Women are always complaining about making daytime clothes appropriate for nighttime extravaganzas, but HELLO! Making sweaty sports clothes look appropriate, and even stylish, for school is a much harder challenge. Thankfully, it’s totally possible.

As all you fitness-conscious ladies know, there’s practically no time to change between class and practice (and if there is, you know that going home to change means you’ll sit down on the couch, catch something good on TV and never get up again) which means you gotta find some clothes that do double duty. And designers like Puma make it so much easier with adorable workout wear that works both on the elliptical and in the classroom.

Here’s a list of our top favorites:

Lifestyle SL Hoodie: Can we just say how adorable the colors of this hoodie are?! The bright aquamarine blue is sure to get you in that athletic spirit and the energizing orange is bound to keep you focused in class. Plus, that hand-drawn heart below the PUMA logo is just too cute.

Soccer Scimmel: This is one of the most stylish pieces in the line. It’s a cropped top! Cropped tops have been on runways and celebrity bodies all throughout the season, and now it can be on you too! During class you can pair it with a pair of high-waist jeans and then at the field you can throw on a pair of shorts and you’re ready to (literally) tackle what’s next.

Soccer Capri: Sweatpants are always problematic. They’re too long, too short, too baggy, too tight – the complications are endless. However, these capris solve all those problems. Not only are these the perfect length and fit, they come in fantastic colors. We love the green!

Lifestyle Windbreaker: Whether you’re on your way to class or on your way to the gym, you need something to protect you from the elements of Mother Nature. But at the same time, you want something that will make a statement. Luckily, this item can do both!

Let’s face it, looking cute for a workout is often a challenge. Actually, it’s a total after-thought. You wake up, grab the first oversized t-shirt you can find and stumble to the gym in a haze, never giving much thought to what you look like or what your plans are after you tighten your core. And then after class you look in the mirror – sweat all over your back, face beet red and hair that looks more like it belongs in 1987 then anywhere near a public place – and remember that you have plans to meet up for brunch.

Sa-weet.

So what do you do? Skip brunch so you can go home and shower? Go to brunch lookin’ a hot mess? How about neither? By planning a bit ahead of time, you can swap out your sweaty workout garb and transition from a chest press to the coffee press, easy peasy.

Workout:

Tank, Sports Bra, Leggings, Sneakers, Headband, Bag

I’m a firm believer that putting a little bit of effort into your workout apparel makes you feel better about yourself and work that much harder in the gym. Not to mention, these clothes are designed to wisk away sweat unlike that oversize cotton t-shirt of yours. I love the concept of pairing complimenting bright colors like this fuchsia tank and bright blue sports bra. And this headband is not only fashionable, but functional, keeping your hair away from your face (and from avoiding that curly/stuck to your forehead look that really isn’t cute on anybody).

Post-Workout:

Tunic, Bra, Leggings, Headband, Bag, Necklace, Flats

If looking cute during your workout is a challenge, then looking cute post-sweat sesh is like Double Jeopardy meets winning that Aggro Crag on GUTS (’90s throwback, what!) Usually on weekends I make brunch plans to reward myself for an hour of tightening up my derriere. My friend Jaclyn always comes from her workout classes looking polished while I look like a sweaty, hot mess.

But a few quick things in your tote can keep you from looking like you just spent an hour in a sauna. Swap out that sports bra for this fun lime green one and throw this tunic over it. I love the color complementing if the strap pops out! Keep on those same leggings, but swap out the shoes for flats. And since your bangs will do anything but cooperate after a workout, you can rock the same headband, too! Throw those sweaty clothes in your tote, towel off your face, spray a little scent on ya, and off you go!

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Happy 2011, everyone! It’s a new year, so why not start it off right by getting into shape? I know I’d like to slim down after overindulging on food and drinks during the holidays! It’s not going to be easy, though. For me, the hardest part of working out, especially when I haven’t been at it in a while, is getting motivated. The exercise part isn’t so bad once I’m doing it, because I just visualize my goals (or watch Kardashian marathons…), but I have the hardest time just getting up and going.

In order to motivate myself to work out, I’ve decided to buy myself some cute new workout clothes. The idea is that I’ll feel obligated to use the clothes since I spent money on them, and I’ll also want to show off how cute I look in my new workout gear. Lucky for me (and those of you who think this is such a great idea you have to do it, too) some of my favorite cheap clothing stores have started carrying workout clothes, so there are lots of affordable options — like all these for just $20 or less!

She works out 6 days a week. She avoids the dessert buffet in the cafeteria. Her favorite hobbies on Facebook include running, yoga and lunges (and do not include brownies, TV marathons or couch time). She has magazine subscriptions to Shape and Self and her bookshelf looks like one you’d see in Jillian Michaels’ home library.

And you have no freaking clue what to get her for the holidays. I mean, carrots are a bad gift idea, right? And you know she needs a new sports bra, but that would be weird…

Worry not, young lass. Here are 9 gifts that are sure to tickle your health freaky friend’s fancy.

[Click on any image to start the gallery!]

Get even more gift giving inspiration in CollegeCandy’s Holiday Central!

As summer solstice just passed, there is only one more indication that it’s summer: it’s time to put on a bikini and head to the beach/pool.

There’s usually anxiety surrounding your first time each year in a bikini, meaning it’s time to hit the gym (if you haven’t already started.)  While you may dread going to the gym even more than putting on a swimsuit, there are so many fun ways to get into shape now that it’s warm out.  There’s hooping, tennis (with the best clothes EVER!), soccer, jogging, rollerblading and much, much more.

And what better way to encourage yourself to get active then with a set of new gym clothes!

Workout clothes have gotten a serious face-lift these past few years giving you a million sexy/cute/functional items to choose from. So toss out your uninspiring, oversized sweats and the t-shirt you stole from a one-night stand and pick up some clothes that are both cute and made for exercise. There are different styles for every activity, as well as special styles to soak up your sweat and keep you as comfortable as possible during your ball-busting workout. So choose your activity and dress the part as you prepare to bare your favorite bikini this year.

The following post is courtesy of our uber fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net. Check ‘em out – they rock our socks off.

Ah, summer: a time where your life can be on whatever schedule you please, and you can finally take the time to do something for YOU. One of my personal goals this summer is to get in better shape! I consider myself an athletic person, but there are definitely areas where I could improve. So this summer I’ve signed up for yoga and cardio kickboxing classes, while also incorporating hiking, running track, and weight lifting into my exercise regimen. Whew that’s a variety of stuff, no?

Inspired by my own new exercise routine, I have come up with a list of essentials for anyone who is planning on exercising regularly this summer. Of course, these items are not only useful, but in the spirit of fashion they are also adorable and can really make a statement at the gym!

1. A Cute Duffel or Tote Bag

I bring a tote bag to the gym because I just don’t have the need for a duffel bag: I usually wear my gym clothes and use my tote for my iPod, a water bottle, my keys, my wallet, a hand towel, etc. However, if you are one of those people who prefers to change at the gym and/or swim/shower after your workout, you might want to consider a duffel bag instead. Of course, exploring the locker size at your gym is essential, too, before you buy!

Product Information (clockwise from top): Gym Holdall- ASOS, Roxy Striped Tote- available through Zappos, Orange Workout Bag- Old Navy, Silver Workout Bag- Nike

2. Quick Dry Clothing

I love breaking a sweat at the gym; however, I could definitely do without the sweaty, sticky, gross feeling that comes with it. Solution? Quick dry fabrics! My favorite is Nike Dri-Fit; however, other brands like Under Armour have quick dry clothing, too! If you are really into natural fibers, beware because most quick-dry clothing is made from synthetic materials. If any of you know of any “green” quick-dry brands, leave a comment with the info!

Product Information (clockwise from top): Turquoise Sports Bra, Stretch Capris, Shorts, Blue Tank – all Nike Dri-Fit

Find out the other 3 workout essentials by clicking right here!

Don't worry; you don't need to be on some lush beach to look hot in these.

So…I’m really proud of myself. I’m not trying to brag or anything (okay maybe I am, but, hey, we all need a little pat on the back once in a while), but for once in my life I have actually managed to keep my “stop being a fat-ass and go to the gym” News Year’s resolution.

We are well into February, people – that’s a strong month and a half of sweating my ass off during hour-long elliptical sessions and then spending the entire next day unable to sit down on the toilet.

But while my motivation is going strong, I’ve hit a major road block when it comes to gym apparel. I’m only going to end up drenched in sweat anyway, so why does it really matter what I wear, you say.

Point taken.

But there are also a handful of hot guys bench-pressing in the corner and my ripped sweatpants really aren’t doing me any justice. I’m already wheezing like an 80-year-old man with my hair plastered to my forehead; at least my ass could look nice in the process.

Which is why I am totally adding the Victora’s Secret Yoga Knot Waist Foldover Pant to my list of must-have items. If you’ve never owned a pair of workout pants from Vicky’s you haven’t lived. They are hands down the most comfortable thing I have ever slipped into, not to mention only 1/3rd of the price of those Lululemons! And even if you’ve already given up on your workout goal, I always have a pair on hand for those lazy mornings when real clothes just aren’t going to happen (but I don’t want the saggy “I just pooped my pants” look that comes with your average sweats).

Plus, these pants are freakin’ adorable. The side-knot is subtly sexy and completely unexpected for a workout pant, and the color-blocking is totally on trend for spring. I also love the stretch material that molds perfectly to your body and feels barely-there when running (it’s hard enough to get moving, I don’t need a baggy sweatpant slowing me down).

I say seize every opportunity to look hot, so why pass up the chance to strut into the gym and turn heads? You never know, you could burn some calories and snag a date for Friday night…and that’s killing two resolutions with one stone if I’ve ever seen it.

It’s no secret that you can easily find stylish looks for under $20 all over the place. From Forever 21 to Wet Seal, us gals know where to go for the deals.  Occasionally, though, my quest for cuteness leads me to a website I’ve never heard of that has some great finds, like this one: Heavenly Couture.  Nothing on this site is over $17.95. Nothing!

Really, with a claim like that, can you go wrong?

Here are a few of my favorite finds.

This top will look darling with a pair of leggings and some riding boots.  Perfect for a day at the mall or chillin’ out on campus.

This blouse is professional enough to wear to work or your fab internship, but sexy enough (unbutton a few extra buttons!) to wear out for de-stressing drinkies with the girls or a dinner date with that hot new guy.

The nearly A-line shape of this romper will look good on just about any body type. And I know it may be a bit too soon to be loading up on shorts and tanks, but you could work it with a pair of tights, or just put it in your Spring Break wardrobe wish list. It’s always good to have some inspiration for those leg/arm workouts.

There are three things I am loving about this cardigan: 1) It’s a cardigan, so it’s perfect for all seasons. 2) It’s bright fuchsia, which is just gorge. 3) The big buttons and hip pockets add some adorable flair.

Workout clothes can get so damn expensive, but why? Who needs $100 yoga pants when you can get a perfectly good pair for $10? I guarantee your butt will look just as good Downward Dogging in these.

Great earrings for under $10? I’m in.

Yup, those are dark wash skinny jeans for only $12. Take one reader’s advice and pick up some studs, sew ‘em on, and make yourself a pair of super hot rocker jeans for under $20.

This tunic’s super low cut top allows you to sex it up for a night out on the town (add black skinnies and a pair of booties – divine!), or add a cami underneath and you’ve got an ensemble that’s acceptable for brunch with the ‘rents.

As a frugalista, I’m always on the lookout for new bargains and I’m betting you are too, so hopefully I’ve opened your eyes to another great site for just that.  Enjoy!

I don’t know about you, but wearing cute exercise clothes definitely motivates me to work out and that’s where the sweet new Lululemon Speed Shorts come in.

Yes, you read that right, ladies. Lululemon, creator of the most amazing pants in the universe, is introducing a new line specifically for runners/people who get out of the yoga studio!  Now we can reserve our one pair of Groove pants for Saturday nights (what? They make your butt look amazing) and hit the gym in something a little more refreshing Sunday morning.

They come in 11 different colors, plus patterns like stripes and plaid. Just like everyone’s favorite Nike Tempo shorts that are frequently seen in the gym and around campus, Lululemon’s Speed Shorts feature built in undies. But obviously it’s their other features that make them worth the extra $20 (cuz Lulu stuff is never cheap). They’re chafe-resistant, flat seamed, and have a secure pocket on the lower back to stash your key and ID whether you’re in the gym or on the road. Plus they’re shorter (and just plain cuter) than many other running shorts.

I’m not going to say that you can take your Speed Shorts from gym to party, but you can definitely get away with rocking Lulu outside of the club. Just think how adorable the plaid would be with a flowy tank top, flip flops, and an arm full of bangles for a casual summer bonfire… It would totally work.

The best part of all? Lululemon is finally offering online shopping, so even if there isn’t a store near you, you can still get your fix of this Canadian super-brand! I’m definitely on the market for some new shorts. And tops. And pants. And much-needed motivation to get my ass to the gym….

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