pink ribbed sweater, $28, and daisy print skirt, $28, both by XOXO.
White cardigan, $36, by Remake. All from the Bahama Shop, Virginia
Beach. Terry visor, $3.96; Wilson golf glove, $6.96; and Bolle
sunglasses, $118, all from Sports Authority.
In motion
Runners stay in sight wearing the latest reflective clothing, which
is light and bright. Ileana wears Illuminite shorts, $19.96, and
hat, $19.96, by In Sport, paired with a Moving Comfort lace halter
top, $23.96. Nike running shoes, $49.99, and Robic chronometer,
$15.99. All sports gear from Sports Authority.
Holding court
Tennis fashions take a sassy turn with bright patterns and
functional silhouettes. Ellen, left, wears the hottest trend, the
tennis dress with pattern detail, $39.96, and matching hat, $8.96,
both by Reebok. Wilson racket, $118.99, and Reebok shoes, $49.99.
Ileana wears a two-piece outfit by Tail - shirt, $24.96, and skirt,
$38.96. Nike shoes $49.99, visor $5.99. All clothing from Sport
Authority.
Let the Games begin
Olympics T-shirt by Champion, $16.96; shorts by Speedo, $34.96; hat
by Starter, $14.96. From Sports Authority.
CREDITS: Fashion Coordination and Styling: Kim Wadsworth Models:
Ellen Story Chase and Ileana Drinovan, courtesy of Glamour Models &
Talent Ltd. Locations: Cavalier Hotel on the Hill and the Princess
Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach by CNB