SHOW YOUR STRIPES: Clockwise from top left, jackets from Triple 5 Soul, Diesel, H&M, Joomi Joolz, and Fila.   (Photo: John Muggenborg)

There's no doubt that gym clothes are having a fashion moment: Witness paparazzi shots of Madonna and Guy Ritchie in matching retro-chic white nylon track jackets, J.Lo's new line of glamorous velour sweats, and Converse and Adidas sharing designer runways with Manolo Blahnik. For you, we suggest one sharp, skinny sweatshirt. Some of the trendiest ones fetch upwards of $200, but our favorites cost less than half that.

• Your old soccer gear never looked as cool as Fila's slim-fitting new maroon track jacket, with bold ivory side panels ($88 at Henri Bendel).

• Gold piping jazzes up Triple 5 Soul's sharp black-and-white style ($72), which you could wear to the gym, but it's so chic you won't want to.

• Joomi Joolz's deep blue nylon number adds a splash of color to weekend outfits ($92 at www.girlshop.com).

• For a subtler effect, try a neutral gray version from Diesel ($89). Still too much money? You won't be able to resist H&M's seriously cheap pale blue version ($19).

Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Ave., at 56th St. (212-247-1100); Triple 5 Soul, 290 Lafayette St. (212-431-2404); www.girlshop.com; Diesel, 770 Lexington Ave., at 60th St. (212-308-0055); H&M (for store locations, check out www.hm.com).

Related:

• Archive: “Sales & Bargains”
• Articles by Monica Schweiger
• Table of Contents: Oct 7, 2002 issue of New York | Subscribe!