Active Sportswear That Can Give You a Lift

2. Hiking and walking are wonderful ways not just to get some exercise but to enjoy the wonders of nature. Studies have shown that spending time in the great outdoors can reduce levels of anxiety and depression and improve focus and concentration.

For hiking, Klem-Wilson recommends wearing chic and functional cargo pants with a drawstring bottom — to help protect against ticks, bugs and poison ivy — such as Athleta’s Celestial High Rise Utility Pant in Bone ($119, athleta.gap.com).

Don’t underestimate the importance of color when it comes to dressing for outdoor sports. Bright shades are energizing! Add at least one vibrant pop, such as Chico’s Scoop Neck Tee in Valencia Orange ($26, chicos.com), to your workout gear.

Again, choosing the right footwear is key. Consider an ankle-supporting sneaker, such as the Merrell Women’s Moab Speed 2 in Mosstone ($140, merrell.com), or a boot with a sturdy lug sole, especially if you are walking or hiking on sandy, grassy or rocky trails.

A rain-resistant hooded windbreaker like the Coldwater Creek Pack-It Jacket in Olive ($90, coldwatercreek.com), which folds up into a small, lightweight cross-body pouch, ensures you’re ready for any changes in the weather.

(Left to right) Ame & Lulu’s Game Time Tennis Backpack in Mint; Skechers Viper Court Smash in Gray/Purple

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Ame & Lulu; DSW)

3. Tennis, the grande dame of racket sports, traditionally required a certain sartorial elegance. All-white tennis dresses, skirts, sweaters and polos were de rigueur until the 1960s — and are still regulation at certain tennis clubs. Today tennis stars such as Serena Williams have broken all barriers in terms of colors, fabrics and silhouettes, although the preppy palette of white, navy, red, and kelly green still conveys chic.

A cap sleeve, A-line tennis dress with a pleated skirt, such as J.McLaughlin’s Dorte Dress in Mini Raffia Jacquard in Navy ($188, jmclaughlin.com), is an elegant and comfortable option for women of all ages.

Tennis shoes that provide ankle support and ultralight cushioning, such as Skechers Viper Court Smash in White ($75, skechers.com) or Gray/Purple ($90, dsw.com), can up your game.

For a little panache, add a jazzy tennis tote, such as Ame & Lulu’s Game Time Tennis Backpack in Mint ($118, ameandlulu.com). And a classic white visor, like Ralph Lauren’s Embroidered Pony Visor in White ($45, ralphlauren.com), allows you to keep a cool head when the game heats up.

(Left to right) Wacoal Lindsay Sport Underwire T-Shirt Bra in Black/Lilac Gray; New Balance Minimus TR v2 in Phantom with Black and Cyber Jade

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Nordstrom; New Balance)

4. Exercise, yoga and dance classes allow women of all ages and levels of mobility to enjoy some me time and build new friendships.

Donna Winchell, 57, an ACE-certified (American Council on Exercise) group instructor and personal trainer for over 32 years, says that “many workout-wear companies feature tight-fitting tanks and crop tops, but most post-menopausal women feel more comfortable in loose tops that cover their bellies and hips.” She likes ICTIVE, an affordable line featured on Amazon.com, for its comfortable A-line tank tops, and she prefers bright colors, like the ICTIVE Women’s Cross Backless Workout Top in Neon Green ($12, amazon.com), “because they pick you up.”

Both Winchell and Klem-Wilson, who has taken some of her classes, gave shout-outs to activewear brands that offer age-inclusive, body-positive messaging and a wide range of sizes, including Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging in Black-Charcoal ($99, beyondyoga.com).

A good sports bra is crucial for most women over 50, especially those larger than a B cup. And, ladies, please note: It’s acceptable for your sports bra to show under your tank top in exercise classes. Wacoal’s Lindsay Sport Underwire T-Shirt Bra in Black/Lilac Gray ($76, nordstrom.com) minimizes bounce, features cushioned straps and goes up to a G cup. (Winchell says it’s worth spending more money on bottoms and sports bras than loose tops, because they are closer to your body, and when you sweat, cheaper fabrics tend to retain odors.)

A lightweight training shoe — like the New Balance Minimus TR v2 in Phantom with Black and Cyber Jade ($102, newbalance.com) — with mid-foot rubber wraps for added support and protection is ideal for indoor workouts.

(Left to right) Tuckernuck Tnuck Sport Pink Gingham 16 Inch Karrie Golf Skirt; Lands’ End Women’s Supima Cotton Polo in White; Golftini Navy/White Stretch V-Neck Sweater

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Tuckernuck; Lands' End; Golftini)

5. Golf attire for women can vary from club to course, but certain standards of etiquette are still preferred: not-too-short skirts and shorts, pants that aren’t too tight, no leggings (unless worn under a skirt), collared shirts. That said, there is still some room for having fun with your look.

A touch of vibrant color goes a long way, so consider something like Ralph Lauren RLX Golf Stretch Twill Athletic Pants in Bright Pink ($168, ralphlauren.com).

Patty Fletcher, 67, of Seaside Park, New Jersey, who recently took up the sport and plays on public golf courses, prefers wearing skorts in warm weather because “they are a bit more fun and feminine.” Try Tuckernuck’s Tnuck Sport Pink Gingham 16 Inch Karrie Golf Skirt ($128, tnuck.com).

Either of these bottoms would pair beautifully with a classic white polo, such as the Lands’ End Women’s Supima Cotton Polo in White ($32, landsend.com). It’s also worth investing in a good golf shoe, such as Gfore’s Women’s G.112 Kiltie Golf Shoe in Snow/Twilight ($225, gfore.com), which has plenty of traction and a cute removable kiltie.

In cooler weather, throw on an updated version of the classic tennis sweater, such as Golftini’s Navy/White Stretch V-Neck Sweater ($140, golftiniwear.com). It has a flattering cut — and a cute little embroidered pink martini logo near the hem.

Dressing well matters in all aspects of life. No matter your game of choice, I guarantee that if you dress with flair and intention, you will get a little jolt of mood-elevating serotonin! As Winchell succinctly puts it: “When you look good, you move better.”

Now, go out and have some fun!