Where Fashion Meets Function

In recent years, wearable technologies have become largely associated with athleticism. Dating back to the first-generation iPod being worn on an armband to a sudden outbreak of Fitbits and Apple watches, everyone at the gym seems to have tech on their wrist—and mind. The convenience of these multitasking inventions resonates with millennials who are always on the go. After all, who doesn’t love a good two-for-one deal?

Apple’s smartwatches are miniature models of the iPhone, allowing its user to achieve the same functionality, sans the extra weight of the larger device. Don’t sweat it! Now you can push through a long workout without missing a message from your BFF. Leave your worries of accidentally dropping your phone behind. Feel free to get your groove on in Zumba class, because your watch will stay secure in its band. Phew!

Fitbits are also a no-brainer for the gym geek. The smartwatch predecessor and rival product was intended for the gym from the get-go. Its recent adaptations have become more similar to that of Apple’s, due to the square-shaped, touchscreen functionality of the Fitbit Ionic and Fitbit Versa models. However, the new Fitbit Blaze is what really has our attention. Retailing from $200 to $230, these babies can do more than just track your steps. Look out Apple, we’ve got some new smartwatches in town!

Don’t have that kind of dough? We’ve got your covered! Fitbit has some great options that retail below those fancy price points. The Fitbit Alta’s screen may be smaller in appearance, but don’t let that fool you. At $100, it performs above average, technologically, to help you perform above average, athletically. The Alta will track your sleep, gently wake you up, sync to your phone and computer, and track your movements while reminding you to keep moving. Its slim design only makes the device that much more wearable.

There’s nothing better than sticking to the originals, like the Fitbit Zip at $60. The wireless activity tracker can be clipped on just about anywhere, making your no-pocket worries a thing of the past. It’s battery life is also unbeatable, at six months of constant wear, there’s no need to worry about recharging. You can check out your daily stats by simply tapping the screen, as well as receive live alerts from your smartphone and computer, similar to the Alta.

Clothes NO KA ‘OI; Accessories Apple Watch, Fitbit; Shoes Under Armour HOVR running shoes

However, an interesting change in direction has taken foot. Under Armour’s latest device has high hopes of replacing the soon-to-be dated wrist accessory. HOVR, the brand’s new line of smart shoes, will track its wearer’s movement by simply downloading and syncing an app to your phone. How’s that for skipping a step? The Sonic and Phantom, two of a kind, retail for $100 to $140. Imagine a GPS for your feet, comfort that feels like you’re walking on air, and a design that’ll make everyone at the gym drop and give you 20.

Although athletic apparel is most commonly used by those who work out, it has become apparent that the trend isn’t just for the typical “gym rat” anymore. Due to its überfunctionality, more brands are beginning to release their own lines of athletic apparel. In fact, chic athleisurewear has prematurely become one of the hottest trends of 2018.

We have to wonder, could this new aesthetic have to do with the likes of “Tommy x Gigi” for Tommy Hilfiger? Taking successful strides down the runway for the past four seasons, the major collaboration has become a hot topic, dominating the streets with lookalike outfits that were likely inspired by the designer/model duo.

Perhaps the “Gigi effect” is partial to the sky-high sales in wearable technologies, which complements the trend so well. In fact, wearables, including everything from earphones to smart shoes, are predicted to boom in worldwide shipment. As digital marketing strategy publisher Smart Insights observed, 126.1 million units of shipment are expected in 2019. This is a major jump from the 45.7 million units shipped in 2015. At this point, it’s safe to say that were closer to robots taking over the world than ever before. At least we’ll look good while we’re at it!

By Isabel Shepard

Photography by Richard DiFrisco

Makeup by Danielle Duvidzon

Stylist Nicole Plonski

Modeled by Jade Kedrick, Leo G