20 Sporty Nordstrom Items Unleashing Our Inner Athlete
Sponsor Content Created With Nordstrom

The summer of sports is in full swing, and not only is it occupying all my screen time, but it's affecting my shopping habits. Never before have I wanted to don red, white, and blue on days other than the 4th of July, nor would I ever describe my personal style as "sporty." Maybe it's the decorated athletes competing in Paris or our Women in Sports issue, but I'm all in on summer's athletic fashion trends. In NYC, I can't go a day without seeing someone in a workout dress styled with Adidas Sambas or a rugby shirt paired with exercise shorts. On the runways, brands are showcasing nylon outerwear. Even abroad, celebrities are wearing baseball hats, totes, and tees from American athletic brands as they cheer on their favorite teams. The impact sports are having on the fashion industry is palpable.
In the spirit of a sporty summer, there are a few key pieces I'm inspired to add to my wardrobe. Tennis skirts, polo shirts, and sneakers are first up. Tennis skirts are a great way to beat the summer heat while looking and staying cool. I'd wear them with a simple white tee and ballet flats. I thought I had abandoned my desire to wear polo shirts once I graduated from private school, but styling them in a way that is sporty, not preppy, is something I'm copying from my favorite street style celebs. To round out the wardrobe, I recommend shopping Adidas Sambas and Nike Cortez sneakers. I love the retro feel of the Nikes, and my favorite colorway can be found below. Brands such as Sporty & Rich, Nike, and Fila are always my first stop when looking for this aesthetic, but Nordstrom's wide range of options has opened my eyes to even more brands that fit the bill. The retailer's affordable in-house brands BP and Open Edit are partaking in the sporty trend with pieces including the ones shopped out in this story, so keep scrolling to shop my summer-of-sports wish list.
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Natalie Gray Herder is an editor on the branded content team at Who What Wear and Marie Claire. Originally from Los Angeles, Natalie decided to make the move to NYC after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2019. She had plans of applying to law school until doing a 180 to follow her more creative passions: writing and fashion. She is an avid researcher, reader, and explorer in and out of the office. She is inspired by the street style of her fellow New Yorkers and her laid-back roots in California.
-
Meghan Markle Takes Style Tips From Taylor Swift
Is the Duchess of Sussex embracing 'The Life of a Showgirl'?
-
Selena Gomez Styles Her LBD With a $4,100 Valentino Bag
Her in-demand footwear has become a summer staple in 2025.
-
George, Charlotte, and Louis's "Family Dynamic" at Home
George's "conscientiousness and leadership tendencies" are evident.
-
I’m Skipping Straight to Fall With These Under-$200 Nordstrom Finds
Here's everything I'm buying.
-
All of My Summer-To-Fall Outfits Rely on These Under-$100 Basics From Nordstrom
Elevated tops, denim, sweaters, and more to make summer-to-fall dressing easy as can be.
-
Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Is Over, but You Can Still Shop These 23 Hidden Gems for Less
Here's how to prep your fall wardrobe while sticking to your budget.
-
Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Is Nearly Over—Here’s What I’m Running to Shop Before It Ends
All of the last-chance deals I'm shopping before the Anniversary Sale ends on August 3.
-
Don’t Let the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale End Without Buying These Fall Must-Haves
23 perfect early-season finds from Nordstrom.
-
I Asked Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director What to Buy From the Anniversary Sale—Here’s What She Told Me
Scroll on for 17 can't-miss styles.
-
You Can Find Every Summer Dress Trend That Fashion Girls Are Wearing in Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale
A one-stop shop for polka dot slips and easy linen shifts.
-
27 Under-$100 Nordstrom Deals That Make My Closet and Wallet Very Happy
Proof that good things can come with affordable price tags.