Sportswear when not exactly exercising - tops

[EatEverythingOnMyPlate]

My 50th birthday is fast approaching and I am on a drive to lose weight; I am about 1 stone overweight and short (5.2").

I cannot do casual. I am always dressed up fairly smart and when I do casual, I look an utter mess and feel really uncomfortable.

I am soon to go on a road trip, and I really want to continue trying to exercise and lose weight, otherwise I'll undo everything I've done. I can be really lazy, so if the opportunity for exercise comes up but it involved changing into sports wear, I won't do it.

I thought the best way to achieve this might be to be always prepared, so I have bought some nice trainers that look okay when I am not exercising, some bloody expensive Sweaty Betty leggings, but I am now struggling to find suitable tops.

I need a top that covers my arse, ideally not sleeveless as I hate my arms. I also need a zip through hoodie. The idea is that I am comfortable in the car, can do a workout/run when we stop somewhere quiet for a break, look reasonably decent to go around shops/small towns if we stop somewhere interesting for a stroll/lunch.

The sb leggings are patterned, so plain tops would be best.

I feel I am really late to the party, as for years I have seen women doing the school run looking amazing in workout clothes but always knew that would never be me, and here I am now; I'd appreciate some help please !

I'd get the yoga vests (long enough but if running add a proper bra) from Sweaty Betty with the Simhasana sweaters over the top. Vest covers bum and sweater arms.

Where is your road trip? I did one in the US (south) and was paranoid about putting on weight, so planned that I would work out pretty much every day - I went for a run or used the gym (almost every hotel in the US has one) in the morning. That worked better for me as otherwise I'd have been sitting around sweaty in the car.

palahvah Road trip in the US. Won't have access to a gym but there will be plenty of outdoor opportunities, I just need to be ready for them.

Bloomburger I can't pull off that look, sweaters make me look boxy and stumpy, and I don't want to sweat wearing a sweatshirt to cover my arms because I feel so self concious.

What about wearing a sports vest and some thing like this over it? I've got pink and grey and wear them loads

https://www.rituals.com/en-gb/fuxi-mauveve---1105646m.html?source=cop&showbacklink=false#start=1

Gap fit have a good range and really good materials also uniqlo

I have a great smart wool zip through hoodie but it might be a bit warm (depends on where you are going). Icebreaker also do similar and they don’t need washing very often

[https://www.lululemon.co.uk/p/womens-longsleeves/Swiftly-Tech-Long-Sleeve-Crew/_/prod130113?rcnt=1&N=7vc&cnt=30&color=LW3MEDS_038541 maybe something like this]

H&M have lots of tops you could layer to get the effect you want?

I sometimes wear a long-line (non sport wear) over my sports bra but under a sports top/hoodie in the winter or if I'm riding/cycling when I don't get as warm as if I was running.

I get breathable t-shirts & zip-up tops/lightweight jackets from Trespass.

M&S's activewear is surprisingly good.

Fitness obsessive here. I don't get it - sorry.

If you're going to be working out properly, you'll need a decent sports bra on - not the sort of thing you'll be wearing all day, as they're not comfortable enough - plus surely your clothes will be sweaty afterwards, so hardly ideal for mooching around or going for lunch.
The school mums you see will either be on their way for a run/gym sesh, or have just been. They're not hanging around all day in gym kit just in case.
I spend half my life in gym kit, but it's not the same thing as normal clothes IYSWIM?