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5 Nike Outfits That Nail The Athlete Off-Duty Trend

Fashion

Usage Guide

Published August 27, 2026 · Category: Fashion

Overview

Whether you’re catching an early morning flight, running errands around town, or grabbing an iced matcha post-workout, the athlete off-duty aesthetic continues to dominate casually cool moments. It’s the art of looking effortlessly put-together while leaning heavily into performance-worthy gear typically reserved for competitive jocks. The key to nailing it isn’t just throwing on a pair of sweatpants. It’s about unexpected proportions, a splash of tailoring, and clever styling details that take you from the gym floor to the streets without looking slouchy.

In need of some outfit inspo? Ahead, find five Refinery29-approved ways to nail the athlete off-duty trend, courtesy of Nike.

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Bermuda Shorts + Tank Top

Nothing feels cooler right now than a pair of longline shorts. We’ve waxed poetic about Bermuda shorts over and over again. But if you’re looking for a way to sportify the trend, these utilitarian babies are the perfect place to start. The key is to balance the oversized proportions with a fitted top like the one-shoulder design here. Electrifying green hues make the outfit pop even more, especially when you finish off the look with a pair of timeless Air Max sneakers.

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Capris + Cardigans

Cropped leggings and capris are making a definitive comeback, but the secret to making them look polished is with a classic cardigan. This ribbed knit design looks undeniably cooler when you leave a few of the bottom buttons undone. Bonus points if you wear yours with statement-making flats similar to the lace-up style shown here.

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Cropped Jacket + Midi Skirt

Details

One of the most reliable style tips I’ve ever received is to always buy the matching piece. Even if you’re planning to initially wear an item on its own, having the coordinating set makes getting dressed easier. This fall, try swapping your usual sweatpants for a sweat skirt and a matching jacket. Butter yellow sneakers will give any outfit that fun wow factor we love so much. Finish the outfit with crisp white crew socks and a bright white top for instant street-style polish.

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Graphic Tee + Denim Shorts

Oversized long-sleeve graphic tees will immediately give you that borrowed-from-the-boys vibe, especially when draped over a long pair of shorts. Make the 2000s aesthetic really come to life with futuristic metallic sneakers and performance-level shield glasses.

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Culottes + Quarter-Zips

For a refined, architectural approach to athleisure, contrast a boxy quarter-zip pullover or windbreaker with dramatic, wide-leg billowing culottes. Neutral monochrome tones keep the voluminous silhouette balanced, while clean, minimal sneakers round out the effortlessly elevated look.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Nike’s Cool-Kid Guide To Back-To-School Style

Drawstring Pants Are Trending—These Are Our Faves

Copenhagen Just Made Camo Bermudas Cool Again

Source

Originally published at www.refinery29.com.

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