Spot Me on the Trails: Neon Activewear We’re Crushing On

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There are many, many reasons why I opt for neon activewear. Nowadays, it’s easier to find tops, leggings, bras, jackets, shorts, and other athletic apparel that embrace the power of a *fun* color. In the ski and surf scenes, the TikTok fashion trend so popular this 2022 evokes the feel-good power of ‘80s style with an elevated, contemporary twist that suits it perfectly in the modern landscape. Here’s why I gravitate towards the trend:

Visibility and Attention: This past weekend, cheering on participants racing in the New York City Marathon, I was awestruck by the sheer amount of people pouring by and wincing through mile 24. It was easier to pick out my friends who wore brights—just look for the yellow. It’s also easier to find friends during low-visibility skiing days.

And for less athletic moments, let’s just say my hot pink Girlfriend Collective set has always helped me out when snagging an Uber. I’ll be the one in pink. 

Safety: On a similar note, as a woman, I’m always especially attuned to ways in which I can make my runs and activities safer. Frankly, brights make me memorable and more confident in areas of low visibility in which I’d like cameras, bystanders, etc,. to pick me up. It’s unfortunate that I have to—or rather, personally choose to—factor that element into my wardrobe choices when exercising, but such is a product of the cultural landscape we live in nowadays.

Seasonal Depression, Baby! Finally, in winter, color just makes me happy. Thanks to a little trend called dopamine dressing (shoutout to TikTok for popularizing it!), we now know that dressing in bright colors can boost your joy and your confidence. The colder it gets, the bolder I go. I especially love channeling this energy into vibrant footwear. The coloring literally makes every step lighter. 

More outdoors brands than ever have realized that they don’t have to stick to a muted green, gray, and blue color palette in order to be taken seriously. Wearing pink doesn’t make you any less capable of scaling that cliff face or hurtling down that black diamond (or, in my case, bunny slopes.) Join me in dressing up this season—the brighter, the better—with our editor-curated picks below.

9 Editor-Picked Bright Leggings, Bras, Tops, Sneakers, and More

1. Halfdays Aston Jacket in Alpenglow, $425.
2. Halfdays Carson Bib Pant in Alpenglow, $325.
3. Terez Hot Red Color Block Sweatshirt, $162.
4. Year of Ours Leggings, $78.
5. Girlfriend Collective Cabaret BioCompressive High Rise Legging, $41 (was $82).
6. Girlfriend Collective BioCompressive Bianca Bra, $24 (was $48).
7. Thirty Years All Body Bralette in Poppy, $48.
8. Thirty Years Hi-Fit Biker Shorts in Poppy, $64.
9. HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Sneakers, $185.

Halfdays — Aston Jacket in Alpenglow — $425.

When Halfdays dropped their latest collection, I literally gasped. I own the Lawrence Jacket in a rich, sleek Espresso shade—a gorgeous burgundy that can never quite decide whether it’s red or brown. But I’ve always eyed the Aston Jacket for its chic belting, a shape ideal for sporting and après. And when they dropped it in the hot pink, I actually got a little upset. I already have a new jacket from last season! But I’m in lust. We also love Halfdays for a thoughtful constellation of features, including a retractable phone leash, built-in goggle wipe, and removable hood. If you’re not a pink girl yourself, you can also shop the design in a light yellow-green, light blue, striking orange-red, and more.

Halfdays — Carson Bib Pant in Alpenglow — $325.

I’m a bib gal myself, and this tailored version from fan-favorite Halfdays (with adjustable straps!) is a stellar new edition to what’s sure to be an incredible showing this season. I also love that the bib comes in Short, Regular, and Tall. For the technically minded, the Carson Bib Pant also has two exterior pockets, thigh vents, gaiters, zippered gusseted hems, adjustable elastic straps, two side entry zippers, an interior zippered chest pocket with card slot, and adjustable waist tabs—wowza!

Terez — Hot Red Colorblock Crew — $162.

Color-blocking? Say it ain’t so. I’ve practically lived in this two-toned 70’s‑inspired sweatsuit from Terez all autumn. The crewneck sweatshirt and the joggers are just cozy enough for bodega runs and WFH vibes, and the multi-colored vibe is also cohesive enough as a set to get away with wearing as a *cute* ‘fit. I also love that the sweats are split—one red, one pink—and long enough for me, an objectively tall girl. The navy trim around the neck and cuffs adds a small bit of polish that adds an almost collegiate feel to its relaxed, oversized fit. Best of all, it’s made from 100% pima cotton, which means it feels like terry. Basically, it’s light enough to be able to wear year-round, but snuggly enough for when the temperatures drop.

Year of Ours — YEAR Legging — $79.

I own multiple pairs of Year of Ours leggings, and they’re each buttery soft. The lace-ups on these full-length colorful leggings are an even more compelling detail. The angled waist means they’ll never budge, but I also love the flattering hit of the (compressive) high waist. While I’m partial to the light purple Tulip shade, this pair also comes in bright green, tan, chocolate brown, black, and white.

Girlfriend Collective — Cabaret BioCompressive High-Rise Legging — $41.

I wasn’t kidding when I said this color is my magic weapon for hailing Ubers. That, and it makes me feel much more energetic for my workouts, more put-together while running errands, and generally a lot happier throughout the course of my day. The performance-ready, technical fabric withstands quite a lot of wear, and Girlfriend Collective compressive leggings just landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2022—and they’re currently a whopping half off.

Girlfriend Collective — BioCompressive Bianca Bra — $24.

Also half off (!!!), this one-shouldered BioCompressive Bianca Bra is the perfect match to top off your set. It’s made from 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 21% spandex. Although intended for low-impact workouts, I’ve worn it during a CrossFit session, so it definitely doesn’t budge. The bra has double lined, sweat-wicking material, an elasticated support band designed to hit under bust, and four-way stretch. Shop it now for only $24. Oh, and top it off with the lightweight, water-resistant pullover that’s been my constant companion this fall. Its boxy fit is effortlessly cool.

Thirty Years — Hi-Fit Biker Short in Poppy — $64.

Top off the set with this high-rise pair of biker shorts. A double-lined waistband gives additional support and smoothing power, while the rest of the design optimizes fit so you’ll never have to worry about them riding up or falling down. This sculpting short is ideal for wherever the day takes you, and comes in all the same colors.

Thirty Years — All Body Bralette in Poppy — $48.

Top off the set with this All Body Bralette. The soft scoop neckline is extra-comfortable and made of 80 percent nylon and 20 percent spandex for a flattering fit. This Thirty Years ‘fit also comes in all of the same colors as the shorts. 

HOKA — Anacapa Mid GTX Sneakers — $185.

HOKA sneakers have a cult following for a reason, and this mid-height hiking-friendly gorpcore pair takes our obsession to a whole new level. The brand claims this pair “feels like a shoe, wanders like a boot,” which means its combination of GORE-TEX, colored leather, and recycled polyester can take you from trail to town in a heartbeat—and keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter the weather or terrain. Your next trek just got so much better.