I tried the new Outdoor Voices The Volley Dress, out today
As a fitness writer, I'm always testing new athleticwear. Outdoor Voices is known for its workout dresses, so when I heard the brand was coming out with a new one, I knew I had to check it out. The Volley Dress, out today, comes in four colors and has built-in shorts with pockets. Its V-neckline is flattering, but note that it doesn't have a built-in bra or padding. The quality is there, and the dress offers a curve-hugging fit. At 5'10", I'm a bit too tall for the dress, but it works for a range of heights thanks to its stretch. Overall, I would recommend this comfy dress that's ideal for tennis and grocery shopping alike.
Outdoor Voices The Volley Dress, $108
My favorite athleisure brands for lounging and working out
Looking for more athleticwear recs? These are some of my favorite brands and pieces.
Alo
Alo is my go-to for fashion-forward athleisure. The brand releases trendy pieces, but I still find myself reaching for them almost daily. Their standard length is ideal for me, but they also have many 7/8 length styles that are perfect for petite gals.
Airbrush high-waist flutter legging
These flare leggings with a split front frankly make your butt look great. They have a super high-waisted fit that pairs well with cropped tops. Find them in a 7/8 length as well. Choose from seven colors.
Airbrush high-waist flutter legging, $118
Lululemon
Lululemon remains worth the hype. The Align line is my personal favorite. Its uber-soft fabric is often imitated but never duplicated. Lululemon's classic pants length fits me perfectly, but they also offer lots of 25-inch styles for shorter legs.
Align tank top
In a world full of tank tops with built-in bras that make you look flat as a board, the Lululemond Align tank would never. It lifts and contours for the most flattering fit. I skip it on days when comfort is my only concern, as it has a bit more of a compressed fit, but I always feel confident when I put one of these on. Find this essential tank in a ton of colors.
Align high-rise pant
I have worn the same pair of these leggings approximately once a week for the past five years, and they are still going strong. If that isn't a legging world record, I don't know what is. In terms of comfort and a flattering fit, the Lululemon Aligns still can't be beat. Any time I see them on a friend or a stranger on the street, I marvel at how they just seem to flatter everyone and every body type. They may be the smartest $98 you ever spend.
L*Space
L*Space's activewear sets are never boring and always flattering. The pieces I own simply feel high-end, and I love the attention to detail the brand brings. L*Space activewear tends to be a compliment-magnet, as not everyone and their mom owns these pieces already, unlike many bigger brands at the same price point.
Soren top and Turner legging
I've received a record amount of compliments on this brown set with a cinched top and drawstring-style legging from L*Space. The top doesn't have bra cups, which I was apprehensive about at first, but it actually offers a supportive and flattering fit. It has a low back that shows off all your hard work at the gym. The leggings are long enough for me, and they're made of a high-end looking ribbed fabric. The drawcord detail is fun, too.
Aerie
Aerie is one of the most affordable places to find leggings that come in different lengths. They've been my budget go-to since high school and still impress me to this day.
Offline by Aerie Real Me high-waisted ruched flare legging
These are some of my most-worn leggings at the moment. They're incredibly comfortable -- they never ride up or pinch. And with a ruched front that dips, they make your waist look tiny. Find these flare leggings in short, standard and long lengths. (I go for the long.) Right now, they're available in six colors and on sale for only $30. There's likely no better time to buy.
Offline by Aerie Real Me high-waisted ruched flare legging, $30 (reduced from $60)
Cozy Earth
When it comes to joggers, Cozy Earth passes my length test. Plus, the brand name couldn't be more fitting -- the fabric Cozy Earth uses is as soft and comfortable as it gets. Don't just take my word for it: Cozy Earth's bamboo joggers are one of Oprah's Favorite Things.
Ultra-soft bamboo pullover crew and bamboo joggers
Wearing this set together is a bit too matchy-matchy for me, so I wear the pullover crew to sleep in and the high-waisted joggers with a cropped top out and about. The joggers come in standard and tall lengths. These pieces are excellent to travel in, as they don't look sloppy but are as comfortable as can be.
Ultra-soft bamboo pullover crew, $72 (reduced from $120)
Bamboo joggers, $132 (reduced from $155)
Colorfulkoala
If you want a taste for Lulumeon without the Lululemon price tag, check out Amazon bestselling brand Colorfulkoala. It's a CBS Essentials bestseller too, with its Lululemon lookalike styles. Colorfulkoala is one of the most affordable brands that offers yoga pants in longer lengths.
Summer tank top and buttery soft high-waisted yoga pants
No, the Colorfulkoala pieces are not identical to Lululemon, as their price tag would imply. But for the cost, they're notably flattering and offer a similar look. These tanks are super comfortable and run a bit longer than many cropped styles, if you're into that. They do need to be paired with a sports bra (there isn't one built in), but you can't beat their price. Find them in 20 colors.
Buttery soft high-waisted yoga pants
These yoga pants are a dupe for the Lululemon Aligns and as a result, are actually long enough for me, which is uncommon among more affordable brands. For a shorter fit, check out the 7/8 length. No, these don't offer the same mindblowing fit and quality as the Lululemon Aligns, but they make their best attempt at it, which is pretty good to me.
Buttery soft high-waisted yoga pants, $23
