Spring 2026’s Sportif Trend Is Playing to Win This Season
It’s a polarizing look that defies conventional fashion rules.
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There are few runway looks that’ll live rent-free in my head. One I haven't been able to stop thinking about comes from Miu Miu’s Spring 2024 collection, when creative Director Miuccia Prada paired a sporty blouson jacket to a pencil skirt decorated with delicate ruffles. She could've easily chosen a typical athleisure approach—teaming the zippered layer with relaxed separates like leggings or track pants—but she instead opted for a formula that reimagined conventional style rules, and felt much more polished in the process.
Miu Miu Spring 2024.
When I first saw this look, I didn’t quite know how to classify it. Fast-forward to now, and it embodies the very essence of 2026's sportif trend. It’s a quirky hybrid aesthetic that’s a tad controversial, as it refuses to fit neatly into one category. It boldly straddles the line between functional activewear and elevated clothing in an offbeat way that reads surprisingly chic.
During the Spring 2026 fashion week season, Tibi offered its own cool-girl interpretation of sportif, coordinating an elasticized jacket with tailored cargo pants and pointy pumps. Meanwhile, Baum und Pferdgarten matched a rugby top with an embroidered skirt and embellished sandals. And in true Loewe fashion, the brand went for eccentricity, assembling a billowing windbreaker with hot pants and jelly shoes.
This trend is so compelling, even I, a self-described minimalist, am looking to give my capsule wardrobe a sportif upgrade with the outfits ahead. If you’d also like to play into the style, I’d suggest you follow my lead.
Shop the Sportif Trend
Tory Burch Spring 2026.
Tory Burch gave the windbreaker-and-skirt combo a spin for Spring 2026. Copy the sophisticated uniform by wearing a lemon yellow jacket with a delicate gray skirt. Then, enhance the look with statement accessories, like a pendant necklace and bow-adorned heels.
Staud Spring 2026.
If you haven't heard, the cool blue color trend is fashion’s latest obsession. Try the look for yourself with a frosty windbreaker à la Staud. A lace-trimmed skirt and sandals will finish off the outfit nicely.
Stella McCartney Spring 2026.
Take tennis skirts beyond the court with a buttoned polo shirt, high-vamp heels, and a glossy designer handbag. This Stella McCartney ensemble can work well for a range of upscale outings, from brunches to bridal showers.
Chloé Spring 2026.
Chloé's take on the windbreaker is charming and romantic, with a billowing silhouette and bubble sleeves. Worn with a layered maxi skirt, translucent heels, and shimmering jewelry, this outfit conveys a strong message of elegance.
Ganni Pre-Fall 2026.
The sportif trend is going to continue beyond spring, if Ganni has any say. For its Pre-Fall 2026 collection, the Danish label paired a pocketed bomber jacket with lacy shorts. You’ll want to add this combo to your transitional wardrobe immediately.
Tibi Spring 2026.
Don’t wait until summer to pull off an all-white outfit. Before temperatures become unbearably hot, slip into a buttoned track jacket and hefty cargo pants. Anchor this monochromatic getup in sharp shoes.
Baum und Pferdgarten Spring 2026.
Baum und Pferdgarten is well-known for styling striped rugby tops with skirts. Naturally, it's a leader in the sportif trend. I decided to shop out the look below from its Spring 2026 collection, defined by a streamlined combination that’s easy to assemble.
Loewe Spring 2026.
If you’re not comfortable with wearing hot pants, don’t fret: You can still recreate this Loewe look with a pair of wide-leg bottoms to the mix. Remember to elevate the look with a clever shirt sandwich and PVC shoes.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.