So you’ve bought your summer fashion essentials. Coloured jeans. A new swimsuit (because Christmas shopping wasn’t stressful enough). Yet another pair of Havaianas. But what about your workout wear? If you’re still pulling out the same faded T-shirt, and your old leggings are wrinkling like elephant skin, the new year is the perfect time to add some fashion to your fitness.

The line between fitness and lifestyle clothing is becoming increasingly blurred. Workout gear is now being made for fashion as well as function, and could easily cut it for school pick-up or brunch with the girls.

It’s not just designer collaboration ranges (Stella McCartney for Adidas, Alexander McQueen for Puma) that are leading in the style stakes. More goes into the design of workout wear than you may realise. Melanie Canevaro, Zumba Apparel Creative Director, says inspiration comes from the runway, not just the gym. “We spend time at trade and fashion shows analysing the current trends,” she says.

“This season is particularly about the bright colour palette that we’re seeing in the world of fashion – deep jewel tones and rich colours. “By including a number of bold colour pieces people can colour block and mix and match as they wish.

“We’ve also introduced words, distorted geometries and progressive silhouettes to create a hip and urban take on active wear.”

Brights are here to stay, confirms Kerry Young, owner of Glitter and Dance, fitness wear fabric buyers who supply So You Think You Can Dance. “We are seeing a lot of bright, bold colours and coloured lace. Leopard print is popular too.”

So if you want to be able to unashamedly Facebook tag yourself in all those fun-run promo shots, you need to do some shopping. Besides, a baggy T-shirt isn’t the best way to show off the results of all your hard gym work, is it?

Fernwood members get 20% off the Bia Brazil range during January and February! Enter the code FERNW01 online at www.biabraziloz.com.au to treat yourself.