Once upon a time, no self-respecting woman would be caught dead in an outfit of Lycra beyond the realms of the gym. After a workout would come the obligatory shower and makeup session, masking the effort just made, before walking back out into the world looking fresher than ever.

But now, as the New Years’ resolutions of 2016 are in full swing, nobody seems to bat an eye when someone passes them in the street, donned from head to toe in workout gear. Normal fashion rules don’t seem to apply in these cases, either; colour palettes go out of the window, and layering becomes an endeavor to create bold and bright contrasts that are both offensive and pleasing to the eye.

Personally, I am all for celebrating this new vogue in fashion. It generates a sense of undeniable body positivity among women – no matter your shape or size; you are wearing the tight leggings and stretchy top for one reason, and one reason only. Whether your exercise of choice is yoga or a spin class, the workout clothing is like a symbol of your unspoken membership to a club of women who are proud of their workout efforts, and who don’t care how they look afterwards because at least they’ve accomplished something (and possibly had fun along the way). It’s hard to deny the feeling of power and achievement one feels when strutting down the aisles in Sainsbury’s, or waiting in line at the bank, dressed in clothing from Nike, Karrimor Run, or Sweaty Betty. It’s a statement of effort: ‘look what I’ve been doing today’ it says, and begs the question in the mind of others – ‘Should I be doing something too?’.

But where has this new fashion originated? It seems like, all of a sudden, women are always wearing gym kit, and in the most fashionable of ways. Yet, this has largely been inspired by celebrities and models, each making their own way through the minefield of body positive advertising through choosing to wear Nike running tights to a doctors’ appointment, or even going as far as to set up their own gym clothing company.

Model Gigi Hadid is often snapped walking around her home city of New York in no more than black leggings, trainers, and a colourful tee-shirt or workout jacket (and, of course, carrying a health smoothie in the one hand, and a designer handbag in the other – but that’s beside the point). Whilst we’re all aware that she is one of the most successful young models in the world right now, there is also that element of respect at seeing her working hard to look the way she does – there is often the misconception amongst young girls that models are ‘naturally thin’, or that they don’t have to do anything to stay looking as beautiful as they do. But when models such as Hadid, Jenner, or Kloss are photographed emerging from (admittedly up-market) gyms across the cities of the world, they are projecting an image of positivity and inspiration, showing that they too have to work hard to see the results.

Making an ethical choice with sportswear

But there’s also people like Kate Hudson – usually known for her acting skills – who has made the courageous move into the world of sports fashion by setting up her own online company, Fabletics, in 2013. Offering outfits based around your workout and fashion preferences, Hudson has struck gold. The ethos is simple: buy what makes you feel, and look, good. There’s no hidden agenda, and no big-name brands such as Nike or Adidas to get in the way. Exclusively for women, the brand is not flashy or daring but is, if it can be said in such a way, elegant. It’s workout clothing for women, designed by a woman – genius.

So the next time you wander out into the city centre dressed head to toe in various items of stretchy clothing, don’t worry – not only do you look good, but you’re also showing the world just what you’ve achieved already today, especially if you’re on the way to a 9am lecture.