Something about fall makes it feel like the perfect time to live in sweatpants and leggings. But for those who want to look a bit more put together, or run directly from a workout to errands or school pickups, it’s important to find fall gym outfits with a bit more pizazz.

What are the styling rules that keep cute athletic outfits looking polished, not sloppy?

 A. Layer on the accessories: Think a cute gray purse, a little baseball cap, or some jewelry that ties all the outfit elements together.

 B. Purposeful layering. Throw a gray fall sweater over leggings and a t-shirt, and fall gym outfits are instantly ready for the rest of the day’s events.

 C. It all hangs on the shoes. Forget busted running shoes, or the actual sneakers that make workouts happen. In order to create cute athletic outfits, the shoes have to skew more athleisure than fitness floors. 

Got the rules covered? Now check out 13 pieces to keep fall looks on point.

Before cute layering can begin, there has to be a solid base for these gray fall gym outfits. A pure color match is still very on-trend, but it’s also fun to play with different color shades, as with this gray one piece swimsuit layered underneath lighter shaded leggings.

Hate the feeling of tanks that ride up during a workout? Prefer a smoother look when layering cute athletic outfits? This rayon-and-spandex blend bodysuit is the perfect styling choice. The sweet scoop neck creates visual space for a pretty necklace, and the light ribbing adds texture without the impression of unflattering thickness.

Swapping full or three-quarter length leggings for shorter styles is a great way to mix up fall gym outfits. And these sweat-wicking, high-waisted yoga shorts are an even fresher choice, thanks to their built-in tummy control and convenient phone-sized outer pocket.

Now that the base layer of those fall gym outfits is covered, it’s time to start layering with a great fall sweater. From long and open cardigans to cute little pullovers, there are so many ways to create warm and cute athletic outfits with these simple pieces.

Perfect with leggings or jeans, this loose and chunky gray knit sweater blends polyester and spandex construction for maximum softness and comfort. Wear it half-tucked for a bit more polish, or let it flow loose and tunic style for an artfully casual impression.

The super-long hemline offsets the casual cut on this zip-closure gray fleece hoodie, complete with drawstring upper fastenings. Wear it open over leggings and a tank top, or go bold and style as a dress, worn zipped with a great pair of ankle booties or high-top sneakers.

Combine light-weight, loose fitting fabric and an oversized silhouette, and this gray fall sweater feels like a hug, while adding instant polish when worn over gray, black or ivory leggings.

Remember: just say no to boring white dad sneakers. Instead, try these adorable gray walking shoes, with just the right blend of comfort and style to elevate basic gym gear into cute athletic outfit territory.

Combining the best of modern style with a strong hint of 80s nostalgia, these soft gray New Balance kicks benefit from light EVA padding in the midsole, and throwback style vibes that look great with cropped jeans, and short or three-quarter length leggings.

Need a sneaker that’s up for errands and a workout, with no time for changes in-between? This sleek gray athletic shoe from Under Armour can stand up to long runs, heavy lifting days, or even brunch with friends—simply swap out a few accessories and get ready to launch.

Fall gym outfits are all about knits, whether that means a chunky gray fall sweater, or this knit running shoe with low profile lacing. Breathable up top, making these shoes great for extra-long days, they’ve also got a solid rubber outsole that mimics a cute platform sandal, but with so much extra support.

Remember the first rule of crafting cute athletic outfits: accessories shift the tone from workout gear to streetwear. Add one or more of these selections to a fall gym outfit for a bit of polish.

A pretty bracelet watch that can stand up to the gym and long days of errands, thanks to its rubberized band? That sounds like the ultimate accessory to elevate any fall gym outfit.

This gray purse is the perfect bag to bring for days when workouts and work are both on the agenda. Large enough to fit a laptop and a change of clothes, the shoulder bag is structured enough for formal situations, but softly quilted, meaning it won’t feel out of place when paired with loungewear.

Prefer to go small on size and big on organization? This cute little crossbody bag offers multiple interior-zipped compartments for secure storage, and a sleek 10-inch by 9-inch profile that won’t weigh users down.

Celebrate the simplicity of cute athletic outfits with this phone-sized gray bag, designed to work as a wearable wallet or daytime clutch. Synthetic leather construction and eye-popping gold tone hardware add extra pizazz to this neutral base.

Infuse any fall gym outfit with warmth and sophistication by adding this fringed gray scarf with subtle striping. Tonal shading throughout the design makes styling a breeze, while pumping up the volume on visual interest.

What pieces will you add to your fall gym outfits? Got a cute athletic outfit inspo to show off? Share in the comments below!