Alo Haul! The Best Summer Pieces According to Our Fashion & Beauty Director

Workout optional

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

alo-try-on
Original Photos by Deena Campbell/Paula Boudes for PureWow

As someone who ran the New York City Marathon, I spend a fair amount of time in activewear. I care about performance, whether leggings stay put on a run, whether a sports bra actually supports without suffocating and whether fabric can survive my sweat. But I’m also a fashion editor, which means I care just as much about how workout clothes look as how they perform. If I’m wearing something to run, walk the dog or grab coffee, it better do a little bit of everything.

That’s partly why I’m always curious about what’s new from Alo Yoga⁠. The Los Angeles-based brand has built a cult following thanks to its fashion-forward activewear. Lately, the brand has been leaning even further into elevated performance wear, with summer drops in rich colors (love the blue!), sculpting fabrics and pieces designed for everything from running to recovery to brunch with the girls.

So when I had the chance to try on some of Alo’s latest pieces, I wanted to see whether they lived up to the hype—not just from a style perspective, but from the point of view of someone who actually logs miles. I headed into the fitting room ready to find out.

I knew this set was different the second I put it on and didn’t immediately start adjusting something. No tugging at the waistband, or pulling down the shorts. The fit is true to size with a lightly compressive feel, but the buttery-soft ribbed fabric (made from 97 percent nylon and 3 percent elastane) keeps it comfortable rather than restrictive. Compared with Alo’s Airlift or Airbrush—which offer a firmer, more sculpting hold—this set feels stretchier. The matching bra tank is a racerback that comes with removable cups, which I always appreciate because sometimes I want a little extra shape. The Azure blue color is what’s really unique. It somehow makes my skin pop! And the 5-inch shorts hit that sweet spot in length: secure without being too long or veering into full biker-short territory. Best of all, they don’t aggressively squeeze my thighs the way some seamless shorts can.

Before we talk about the contrast stitching, we need to talk about the fit. This set hugs and traces every curve with precision. The Airbrush fabric has Alo’s signature fit: sculpting, smoothing and supportive without feeling like I’m being vacuum-sealed into activewear. And the contour piping creates a subtle snatched effect that I swear makes your waist look smaller and your legs look even longer. When I tried it on, suddenly my posture improved, and my core was engaged. Who knew?! Now that the set is back in stock, I understand why people were practically panic-refreshing the website.

This set is ridiculously cozy thanks to the soft French terry fabric, which feels plush on the inside but doesn’t leave you overheating. The oversized crewneck has that perfect slouchy fit that makes you look cool, while the shorts hit that sweet spot of relaxed without feeling too short. And the Paradise Pink color? It’s cheerful, flattering and somehow makes even a coffee run feel cuter. It basically feels like wearing a hug—just a pretty-in-pink one.

I’m not saying a cute workout set will make me run faster, but I’m also not not saying that. Alo’s signature Airlift fabric has that smooth, sculpting feel that hugs everything in without feeling overly restrictive, and the high-rise waistband stays put—something I deeply appreciate on runs when the last thing I want to do is yank up my leggings every half mile. Plus, the red is gorgeous—is perfect for summer, but deep enough to transition beautifully into fall. Definitely pair with the scrunchie.

I don’t play tennis. I don’t own a racket, I’ve never taken a lesson and if you asked me to explain the scoring, I’d mildly panic. But I do know a good dress when I see one, and this Alo tennis dress nearly convinced me to take up the sport for aesthetic reasons alone. The halter neckline sharpens my torso, while the black-and-white detailing keeps it graphic. More importantly, it doesn’t wear like a costume. I wouldn’t feel ridiculous wearing this outside a tennis court; which, realistically, is exactly what will happen.

Apparently I’m very committed to cosplaying as a tennis star. And if the halter tennis dress made me consider booking a lesson, this sweater knit dress has me considering membership at a country club. What I love about this one is that it leans even further into the fashion fantasy. The sweater knit gives it more of a preppy feel, while the A-line skirt and mid-thigh hem keep the silhouette very flattering. The fabric is lightweight, softly textured and has just a touch of stretch. Most tennis-inspired pieces can veer a little costume-y, but this feels wearable in real life. I’d throw this on with sneakers or even loafers and call it a day.

Surprisingly, not everything from Alo Yoga⁠ is designed for burpees and sprint intervals, and frankly, thank goodness. The Golden Hour High-Waist Straight Leg Pant⁠ (especially paired with the matching top) is proof that alo understands that sometimes the only workout you’re doing is power-walking through the airport. I’m obsessed with the fabric (a mix of polyester and nylon) that has an almost silky finish that glides over the skin and moves beautifully when you walk. And can we talk about the drawcord waist? As someone who enjoys a good meal—and occasionally a great one followed by dessert—I deeply appreciate pants that offer a little flexibility. Overall this set is relaxed and breathable, comfortable for long flights and chic enough that you could wear it to the office, too.

The structured brim gives just the right amount of shade, but the adjustable Velcro strap in the back is what sold me. As someone with hair that does not always believe in lying flat—whether it’s a big blowout, curls or a puffier ponytail—I appreciate a hat that works with volume. It works with leggings, denim, linen sets, swimsuits—you name it. Basically, you can wear it anywhere and with almost anything, which makes it dangerously easy to justify buying in multiple colors.

I’m not usually a mule person, but the Alo Sunset Sneaker Mule made a compelling case. I’m obsessed with how comfortable they are; the recovery foam insole makes them feel surprisingly cushy for all-day wear. That said, as a runner, I wouldn’t reach for these for an actual workout or run. They lean far more fashion than performance. But for errands or Pilates? Perfect. I also love the double laces, which give them a cool detail that makes them feel more upgraded than your average mule. One note: I’d recommend ordering a half size up, especially if you’re between sizes or prefer a little extra room.


Deena Headshot

Deena Campbell

Fashion and Beauty Director-at-Large

  • Oversees fashion and beauty content. 
  • Former Beauty Director at Marie Claire; editorial lead at Allure, Essence, and L’Oréal-owned beauty platforms
  • Advocate for inclusive storytelling in style, beauty, and wellness