Soft Motion: Luxury Athleisure Dresses for Spring Summer 2026

Soft Motion: Luxury Athleisure Dresses for Spring Summer 2026

Movement defines modern dressing.

A morning errand becomes lunch with friends. An afternoon on the tennis court turns into dinner on a terrace. Yet clothing has long separated athletic function from everyday elegance, forcing women to choose between the two.

Nana Jacqueline’s Spring–Summer 2026 collection, Soft Motion, was designed for the space between those worlds — silhouettes that move easily through a day while maintaining the polish associated with the brand’s signature femininity.

What Are the Best Luxury Athleisure Dresses for Spring Summer 2026?

The strongest athleisure pieces this season borrow athletic structure while remaining unmistakably refined.

Look for ribbed knit fabrics that define the waist without restricting movement, contrast trim that sharpens the outline of the silhouette, and skirts that introduce fluidity while maintaining composure. When these elements come together, the result feels less like sportswear and more like modern day dressing.

The Soft Motion collection approaches that balance deliberately: knit tennis dresses with graphic trim, sculpted ribbed minis with pearl buttons, coordinated sets with built-in shorts, and streamlined rompers that move naturally with the body.

Below are five pieces that define the collection’s first chapter.

Our Five Favorite Pieces from the Soft Motion Collection

01 — The Wilhelmina Dress for Court Side to Cocktail Hour


Shop the Wilhelmina Dress →

Best for: country club lunches, vacation afternoons, weekend brunches, casual spring afternoon, afternoon coffee dates 
Styled with: Helene Silk Scrunchie, Valencia Earrings, Julisa Necklace

The Wilhelmina Dress forms the foundation of the Soft Motion collection. A ribbed knit mini available in pink, yellow, light blue, and grey, it holds its silhouette throughout the day while remaining flexible enough for real movement.

Stretch lyocell yarns create softness without collapsing the waistline, while contrast trim frames the neckline with clarity. Faux-pearl buttons along the placket introduce a feminine detail that distinguishes the dress from traditional athletic silhouettes.

Each colorway shifts the mood slightly. Pink feels romantic yet structured. Grey reads calm and modern. Yellow offers the boldest energy of the palette, while light blue brings the quietest refinement.

It is the dress designed for a day that moves effortlessly between moments.


02 — The Elle Dress for Life Beyond the Court

Shop the Elle Dress →

Best for: Tennis lunches, terrace afternoons, courtside events, summer lunches, relaxed gatherings
Styled with: Gemma Handband, Amor Earrings, and Kendall Leg Warmers

The Elle Dress draws inspiration from vintage tennis silhouettes and refines them into something distinctly contemporary.

Available in white with black trim and red with black trim, the halter neckline frames the shoulders while bold graphic lines define the collar, placket, and hem. A ribbed waist gathers the silhouette before releasing it into a clean A-line skirt.

In white, the dress feels crisp and classic. In red, the contrast introduces confidence and visual strength.

Both variations maintain the same balance: athletic influence expressed through an elegant silhouette.

03 — The Wilhelmina Set for the Green to Golden Hour

Shop the Wilhelmina Top →
Shop the Wilhelmina Skirt →

Best for: garden parties, casual cocktails, country club lunches, outdoor celebrations, vacation dressing, casual spring and summer events
Styled with: Veronica Silk Headbands, Mirabelle Teardrops Earrings, and Mirabelle Teardrop Necklace

The Wilhelmina Top and Skirt were designed to function together or independently — a distinction that mirrors how real wardrobes operate.

The halter crop top features a structured placket, resin buttons, ribbed waist detailing, and subtle contrast embroidery. The A-line skirt echoes the trim through its pocket detailing, while built-in knit shorts allow the silhouette to remain composed during movement.

Three colorways define the set’s personality: pink with white contrast for softness, white with red contrast for graphic clarity, and red with black contrast for the boldest interpretation.

Worn together, the set feels coordinated and confident. Separately, each piece offers its own versatility.

 

04 — The Ava Romper for Morning Miles to Mid-day Meetups

Explore the Ava Romper →

Best for: Travel days, coffee runs, pilates-to-brunch, casual nights out, warm-weather travel, relaxed evenings
Styled with: Helene Silk Scrunchie, Audrina Earrings, Gigi Necklace, and Kendall Leg Warmers

The Ava Romper introduces the collection’s most streamlined silhouette.

A halter-neck one-piece constructed in smooth knit with subtle vertical ribbing, the design creates an uninterrupted line from shoulder to hem. The open back softens the structure while contrast trim adds graphic precision at the neckline and hems.

Three colorways shape its personality. Red with black contrast reads bold and confident. Grey with black feels composed and understated. Black with pink introduces warmth without losing the sleek outline.

It is the collection’s most effortless piece — a single decision that completes the entire look.


05 — The Ava Dress with Knit Shawl, Composed on and off the Court

Explore the Ava Dress →

Best for: tennis dates, casual cocktail hours, warm-weather celebrations, daytime events, casual evening gatherings
Styled with: Kaia Hair Pins, Kaia Earrings, and Théa Ring

The Ava Dress expands the athletic silhouette into something closer to evening dressing.

A reverse halter neckline and fitted bodice in high-twist lyocell knit lead into an umbrella-shaped pleated skirt that moves easily while maintaining structure. Three gemstone buttons along the placket add a point of light that feels deliberate rather than decorative.

The coordinating knit shawl completes the look. Precisely cut to rest across the shoulders, it adds a refined layer while remaining light enough for transitional evenings.

Together the dress and shawl create a composed silhouette that feels equally suited to terrace dinners or garden celebrations.

Soft Motion — Your Questions Answered

Is luxury athleisure appropriate for everyday events?

When designed thoughtfully, yes. The difference lies in construction. Luxury athleisure pieces borrow athletic structure while removing overt performance details, allowing them to feel polished rather than sporty.

What fabrics work best for athletic-inspired spring dressing?

Lightweight knit fabrics such as stretch lyocell offer flexibility while maintaining shape. Ribbed constructions provide subtle structure without adding weight or stiffness.

What should I wear to a casual spring event that still feels refined?

A ribbed knit dress with defined trim or sculpted tailoring offers the easiest solution. Pieces like the Wilhelmina maintain comfort while still reading intentional in social settings.

Fit & Styling Guidance

For athletic-inspired silhouettes:

  • Ribbed knit dresses generally fit true to size while allowing comfortable stretch

  • Structured plackets and button detailing create a tailored appearance

  • Minimal accessories allow the silhouette to remain the focal point

The Soft Motion pieces were designed to remain composed even when the day moves quickly.

Beyond the five pieces featured here, the collection includes coordinated knitwear, retro denim sets, asymmetrical satin separates, and lightweight outerwear designed for the transitional weeks of spring.

The second chapter of the collection — exploring its 90s-influenced direction — appears in a separate edit.

Explore the full Soft Motion Collection →

Heading to a warm-weather spring getaway? Nana Jacqueline's luxury resort wear was made for those moments too. Discover our best-selling dresses that is as perfect as your destination. 

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