Pre-fall 2012 trends: active-inspired

Active-inspired trends hit the runways in Spring 2012 and haven’t stopped. As the trend perfectly coincides with the London 2012 Olympic Games, it will continue through Pre-Fall and Fall 2012 and even into Resort 2013. Leading the active-inspired team, Alexander Wang has done it all, from a motocross-inspired collection to mesh and neoprene apparel to crocodile sports-bra-like crop tops. Meanwhile, Celine has owned the track pant and the racing striped trousers and Isabel Marant rediscovered numbered jerseys. Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Chloe and Balenciaga have also created their own interpretations. As the sporty-chic trend strengthens, bomber and collegiate jackets, raglan shirts, active-influenced sweaters, high-top sneakers and athletic related materials and silhouettes have become must-have items. Get ready to work out – or really, work it out.

The leather track pant is cool and refined at the same time. Combine an elastic drawstring pair with Acne’s metallic silver sweatshirt and give it a feminine sleek twist with pointed toe ankle-strap pumps from Jean-Michel Cazabat. A buttery, relaxed yellow clutch from 3.1 Phillip Lim completes the ensemble.

Varsity jackets are the must-have outerwear for Pre-Fall and will last for several seasons. Designers have crafted whimsical options with floral print and bright colors but traditional styles like A.L.C.’s are versatile for any look. Style the jacket with Theory’s black and white graphic pants and T by Alexander Wang’s striped linen tee for contrast. Add pops of color with Marc by Marc Jacobs' Burg Boxer medium satchel and Alexander Wang’s ochre yellow Lina two-piece pumps.

Going monochrome red has a sporty team uniform vibe to it, especially with the right pieces. Cut like a workout tank, T by Alexander Wang’s top pairs well with Jil Sander Navy’s red mini skirt. Break up the color with a perforated belt by Diane von Furstenberg and get your pumped up kicks with Ash’s cool wedge sneakers. Drop in a little extra blue with Marc by Marc Jacobs' exploded Katie bracelet. The colors cheer on Team USA and get in the spirit of London!

Which active-inspired outfit would you sport?

Read more Pre-Fall 2012 trends.

Read more London 2012 Olympics coverage.