Do you love being sporty but don't want to be branded as a tomboy, or mistaken for a boy? Take a few tips from some of the world's best athletes who recently competed in the 2012 Olympics in London for ideas on how to show off your feminine side while staying on-your-toes competitive!
Call Me, Maybe
Team USA Traveling in styleCourtesy of USA Swimming
Team USA Swimmers blew off steam while in training for the Olympics and put together a fun music video to Carly Rae Jepsen's song, Call Me, Maybe. (If you haven't seen it, check it out on YouTube). Whether they were in the water, signing autographs or traveling, these athletes had style! What we love about their look is the sport-ready body-hugging tank tops in pretty, feminine colors, cool sunglasses and pretty waterproof eye makeup.
The biggest style challenge for swimmers is keeping their hair healthy and damage-free. Our favorite trick is to towel-dry hair, apply a leave-in conditioner and comb through hair every time you get out of the water. Shampoo at least once a week with a clarifying shampoo -- either one designed to remove chlorine, or a cheap, drugstore brand like Prell or V05 that remove buildup from sweat, salt water, chlorine and sunscreen from your hair.
On and Off the Court
Serena Williams designs her own fashions and always shows off her style on the court and offCourtesy of NBC Olympics
Tennis Ace Serena Williams isn't just the reigning world champion in women's tennis. She has a passion for fashion and has been designing her own clothes for as long as she can remember. When she was just 17 years old, Serena wore a skin-tight catsuit to play in a major tournament, and almost chickened out at the last minute. Then she realized the outfit was really comfortable, and even though the outfit was far from modest, she made a decision to just "own it". Since that day, Serena has made some outrageous fashion choices, but she never plays down her feminine side, always accessorizes with items like hair scrunchies, jewelry and sweatbands.
Lesson learned from Serena: pick a style you feel good about, play up your feminine side, make sure what you are wearing lets you move freely and not overheat, and make sure your accessories don't get in the way of your game.
The Fierce Five
Pretty in pink, these gymnasts are never fully dressed without their smiles
An article on Olympic athlete style wouldn't be complete without a nod to Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, and Kyla Ross, AKA The Fierce Five and the US Women's Gymnastics All-Around Gold Medalists. Sporty and comfortable, wearing feminine colors like the pink bodysuits they wore in this photoshoot, wearing a hint of eye makeup, light blush and lip gloss, these girls are the picture of fitness, health and beauty. One of our favorite additions to most Olympic Gymnasts' outfits was the sparkle dust sprayed in their hair. Hairstyles were simple, whether braided, in a high pony with a matching scrunchie (yes, scrunchies are back this year), braided and tied back, or up in a bun.
Down-Time Style
McKayla (left) and Kyla (right) hanging out in LondonCourtesy of NBC Olympics
Sporty girls love to look sporty, even when they're just hanging out. Like this photo of Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney shows. Touring around London, McKayla chose this cute ruched thin-strapped tank and Kyla chose to support her home team.They look clean and well-groomed, which is our last "style lesson" for this article. Even if you're not the girliest girl on the block, don't wear makeup and don't really care if someone looks twice at you, it's super important to take proper care of yourself.
- Shower after every workout.
- Brush your hair before you leave the house or gym.
- Wear deodorant.
- Wash your face with a facial cleanser like Cetaphyl, Clean and Clear, Nutrogena or other mild cleanser every morning and night.
- Care for pimples immediately, and of course, don't pick!
"Why?" you may ask. We are glad you asked that! Your body is your most important piece of sporting equipment! Care for it as you would your other equipment and it will serve you well for many years to come!
Have Your Say
What's your favorite way to look sporty and stylish at the same time? Have your say in the comments below!
