What if your favorite sportswear could be as fashionable as your everyday clothes? Active dresses are making it possible by introducing the comfort and ease of sportswear to an easy, feminine silhouette.
From taking your next tennis set to playing a round of golf to spending a hectic day outside the house, the right kind of attire can keep you moving and not feel under dressed. You don't have to assemble a top, bottom, and layer, just slip into one dress, and you're prepared for the day.
I've been looking around various activewear brands and Southern Tide's active collection caught my eye particularly because it highlights features that I really appreciate when it comes to getting active. These fabrics are stretchy, breathable, moisture wicking, providing UV protection and offering practical features that make them more useful than regular casual dresses.
I scrolled through these styles and chose eight of them each with their own personality. There are some that are more sporty and court ready, and there are others that are more polished that can take you from an active morning to lunch later. When you're ready to step out for a hectic day, it's easy to get ready with a pair of athletic shoes, your favorite accessories, and the right active dress.

Image Source: Southern Tide
This dress is a very easy option to choose if you are looking for something sporty but not too informal. The stretch fabric is lightweight to help movement, and moisture wicking to keep you feeling comfortable while enjoying your active lifestyle. UV protection is another useful feature for those who will be outside for longer periods of time, particularly while playing a round of golf or relaxing on the beach. The clean design also ensures that it can easily be paired with a visor and some sneakers.

Image Source: Southern Tide
For those who want their sportswear to add a little more personality, this is the one to look at. The pleated skirt design adds some movement to the line while the button front and polo collar gives it a traditional athletic style. It would be perfect on the tennis or pickleball court, particularly if you are looking for something more exciting than a simple dress in a solid color. It is the kind of piece that can easily become a go-to option when you want your activewear to feel a little more stylish.

Image Source: Southern Tide
The biggest charm of this style is the Gingham fabric. The overall silhouette is classic and summer, so that the dress looks more like a casual wardrobe piece than a standard sportswear. Another thoughtful detail is the welt pockets which provide a place to store small essentials without sacrificing the clean look. Great for strolling, a lazy afternoon or casual games, or for when you want a relaxed coastal vibe.

Image Source: Southern Tide
It's a nice option for golf dressing, incorporating performative elements and thoughtful design elements. The fabric will give you cooling comfort, stretch, moisture wicking and UV protection to keep you comfortable when moving around. Its collar, placket and gathered sleeves add a touch of elegance. Has a sporty feel to it without being too basic. It also makes an easy choice for active days when you want a polished look that can keep up with your movement.

Image Source: Southern Tide
A dress which is all about an easy, adjustable and stylish fit. It is elastic on the waist and has a drawstring, making it easy to adjust the fit of the dress for the day if needed. Another thoughtful feature is side seam pockets if you don't want to bring a bag, you don't have to. The short sleeves and collar makes the overall appearance more sporty and suitable for informal activity.

Image Source: Southern Tide
For tennis lovers this has the classic court ready look expected of a tennis dress. The pleated skirt design provides lots of action and built in cooling shorts provide additional coverage underneath. The sleeveless design also helps to maintain the sporty and youthful aesthetic. It's the kind of attire that's comfortable for serving, running around the court and staying active throughout the game.

Image Source: Southern Tide
Not only are there stripes on this dress, but it also has built-in shorts for easy movement. The pocket inside the shorts is extremely convenient when it comes to carrying a small item around with you. The pairing is ideal for pickleball, tennis, or any other activity where multiple layers are desirable without the need for additional shorts. The fitted design makes it easy to move comfortably while keeping your outfit looking neat and put together

Image Source: Southern Tide
Unlike the polo and tennis designs, the printed pattern makes this dress feel more casual and relaxed. Three quarter sleeves offer a bit more coverage and the keyhole back offers a nice finishing touch. The crew neckline makes for a simple front, which allows the print to be the star of the show. This is a lovely option when you want an active inspired dress that can easily blend into the rest of your casual wardrobe. Its versatile style makes it easy to wear with sneakers for a relaxed daytime look or dress it up with simple accessories.
READ MORE: Bombshell Sportswear Review
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