Why we buy: All the cobalt ever

I bought athletic wear that can double as everyday clothes while adding this gorgeous color to my closet

It started with Tibi’s new Ink Blue¹ (as it usually does). HOW are they so good at colors?! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: no one does color like Tibi. Except for Dries. Tibi and Dries. That’s it, that’s the list.

This Ink Blue is cobalt, but grey. It has that punch without being punchy. Pop without the shout. It’s moody and electric at the same time. I pre-ordered the easy v-neck sweater the second I saw it. Done and done?

Not quite.

This post isn’t actually about Ink Blue. (Although side note: it looks like how Zoologist’s Squid smells. Like a fall evening in Tokyo. Like a Baryshnikov ballet. OK sorry I’m done.)

When I saw Ink Blue, my immediate styling brain said: pair it with bright cobalt. Let the quiet of one show off the vibrance of the other. Let the tension hum. But when I opened my closet… no cobalt. None. Zero. HOW?

This was unacceptable.

So I did what any normal, grounded person would do: I went on a manic cobalt hunt across the internet. But everything I found was off. Too shiny. Too purple. Too royal. Until, plot twist, I found it at Athleta.

Yes. Athleta. I love them for athletic wear. But I don’t need to rebuy that often. So I have some stuff that I bought from them years ago and ever since then have ignored their marketing emails.

But by some divine act of click-through fate, I opened one of the recent ones. And there it was. The cobalt I’d been dreaming of. Rich, saturated, wearable. And it turns out? They're running this color across a ton of pieces right now. (Side note: A lot of cobalt is now on SALE at Athleta. This is amazing news!)

Which is perfect because I actually do need to refresh some of my athletic wear. And hot take: I think Athleta’s quality beats out Lulu, Vuori, Alo (the usual suspects). Their fabrics hold up. They wash well. And I know I like how they feel.

And here’s the real insight (the actual genius, if I may). If you’re craving a color? Add it in something you actually need. I needed new workout gear. So instead of panic-buying a cobalt trench I’d wear twice, I channeled the obsession into pieces I’ll reach for weekly. Practical and exciting. This is how we add joy without adding clutter.

What I picked and why

Transcend High Rise 5" Short

It’s summer time! Pilates in some short shorts sounds amazing. BUT ALSO. Imagine this under my mesh skirts. Can you picture it?

Elation Ultra High Rise 7" Short

Same as above, just slightly longer. Also the waist band will sit differently, I believe this one sits higher. I don’t need both shorts for sure, but wanted to try different lengths.

Elation Ultra High Rise Crop

I am into capris now anyway because of

Irene Kim (김애린)

. I know I love them for pilates. And this length is also a great option to wear as pants for normal, daily outfits. Easy to dress up and if you don’t believe me go read Irene’s post about this.

Do I need both the shorts and the cropped leggings in the same color? Idk, I needed to see how similarly or differently they function.

Transcend V Neck Rib Crop Sports Bra A-C

I am so not sure if this will be supportive enough. But also, my athletic needs are basically pilates and walking and neither need a ton of support. I like the neckline of this top, and actually see myself wearing it more as an everyday top vs a workout crop top. It all really depends on the fit though. I HAVE tried this cut before and decided to not get it but can’t remember why.

Transcend Tube Top

A tube top can be GREAT if it fits right and totally crap if it doesn’t. I am feeling tube tops this summer to be honest. And the only one I have right now is my bathing suit bandeau from Left on Friday. This would add great versatility to my summer outfit plans if it works.

Midday Mid Rise Midi Poplin Skirt

This is the wildcard. I like the idea of the skirt. But i instantly dislike anything too sporty or casual. I don’t see friction in the product. We will need to see how it works out. How I wish the waistband was just a little bit less sporty looking for that balance.

How the try-on went + What I am keeping

5” shorts? Amazing, beautiful. Perfect for hot day pilates, perfect for a layer under sheer pieces. Keep!

Look! Such a beautiful peek under layers. Dress is old tibi (sold out), Shoes are the Nachos, on Sale

7” shorts, no go. It is an awkward in between length. And of course I don’t need shorts in the same color in two lengths.

See? I find the length awkward on myself.

Crop pants: Love it! I can see myself wearing them a lot for pilates! In fact, I have already worn these 4 times since i received them a week ago.

See? So fun! Vest is old tibi (sold out) but available in this gorgeous grey, Sandals

Another pilates fit. Jacket is The Row dupe I wrote about, and sandals are Kilchu

V-neck crop top. Nope! The plunge it too plunge-y for me. I don’t like tops that look cleavage-y on me. Goes back.

Tube top: A hit. I don’t have any tube tops, and this one will be so good for the summer. The fact that it’s in this beautiful pop of a blue means I can get a ton of wear with various bottoms.

I ADORE this outfit so much!

Poplin skirt: Did not expect to love it, like I said it is too casual. BUT, it does work. Something about the color makes it work. I had wanted a skirt from Toteme earlier that had a very similar feel, but I like this one even better. I tried it on in and shared in the group chat, and got very positive reviews as well. Keep!

GORGEOUS with a dull blue. Top is old Tibi, sold out. Shoes are Nachos, on Sale.

Too Red, Gold, and Blue? I LOVE these colors together too. Vest & Shoes are on Sale.

See, each color is a tool! I gotta admit, I did not need 4 items of the same color in my closet, but given that I will workout in half of these for years, I don’t have any regrets. This color unlocks so many possibilities. For example, check out this combination I randomly pulled together during one of my lives.

I love to follow this thread of what Ink Blue set off. A chain reaction of color cravings, closet audits, unexpected brand rediscoveries, and, ultimately, a little wardrobe joy. All because I followed the color. Isn’t it wild how one shade can shake loose so many new possibilities?

Plus I relearned that when I chase a color crush, I don’t have to buy a whole new outfit. I can slot it into something useful. Workout gear, socks, a layering piece—whatever I was gonna buy anyway. That’s the right move. Practical AND something that makes the heart sing, the perfect combination.

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1. This color is currently listed as Coming Soon. If you’d like to grab something, set a notification for when it becomes available.