Practicality and fashion can coexist at the gym, so don’t throw on that ratty shirt next time you hit the gym. (Christina Parrish)

One thing that many fashionistas share is a love of the gym, and why not? The gym is a magical place where we all can get in shape, making us look and feel better in our clothes.

I was talking to a girlfriend of mine the other day while at the gym and noticed a great contrast between some of the outfits I saw people working out in.

When it comes to working out, there is nothing more important than practicality, but the gym is not a free pass to wear dirty, ragged old clothes that you would be embarrassed to wear in public.

When working out, it is important to wear something that you can move easily in and don’t mind getting sweaty. (That doesn’t mean something that is already sweaty).

In most situations, I am thoroughly against tights as the only bottom, as many of you know. But the gym is the one place that it is okay to wear leggings as a separate bottom because of their practicality (again not hosiery, but thick tights). Some easy things to throw on are a fitted sorority t-shirt and a cute pair of matching tennis shoes, topped of with a matching sports headband. Notice this outfit does not include booty shorts, oversized shirts fit for an elephant, or dirty, nasty spandex tops that are three sizes too small. Ladies: you all know what size you are, so there is no use wearing something too big or small, because it just makes you look ridiculous.

It may seem a bit over the top to be advising what to wear at the gym, but like my mother always said, “When in public always look your best, because you never know who you will see.”

Don’t worry, no makeup is necessary at the gym. That includes makeup that’s smeared all over your face from the party the night before. I’m not saying you spend hours vacillating over what to wear to the gym, but show some initiative, because this is not your bedroom; I don’t want to see you in your pajamas.

As with most of my rants, women are not the only ones guilty of fashion crime in the gym. In fact, men are usually the most heinous offenders when it comes to work-out attire. No, you cannot work out in your jeans and polo shirt. No, I don’t want to see you in a ribbed tank top that could fit a 10-year-old. No, cargo shorts with 50 pockets are not good for your workout.

And most importantly, please remember to wear appropriate underwear with your basketball shorts — no one wants to see that, I promise. The ideal gym outfit for men is a great baseball cap, plain t-shirt, correct fitting basketball shorts (not down to your knees or up your booty), and cross trainers with ankle socks.

Please remember one thing: When you are at the gym, you are in public, so dress like it.

And when the hot guy that has been checking you out while you were doing cardio on the elliptical comes up to you and tells you how hot you look, you can reply with an “I know, right?” You deserve to be a bit cocky when you’ve been working out that hard.

Jordan Traxler is a first-year business administration major and may be reached for further comment or question at [email protected]