Start with leggings you walk comfortably in, fitted or flared, and add a top you are happy to sit in when you stop for coffee: a relaxed tee on its own, or a tank with a light layer over it. Finish with trainers you already walk well in and a bag for the small things.
Here are two outfits built from our current pieces, with notes from the product pages, and how to put together your own version.
What should you wear for a walk and coffee?
Think of it as one outfit with two moments: walking, then sitting down. For the walk, you want bottoms that stay where you put them and a top you don't keep adjusting. For the coffee, you want the outfit to look finished, whether that comes from one colour top to toe, a top that covers what you want covered, or a layer that pulls it together.
You don't need special pieces for this. If you own a matching set, you are already halfway there.
Leggings or flared leggings?
Both work, and the choice is mostly about the look. Fitted, full-length leggings keep a close line from waist to ankle and sit neatly under a longer top. Flared leggings stay close through the upper leg and open out towards the hem, so they read a little more like trousers once you sit down. Our guide to flared or fitted leggings compares the two shapes in more detail.
If you like to keep your hands empty, look for pockets. The Refine Flared Leggings have a mid-rise crossover waistband and discreet side pockets, which the listing describes as being for everyday essentials. The Vital Leggings are described as a mid-waisted, full-length fit.
Which top works for walking and sitting down?
Choose the top for the moment you sit down, because that is when you notice it most. A relaxed tee is the simplest option: it covers your midriff and sits loosely over fitted leggings. A fitted tank or a sports bra works too, especially with a layer over it. Our guide to choosing a sports bra or a tank top goes through coverage, necklines and backs.
The Organic Cotton Relaxed Tee has a relaxed silhouette, dropped shoulders and an embroidered logo. The Refine Tank is a longline tank with a square neckline, a racerback and removable padding, and is listed as medium-to-high support.
Do you need a layer?
You don't have to have one, but a layer is often what turns a workout outfit into something that looks put together at a café table. It also gives you a choice: wear it, or take it off and carry it.
A quarter zip goes on over your head and opens only at the neck; a full zip opens all the way down the front, so it is easier to wear open or take off. Our guide to a full zip or a quarter zip goes through the differences. For a softer, roomier look, an oversized hoodie works too: see how to style an oversized hoodie and joggers.
The Pace Quarter Zip has a relaxed silhouette, elasticated cuffs and an adjustable drawcord hem with metal cord locks, so you can draw the hem in or leave it loose.
What are two easy outfits to try?
These are styling suggestions put together from our product pages, not outfits from a photoshoot.
Tonal and relaxed. The Organic Cotton Relaxed Tee in Coffee over the Vital Leggings in Coffee. Both are listed in Coffee, so the colour is already decided, though cotton and stretch fabric can look slightly different side by side. The loose tee balances the close-fitting leggings. Add white socks and your trainers.
A matching set with a layer. The Refine Tank and Refine Flared Leggings in Deep Ocean, with the Pace Quarter Zip in Vanilla over the top. The dark blue set is the base, and the pale quarter zip adds contrast. If you take the layer off, the matching set still looks finished on its own.
How do you make it your own?
Start with what you already own: any leggings you walk comfortably in, a tee or tank you are happy to sit in, and one layer. Our notes on choosing colours that work together can help if you are mixing pieces from different sets.
Sizes differ from range to range, so check each listing before you choose. For example, the Refine pieces are listed in XS to XL and the Pace Quarter Zip in S to XL. Our size guide and our notes on finding your Ancarta fit can help if you are between sizes.
What is the quick version?
- Fitted or flared leggings you walk comfortably in.
- A top you are happy to sit in: a relaxed tee, or a tank or bra with a layer.
- One layer you can wear or carry.
- Trainers you already walk well in.
- A bag for the small things. Our notes on organising your tote can help.
See the Organic Cotton Relaxed Tee in Coffee, the Vital Leggings in Coffee, the Refine Tank and Refine Flared Leggings in Deep Ocean, or the Pace Quarter Zip in Vanilla.
Every woman who loves to move is welcome to apply to be an Ancarta Brand Rep, and we read every application personally. Read how the programme works and the terms, then apply now by messaging @ancarta.co on Instagram or emailing support@ancarta.co.