These outfits are work-to-gym with a few simple swaps

Woman at gym after work

Photo credit: Antonio_Diaz/iStock/360/Getty images

Lugging around a heavy change of clothes in the city is not only annoying, but if done over a long period of time, it can actually lead to back problems. We say, why not lighten your load and make your work-to-gym transition that much smoother by rocking an outfit to the office that requires only a couple of swaps to get fitness-ready? Start by pairing a plain white T-shirt with a pencil skirt, high heels and a chic blazer. In place of your normal watch, try this baby blue fitness watch/timer on for size, and stash all your work and gym essentials in this basic black laptop bag that even has a side pocket for your sneakers. All you need now is a sports bra and some socks and you're ready to hit the ground running.

Work To Gym Outfit by emitchell456 featuring Uniqlo

UNIQLO Women Airism V Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt (Uniqlo.com, $13); Timex "Ironman" Fitness Watch (Amazon.com, $59); The O.G. Overnight, Gym & Laptop Bag (LoAndSons.com, $295); Nine West Nixit Platform Heels (NineWest.com, $89); Dorothy Perkins Blue Crepe Blazer (DorothyPerkins.com, $59)

After Work Gym Outfit by emitchell456 featuring Uniqlo

UNIQLO Women Airism V Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt (Uniqlo.com, $13); Timex "Ironman" Fitness Watch (Amazon.com, $59); The O.G. Overnight, Gym & Laptop Bag (LoAndSons.com, $295); Nike Flex Run 2014 Womens Running Shoes (JCPenney.com, $80); Women's Nike Modern Tempo Running Shorts (FinishLine.com, $40)

If the dress code at your office is business casual, chances are that you can get away with sporting your go-to black gym leggings on the job. Just remember to pair them with high heels and a feminine tunic that covers up your butt and any brand logos, and instead of an underwire bra, go ahead and save yourself the hassle by donning a chic bralette perfect for low-impact exercise. Grab a thermos to keep your coffee hot in the a.m. (and your water cool later on when you're at the gym). Then, once five o'clock rolls around, all you'll have to do is kick off your high heels and tunic and trade them in for some training shoes and a tank top.

Work to gym outfit by emitchell456 featuring adidas

Adidas by Stella McCartney Run Climalite Stretch Leggings (Net-a-porter.com, $90); Pam Breeze-ly Tunic in Yellow (Modcloth.com, $35); Jessica Simpson Essas in Burgundy Leather (Heels.com, $140); Not Just For Sport Bralette (Gojane.com, $11); Leather Metal Keepers Tote (Warehouse.andotherbrands.com, $119); Klean Kanteen Insulated 16oz Stainless Steel Bottle (KleanKanteen.com, $28)

After work gym outfit by emitchell456 featuring adidas

Adidas by Stella McCartney Run Climalite Stretch Leggings (Net-a-porter.com, $90); Women's Under Armour Achieve T-Back Tank (FinishLine.com, $25); Reebok CrossFit Nano 3.0 Training Shoe (Nordstrom.com, $120); Not Just For Sport Bralette (Gojane.com, $11); Leather Metal Keepers Tote (Warehouse.andotherbrands.com, $119); Klean Kanteen Insulated 16oz Stainless Steel Bottle (KleanKanteen.com, $28)

Wearing your workout shoes to work isn't exactly practical for everyone, but if your boss is cool with it and/or you work in a creative field, we say go for it — that is, as long as you have the style chops to pull it off. We love how this pleated lookalike leather midi skirt looks paired with a metallic gold belt, pink ombre sneakers and a sophisticated floral kimono thrown on over a simple black tank. Shimmery hair ties double as bracelets, so after you leave the office, you can easily pull your hair back into a pony. Replace your skirt with some yoga pants and you'll be sweating it out at the gym in no time flat, sister.

Work to gym outfit by emitchell456 featuring H&M

BKE V-Neck Extra Long & Lean Tank Top (Buckle.com, $14); Pleated Midi Leather Look Skirt (FrontRowShop.com, $34); Tory Burch Classic Tory Logo Belt (Cusp.com, $130); Nike Roshe Run Sneakers (Mytheresa.com, $134); Free People Shimmer Bead Elastic Hair Trio (FreePeople.com, $12); H&M Patterned Kimono (HM.com, $50)

After work gym outfit by emitchell456 featuring a black top

BKE V-Neck Extra Long & Lean Tank Top (Buckle.com, $14); Nike Roshe Run Sneakers (Mytheresa.com, $134); Free People Shimmer Bead Elastic Hair Trio (FreePeople.com, $12); Tek Gear Colorblock Performance Capri Yoga Leggings (Kohls.com, $21); Skinnydip London Soundbuds (NastyGal.com, $22)

Sporty chic never looked so good. Run circles around your coworkers in this very versatile, fashion-forward outfit, complete with black metallic leggings, a chambray shirt, ankle booties, glossy black performance jacket and faux leather backpack to match. It's a great getup for casual office environments. And the best part is, a simple swap of shirt and shoes will have you looking like a haute gym rat in minutes.