Ready-to-wear labels step into sportswear for spring/summer 2016

Sportswear-inspired styles have worked their way into spring/summer women's wear wardrobes in a major way, and they're set to be even bigger this winter. Sportswear was a key trend on the spring/summer 2016 catwalks, boosted by a host of celebrity ranges for well-known sports brands. 

Women are spoiled for choice this spring/summer season, with a host of looks and inspirations at play in ready-to-wear collections. Along with boho chic, sailor style, military pieces, urban cool and poppy fun-filled looks, spring 2016 women's wear wardrobes include pieces with a sporty vibe, channeling sports-inspired touches to create a chic sportswear look.

From New York and London to Milan and Paris, a host of designers presented sportswear-inspired looks at their spring/summer 2016 runway shows. This was seen in sporty cuts and with the strong presence of zips and sneakers, as well as with specific fabric choices, such as Lycra.

Chloé notably reinterpreted the sweat suit, giving it a chic, almost retro vibe. Marni's collection went big on zips, while layering oversized pieces to add a sporty touch to silhouettes. Lacoste showed its take on the revamped tracksuit alongside hooded sweater dresses and polo-shirt dresses. Alexander Wang's collection featured a series of baggy tank tops (sometimes turned into dresses) plus sporty crop tops and hooded sweaters. 

Stella McCartney stood out in the spring/summer collections by totally reinventing the full-on sportswear look. While other designers added elements of sporty inspiration to collections, the British designer used sophisticated materials to transform decidedly sportswear pieces into a chic line of garments with a laidback feel.

Swimwear has drawn heavily on this season's catwalk shows too, with sporty cuts and details all over this season. Once again, the zip will be the star feature of swimsuits for 2016. Sports-style cuts will also be big, including tankinis and bikini tops cut like long-sleeved crop tops.

Sneakers and sportswear collaborations

Certain designers opted to match refined dresses -- sometimes with sensual or sexy cuts -- with sporty accessories and details, rocking an ideal mix for spring 2016. The Lacoste show featured a whole load of caps, for example, while Missoni, MSGM and Caitlin Price stuck with sneakers, mostly in lighter shades.

The sportswear trend has been largely carried by a line-up of celebrities who've teamed up with sports brands to create their own collections, with the likes of Rihanna and Kanye West leading the way.

Rhianna stepped in as creative director on certain Puma lines -- which have proved a real hit -- while Kanye West teamed up with Adidas Originals to design sneakers and a clothing line. Beyoncé is the latest celebrity to join team sportswear, launching her own brand of ready-to-wear fitness gear called "Ivy Park."