Over the past few weeks, I've noticed a conversation resurfacing in the fashion world: Have we become too casual?

For years, our wardrobes have trended toward comfort. The pandemic accelerated it, remote work normalized it, and now leggings, sneakers, and oversized sweatshirts have become the default uniform for just about everything. Don't get me wrong, I love athleisure. I wear it often. But I also believe it has a purpose, time and place.

Athleisure is designed for movement. It shines when you're headed to a workout class, taking a long walk, hiking, spending the day at an amusement park, cleaning the house, lounging at home, packing for a road trip, or running a few errands after Pilates. In those moments, performance fabrics, stretch, and comfort make perfect sense.

Where I think we've lost our way is when athleisure becomes the answer for every occasion.Meeting a friend for lunch. Going out to dinner. Shopping for the afternoon. Traveling for work. Attending your child's school event. While no one is saying you need to wear a dress and heels, but these moments deserve a little more attention and intention.

One of the things I teach my clients is that your wardrobe should support and elevate your lifestyle, not simplify it into one outfit category. Just as you wouldn't wear stilettos to a hiking trail, leggings aren't always the best choice simply because they're comfortable. Having clothing that serves different parts of your life allows you to move confidently through your week while feeling appropriately dressed for each occasion.

The good news? Dressing with intention doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. Today's elevated casual pieces (like in this shopping guide) are made with breathable fabrics, have relaxed tailoring and elastic waistbands. Style them with polished sneakers and refined denim or opt for a matching set. Whatever you choose, know that athleisure isn't the only way to feel comfortable, and being choosy instead of defaulting to it will help you to communicate something entirely different.

This week's shopping guide is dedicated to athleisure—because it absolutely deserves a place in a well-rounded wardrobe. Inside you'll find my favorite workout sets, performance layers, sneakers, outerwear, and lifestyle pieces that blend function with style.

The goal isn't to eliminate athleisure. It's to let it do what it does best and then allow the rest of your wardrobe to help you show up for everything else. Because getting dressed isn't about following rules—it's about choosing clothing that honors the occasion, supports your lifestyle, and reflects the woman you are.

Shop the summer athleisure edit here.