How to Dress Sporty to School

Co-authored by Spencer Shimada and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: January 3, 2023 References

You don't have to be the star of your school's basketball team to rock athletic wear. Dressing sporty to school is something anyone can do—and sporty clothes are super comfortable! Stick to casual garments like T-shirts, athletic shorts, and sneakers to look sporty any day of the week with ease.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting Sporty Items

1
Choose clothes and hats that advertise sports teams. You can find tons of shirts, pants, hoodies, socks, and hats that advertise your favorite sports teams. Stock up on these types of items so you always have something sporty in your closet.
- A team T-shirt or hoodie would pair well with sweatpants or jeans.
2
Look for pieces with athletic details or logos. Choose tops and bottoms from brands like Nike, Puma, Adidas, and Under Armour to show your sporty style. Also, look for athletic details like stripes, which are a classic sporty element. Rubberized or bungee-style zipper pulls also create an athletic vibe.^{[1]
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- A Puma T-shirt, jeans, and Puma shoes is an easy go-to outfit.
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3
Select breathable fabrics. Whether you actually plan to play a sport or not, choosing light, breathable fabrics that wick away sweat, like cotton, Lycra, or microfiber, give you an athletic vibe. Plus, they're super comfy!^{[2]
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- Wear black Lycra yoga pants and a jersey or team T-shirt any day of the week.
4
Don't be afraid to choose bright colors. Just because you want to look sporty doesn't mean you have to stick to all neutrals. Choose clothes in your favorite hues, whether they are neons or pastels.
- Try wearing a bright pink polo shirt, a white tennis skirt, and white sneakers.
- Alternatively, opt for neon green basketball shorts, a black tank, and black Converse.
Tip: Choose a single colorful item to make it the focal point of your outfit.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating Outfits

1
Pick tops that look like jerseys to create an athletic feel. Even if you don’t have a uniform, you can still look like you do! Look for shirts with large numbers across the front and/or back that mimic jerseys. You can find these in a wide range of colors and styles, so choose a few that you like the best and make them a staple in your wardrobe.^{[3]
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- If you have an oversize jersey, pair it with fitted pants to balance out your look. Add some sneakers and you’re good to go.
- For a girlier outfit, try wearing a jersey dress with a cute pair of Converse shoes. If it's cold out, put a pair of solid-colored tights on underneath your dress.
2
Select T-shirts or tanks for a laidback vibe. T-shirts are a staple of a sporty wardrobe and you can pick ones in any color or style you like. Solid color shirts and those with athletic logos or team names on them are your best bet. Tank tops are also a great sporty option for the summer. Loose shirts create a more casual feel while fitted tops are great if you want to look a little more put together.
- If you like a preppier vibe, pair polos with shorts or jeans.
3
Toss on athletic shorts if the weather is nice. Athletic shorts are a great way to look sporty, so buy several options so you always have a pair on hand. They pair well with T-shirts and sneakers. Choose a longer style (like basketball shorts) if you like a more conservative look or if your school's dress code doesn't allow shorter options.
- A white T-shirt with blue and white shorts creates a classic, sporty look. Finish off your look with white sneakers and a visor or ball cap.
4
Select loose-fitting pants for a relaxed look. Sweatpants or joggers are a great option as they’re actually made for working out. If you want to give off a laid-back vibe, toss on a T-shirt and pair of sweats for the school day. Finish off your look with a baseball cap or sunglasses.^{[4]
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Wear leggings or jeans if you like fitted bottoms. Just because you want to look sporty doesn’t mean you have to wear baggy clothes. Fitted leggings (if your school allows them) or jeans work well with sporty tops and accessories since they have a casual feel.
- A T-shirt advertising your favorite sports team and jeans would work well for a school day. Strap on a sporty watch and grab your backpack before heading out the door.
- A long jersey would look great over a pair of leggings. Add a pair of sunglasses and some sneakers to complete your outfit.
6
Choose a golf or tennis skirt for a more feminine look. Dressing sporty doesn’t mean you can’t wear a skirt or dress! Just opt for styles that have an athletic feel, like a golf or tennis skirt. Pair it with a polo in a complementary color for a preppy vibe.^{[5]
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Tip: Tone down the girly vibe of a dress or skirt by wearing it with sneakers!
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Opt for a tracksuit for an easy option. Tracksuits practically scream “sporty” and you can find them in tons of colors and finishes. Wear both the pants and jacket together, or mix and match the pieces to create different outfit options.^{[6]
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- For instance, wear a pair of track pants with a neutral-colored shirt or toss a track jacket on over a T-shirt and a pair of jeans.
8
Wear your sports uniform, if you have one, on game days. If you actually play a sport—whether it’s lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, football, hockey, or softball—wearing your uniform is one of the easiest ways to look sporty. Only wear your uniform if it makes sense to, though, such as if you have a game after school that day.
- If you play a team sport, see if your teammates want to coordinate so you can all wear your uniforms together and show some real school spirit.
- Ask your coach about wearing your uniform to school to make sure it’s okay.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding Accessories

1
Stock up on sneakers. Sneakers are the best footwear option if you want to look sporty. That doesn’t mean you have to wear the same pair day after day, though! Get a few different colors and styles so you’ll always have the perfect shoes to match your outfit.^{[7]
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- For instance, a pair of black and white Nikes would pretty much go with anything, while a pair of neon Converse would really make a statement.
- Avoid wearing dress shoes or heels as they don’t really give off a sporty vibe.
Tip: If you have to wear a uniform to school, pair it with sporty accessories! Sneakers, sporty socks, sunglasses, a watch, and a sports duffel will help you create an athletic vibe.
2
Wear athletic socks with your shoes. Whether you like tall to-the-knee socks or short, no-shows, your socks can help create that sporty look. You can choose socks made from cotton, acrylic, or synthetic materials. Look for details like vertical stripes or sports logos in colors that complement your sneakers.
3
Add layers in colder weather. You can still look sporty even if it’s not summer time. Opt for pants like jeans or joggers, wear a long-sleeved shirt, and toss on a hoodie or varsity jacket to keep warm. A beanie, thick socks, and waterproof sneakers are the perfect finishing touches.^{[8]
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- A raglan shirt underneath a zip-up hoodie and jeans is a great outfit for school in the winter.
- If you want to rock a dress, skirt, or shorts, wear tights or leggings underneath to combat the chill.
4
Top off your look with sunglasses or a baseball cap or visor. Hats are the perfect accessory for sporty looks! Whether you choose a plain one or a cap that advertises your favorite sports team, it’s a great way to complete your outfit. Sunglasses are another accessory you can wear—just be sure to choose a sporty style, like a pair of polarized lenses in plastic frames.^{[9]
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- If you can’t wear a hat in class, just put it on during your lunch break or when you’re outside.
- During the school day, simply slip your sunglasses on top of your head.
5
Carry a duffel or backpack to hold all your gear. Duffel bags are large enough to hold all your school supplies and sports gear, so they make a great alternative to backpacks. No matter what kind of bag you choose, look for one with sporty details, such as stripes or a brand logo. Pick one in a neutral color so it matches all of your outfits.^{[10]
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Wear a waterproof watch if you have one. Watches are an athletic accessory that can take your look to the next level. Rather than choosing a flashy metal watch, opt for something that a real athlete would wear, such as a black waterproof watch.^{[11]
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- If you play a sport or train frequently, a watch that monitors your hear rate and activity level could be useful. If you run or cycle, a GPS watch might be your best bet.
7
Keep your jewelry to a minimum. You’ll have to take off your jewelry to play most sports, so keep that in mind if you’re going for a sporty look. You can leave out the jewelry all together or choose 1 or 2 understated pieces. For instance, a pair of stud earrings, a single bracelet, or a simple necklace would finish off your outfit nicely.
- Avoid wearing big or flashy pieces of jewelry.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can you style a basketball jersey?

Spencer Shimada
Image Consultant
Spencer Shimada is an Image Consultant and the Founder of White Shoe Consulting based in the Denver metro area. He specializes in helping others build confidence through wardrobe consulting and personal styling. Spencer has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Weber State University and an MBA from The University of Birmingham.

Spencer Shimada

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Basketball jerseys are super unique and should be the base of your outfit. Style your favorite jersey with a lightweight jogger to stick with the athleisure vibe of the jersey. French tuck the jersey by tucking the front of your jersey into your pants to create an elevated, yet casual, vibe. Finish the look off with your favorite pair of lifestyle sneakers such as a Nike AirForce 1 or a simple white sneaker.
Question

What some ideas that will help me get up in the morning?

Community Answer

Having a set routine that you stick to will help your body automatically motivate to get going. Check out Get Into a Morning and Night Routine for School for some tips.
Question

Can I wear an NBA jersey for sports day with jeans?

Community Answer

Yes, you totally can! I have done this many times. Wear sneakers with them, like Converse or Nikes.