I’ve been doing Pilates videos at home for years but when I recently decided to start going to a class at an actual studio, I suddenly thought “am I wearing the right thing?”

So if you've been there before your first Pilates class, you're in good company.

Here's what I’ve noticed now that I’ve attended a few classes: there are quite a few different things you can wear. I saw matching sets next to regular workout clothes. Sports bras under tank tops and on their own. Leggings of all colors and cuts. But beneath all that variation, there is a clear pattern in what is suitable for Pilates. The people most at ease were wearing clothes that were form-fitting and moved with them.

This guide covers the best types of bottoms, tops, and Pilates attire for every class format, including what to know before your first reformer class and whether you actually need grip socks (you probably do). Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear to a Pilates class.

(Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-with-curly-hair-exercising-25596678/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Ahmet Kurt</a> via Pexels)

<h2>What Makes Good Pilates Clothing?</h2>

Pilates is different from running or lifting in a way that directly affects what you should wear. In a regular gym workout, your clothes just need to stay out of the way and you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in really.

But in a Pilates class? Different story. You're doing these incredibly controlled movements on the mat and getting into positions where a loose top can literally fall over your face mid-exercise (and yes, I'm speaking from real experience here).

Your instructor also watches your alignment and form throughout class, so wearing form-fitting Pilates clothing helps them see what your spine and hips are doing so that they can advise you better.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/meerawatts/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Meera Watts</a>, founder of <a href="https://www.siddhiyoga.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Siddhi Yoga</a> and a Pilates instructor since 2013, says that when a student's clothing drapes or bunches over the body, the hip line disappears and you can’t clearly see the curve of the spine, which means corrections get made based on incomplete information.

She had one student who wore wide-leg trousers to every session. Turns out, that student had a pelvic tilt she'd been carrying for years. One day, she showed up in fitted leggings, Meera noticed the tilt immediately, and it was corrected within two classes.

"When I don't have a view of what I'm working with," Meera says, "that kind of misalignment can take months longer to catch."

<h3>What to Look for in Pilates Clothing</h3>

There are three things that truly matter for Pilates clothes:

<ol><li>Fit: You want clothes that sit close to the body but that aren’t so tight that they’re uncomfortable.</li><li>Fabric: Breathable fabrics and moisture-wicking fabrics are good choices. Pilates is surprisingly sweaty for a low impact workout, especially in a heated studio. Look for nylon-spandex blends, soft ribbed stretchy fabrics, or styles with mesh panels for extra ventilation.</li><li>Range of motion: Stretchy fabrics are absolutely non-negotiable. You won’t be able to get the moves right if you’re wearing anything stiff or restrictive.</li></ol>

When it comes to price, you don't need expensive Pilates activewear to have the right outfit for class. Good Pilates clothes can be any activewear that fits well and stays put when you’re doing the exercises.

That said, if you're doing Pilates regularly, I rate it’s worth investing in a few quality pieces that you will get good wear out of. You can also get quality pieces at a good deal. For example, look for <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/deals/alo-yoga-discount-code">ALO Yoga coupons</a> to save yourself some money on a great set.

There’s a real art to knowing what to splurge on and where it counts—I’m all about being <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/articles/how-to-be-frugal-chic">frugal chic</a> at the moment.

<h2>What to Wear to a Pilates Reformer Class</h2>

Reformer Pilates and mat class share the same general clothing principles, but the reformer adds a few specific things worth knowing before your first class.

The reformer is a spring-based resistance machine with a sliding carriage, straps, and a footbar. Loose fabric can catch on the springs or straps during exercises. That’s why this is the one class format where I'd say that fitted clothing is a must and my go-to is fitted high-waisted leggings and a longline bra top.

Things to avoid when you go to reformer classes:

<ul><li>Waistband hardware like metal clasps or decorative rings</li><li>Back zippers</li><li>Embellishments on the back panels of your top or leggings</li></ul>

All of these can scratch the carriage padding. Simpler is always better here. I’d also highly recommend tying your hair up. You really want to avoid it accidently getting caught in the springs or carriage—trust me. 

Lastly, most studios require you to wear grip socks so check before you go and grab yourself a pair.

Header Image Big

Headed to Your First Reformer Session or Mat Class? Here's What to Wear for Pilates.

What to Wear to Pilates: Outfits That Work in Real Life

First dates are full of emotions. Excitement, possibility, and usually a little stress. Dozens of questions might be running through your mind as you get ready, like will it be awkward? Did I remember to wash my hair? Will we kiss? Will we fall in love and live happily ever after? Okay, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. One other slightly more practical question you might have is, “what should I wear?”

Picking a first date outfit matters for a few reasons. First, you want to make a good first impression, and showing off your personality through your style is one way to do so. Secondly, you want to feel your most confident, and the right look can make a big difference. Selecting the wrong pieces might have you itching, shifting around, and feeling constricted. Selecting the right ones, whether it’s a cute mini skirt, your coziest sweater, or your superpower top, can bring out your best self. Looking and feeling like a million bucks can ease some nerves on a first date that so many of us feel.

But, choosing what to wear on a first date isn’t as simple as grabbing your favorite dress, and it’s helpful to have an idea of what to expect when going through your closet or perusing online boutiques. There’s a couple of key factors to consider when selecting your outfit.

(Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-beige-coat-standing-beside-mirror-4694566/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">cottonbro studio</a> via Pexels)

<h2>Tips for Creating Your First Date Outfit</h2>

<h3>Consider the Weather</h3>

The weather plays a huge factor in what we wear everyday, and that extends to date outfits. If you’re too hot or cold on the date, you’ll inevitably be uncomfortable. Keep an eye on the forecast ahead of the date, especially if there’s an outdoor component. If it’s a chillier fall evening, break out your best jacket. If it’s a <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/articles/what-to-wear-in-70-degree-weather">hot summer day</a>, a light dress or cotton top might be a good call.

<h3>Consider the Activity</h3>

Typically, you’d dress differently for going into the office versus going to a cocktail lounge with your girls. Dates should be viewed similarly. Depending on the activity, whether it’s a coffee date followed by a walk, nice dinner out, or nosebleed tickets to your local basketball game, each type of outing deserves a unique outfit that fits the theme of the outing.

<h3>Consider the Time</h3>

Like the activity, the time of the date impacts what you should be wearing. Daytime dates can be more casual affairs, and pieces like sundresses, light wash jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, and shorts are all generally considered appropriate. Nighttime dates usually veer towards more elevated style, like dark denim, structured jackets, cocktail dresses, and heeled shoes. With all of these tips in mind, let’s get into outfit ideas for first dates.

Ease the Getting Ready Stress with These Foolproof Date Looks

Easy First Date Outfits to Look and Feel Your Best

I’ve been remotely working from home since 2020. I understand the leggings-and-sweatshirt rut. You put on the same lazy outfit everyday, because why dress up to hide in your home office? But what you wear matters, even at home.

It’s psychological. Wearing a comfortable business casual outfit can put you in work mode, so you’re not tempted to slink over to the couch and watch “Love Is Blind” on the low.

From chic loungewear sets to easy-to-wear slacks, I’ll give you the recipe for comfortable work-from-home outfits that make you feel confident and competent. They’re lounge-ready looks that can transition straight to the office, making them phenomenal outfits for hybrid workers. This is how to dress when working from home.

(Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-and-working-on-laptop-17774929/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Gülşah Aydoğan</a> via Pexels)

Fashion That Helps You Stay Focused

How To Dress When You Work From Home (Without Feeling Sloppy)

The universe knows how much I love a bag trend, so it gave me this article assignment. I'm here to cover the most popular summer 2026 purse trends, including the well-established ones and the rising stars. Right now, throwback silhouettes and defined textures are what's hot, including baguettes, buckets, woven styles, beaded designs, and beyond.

These are exceptional purses for the summer outfits you have on deck, as many of these trends can work with a range of aesthetics and occasions. Check out these trending summer purses and see what styles speak to you.

The Purses Defining Our Summer Style

The Stunning Summer Bag Trends of 2026

If you're anything like us, you've been waiting for Fourth of July weekend to finally check out with everything sitting in your cart. Luckily, some of our favorite retailers are celebrating the holiday with major savings across fashion, beauty, home, and more—and we've rounded up the very best deals in one easy-to-shop guide.

From summer wardrobe staples and editor-approved beauty favorites to home upgrades worth adding to cart, scroll on for our definitive guide to the best Fourth of July sales happening now. And be sure to check back throughout the holiday weekend—we'll be updating this list as new deals go live.

It’s Here: Your Guide To The Best Fourth Of July Sales

Sales & Deals Guide

The sun stays out later into the night, the temperatures are rising, and you might even get a few extra Fridays off. That’s right: it’s summer. And with the change in season comes a change in our wardrobes. Just like in the cold months when I reach for more wool and cashmere pieces, I do the same when it gets warmer out, but with lighter, <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/articles/best-breathable-fabric-for-hot-weather">breathable fabrics</a>.

Linen is a staple in a solid summer closet. It’s light, airy, and has moisture-wicking properties. All of which are rather important factors to me when getting dressed on particularly sunny, humid days. The natural fabric has grown in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. Not only is the style perfect for the balmiest days, but it also evokes a cool, coastal look. It blends fashion and function in a way that’s hard to replicate.

However popular linen pants might be doesn’t mean the piece is easy to plan an outfit around. With all kinds of colors, prints, and silhouettes that exist in the space right now, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to style each individual pair. What shoes should I wear with linen pants? Sandals or sneakers? What about tops? What color is right? White linen pants or a bold color? Can I wear these pants year-round or should they only see the light of day between Memorial Day and Labor Day? The so-called easy pants come with an array of questions that are more common than you think. No need to sweat (more than you already are in this heat), I’m here to help you figure out how to wear linen pants, and give you a few tips for picking out the perfect pair, too.

(Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-fashionable-woman-posing-on-a-street-in-a-city-26791384/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Anh Nguyen</a> via Pexels)

From Office Days to Beach Getaways, Here's How to Wear Summer's Most Versatile Pants

How to Style Linen Pants for Every Occasion

If you have been quietly skipping your nail appointments and telling yourself you will book one next week, I get it. But here's the thing: you might not need to. Bare nails, clean, healthy, polish-free or barely-there have become the dominant manicure story of 2026. Not chipped, not forgotten but intentionally bare. The kind of nails that look like you have your life together without trying to prove it. The clean girl aesthetic that conquered <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/articles/what-you-need-in-a-skincare-routine">skincare</a> has finally reached our fingertips and the beauty crowd is fully on board.

But this is not as simple as canceling your next appointment. There’s a right way and a very wrong way to go bare and the difference is visible. Which is why this guide covers everything from what the trend actually is to how to pull it off properly at home. Because nothing that looks this effortless actually is.

(Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-white-nail-polish-5238075/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Kaboompics</a> via Pexels)

<h2>Why Bare Nails Are Suddenly Everywhere</h2>

Seriously, spring and summer 2026 is all about bare nails and if your feed looks anything like mine, then you know what I mean. The nail look everyone is talking about is not a new chrome finish or some 3D design. It's nails that... look like nails. According to beauty insights from Spate, the bare nail trend has seen 197.3% year-over-year growth on TikTok averaging over 311,000 weekly views. And that's not a niche aesthetic, that's a full takeover.

So why now? Well, a few things are colliding at a time. First, genuine beauty fatigue. After years of maximalism, from glazed donut nails to bejeweled extra-long sets a lot of people are simply tired. Second, bare nails fit perfectly into quiet luxury and clean girl aesthetics that have been dominating fashion and beauty more broadly with that effortless, expensive looking, "I woke up like this" energy.

And third, the recession nails theory. When money feels tight, a $100 two hour salon appointment every two weeks starts to feel like a luxury that you can skip. Esthetician and Certified Master Pedicurist <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasbeautyservice/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Jessica Dickson</a>, who has been working with clients for over 20 years, sees this in her salon every day. "Keeping nails polished takes time that busy women don't have to spare," she says. "Between working, raising kids or managing a household and life, trying to fit a nail appointment in is just another stress that they don't want to deal with." Bare nails offer a way out of that cycle entirely, or at least a way to stretch the gap considerably.

The Manicure Shift That Makes Care the New Color

The Bare Nails Trend Is Everywhere Right Now—Here's What It Actually Means

Cupshe makes it easy to stock up on swimwear and resortwear without paying full price. Between sign-up discounts, 35% off when you buy two items, a dedicated sale section with markdowns up to 50%, and a free loyalty program that pays you back in points, there's no shortage of ways to cut your total. Here's everything you need to know about saving on your next Cupshe order, from your first purchase to your tenth.

Save On Swimwear, Resortwear, and More With the Latest Cupshe Promo Codes and Deals

Cupshe Coupons & Deals for July 2026

All the it girls are wearing jorts. They don't seem like a hot girl style, but in this new era of looser, baggier silhouettes, they're practically sexy. The tricky part is figuring out how to style jorts in a way that reads cool and not clunky.

I've put together this guide to creating cute jorts outfits that lean into the trend but also cater to a wide range of aesthetics. Whether you're a preppy girl, a beach babe, or a working woman, these long shorts can work for you.

Find outfit formulas for your aesthetic and tips for finding a pair that fit you just right in this guide to how to style jorts for women. As someone who was hesitant to put on these long, loose jean shorts, I can assure you that they can work for every style and on every body.

Slip Into This Summer Shorts Trend While Staying True to Your Style

How To Style Jorts and Still Feel Hot

Lauren Ralph Lauren Double Breasted Wool Blend Crop Coat

Header Image

Nordstrom

Steve Madden Sherman Mule

Faherty Stripe Organic & Recycled Cotton Jersey Rugby Shirt

PAIGE Haisley Pointelle Stitch Organic Cotton & Silk Blend Sweater

Vince Small Vivian Raffia Hobo Bag

Nordstrom Lace Midi Skirt

Joe's The Dani Crop Cashmere Cardigan

rag & bone Featherweight Saige Low Rise Full Length Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans

Nordstrom Cashmere Sweater Hoodie

STAUD Tommy Beaded Shoulder Bag

Steve Madden Brax Pointed Toe Boot

Our Place 4-Piece Cookware Set

Open Edit Double Breasted Crop Trench Coat

COS Pleated Wide Denim Pants

Tory Burch Limited Edition Tote

Bio Ionic 1.25-Inch Long Barrel Styling IronCropped Hampton Sweater

STAUD Cropped Hampton Sweater

Clinique Jumbo Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Free People Lolita Floral Ruffle Maxi Skirt

BaubleBar Jane Beaded Necklace

Mugshot

Commerce Editor, Branded Content & Partnerships

Every Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Item Our Team of Shopping Experts is Coveting Right Now

Womens — Clothing / Dresses & Jumpsuits / Cocktail & Party

Date Night Dresses

Trending Wedding Guest Dresses

Little Black Dresses

Top 10 Sheath Dresses

Top 10 Velvet Dresses

Top 10 Wedding Guest Dresses

Top 10 Holiday Party Dresses

Top 10 Graduation Dresses

Top 10 Off the Shoulder Dresses

Top 10 Dress Trends