The other day I was out and about when I encountered a woman at a local book store. There was nothing particularly interesting about this woman, she seemed normal enough. One thing really bothered me though, what she was saying with her clothes...or rather how she was saying it. From top to bottom you could tell that style was not her initiative in getting dressed. She was wearing what appeared to be a over-sized faded tee with an outdated print, layered over an even larger, thicker long sleeve navy blue top. Her denim jeans were ill fitting, hugging in all the wrong places and rose at least an inch above her ankle. To finish it off she was wearing black clunky open back sandals with black socks underneath.
After examining this in passing I thought to myself, “Why would someone dress like that?”. In all the effort it takes to get ready, why not stop and try for a moment before just dogging out the door? Then I realized just exactly what she was saying with her outfit...”I am comfortable!”
Comfort is one of the most important things that we take into consideration when getting dressed. It can also be the most out of balance. Too many times have I seen people sacrifice either too much in favor of comfort or too little because of it. A healthy balance between the two is key and I have 10 little tips below that can help find the center between looking awesome and just looking sub par.
1. Natural Fibers: The way something feels against the skin is so important in shopping. I guarantee if you don’t like how it feels, you will not wear it, and if you have, you will eventually stop wearing it. No one likes to be irritated by clothes. So next time you are out shopping, rub the fibers of a garment gently between your fingers, even drape if over your bare arm. If it aggravates you, steer clear!
2.Tee Shirts: Tee’s get a bad wrap sometimes because they can look bland and boxy. They are the essential throw on and go item in any closet. But even an oversized tee can look cool. Find something with shape to it, and by that I don’t mean something that sticks to you. Look for something that indents at the waist and flows out toward the base. Try a tee with a dolman sleeve (that is a sleeve with a larger armhole and smaller cuff). Even an interesting design, detail, or pattern can take a plain tee from blah to bold.
Tunics: Tunics are really long tops that almost mimic dresses (almost). They are great because you can virtually find them anywhere and in a variety of styles and colors. The best way to wear a tunic in my opinion is with a pair of skinny pants, but for those who opt out of the skinnies can also go for a nice boot-cut jean and still look amazing.
Utility Blouse: Utility blouses are like a working woman shirt to me. They are perfect because they are loose fitting, but have some rather important details like pockets at the top. The most comfortable in my opinion are lightweight and woven. They aren’t constricting on the body which allows maximum comfort.
Sweats: Who knew sweats could be fashionable?? Again, it is all about the fit here. Something like an oversized hooded tunic can look really cool with some flared knit yoga pants. Finish it off with lightweight sneakers in loud accent colors and you are fresh without breaking a sweat!
Trouser Jeans: This type of denim is easy to pull off. Due to the wide leg and stretch factor these jeans are among my favorite type of casual/comfortable/fashionable pants and it could be yours too! Lots of places carry this type of denim and they flatter so many figures in addition to feeling GREAT! Next time you are out shopping, try a pair for fun.
Boyfriend Jeans: No you don’t have to have a boyfriend to wear this type of jeans. These are fun, loose, and all about the slight “bagginess” that comes along with the pair. Now baggy is typically something questionable, but boyfriend jeans are cut in a way where it has elements of guys pants while still answering the call for a gals body-shape.
Tennis Shoes: Tennis shoes are great. They come in so many fun colors and types, it is hard to go wrong with any pair. Fashion tennis shoes in brands like Nike or Asics come equipped with quality, comfort and style wrapped in a neat little package.
Wedge Heels: Wedge heels are a triangular type heel that run the length of the shoe...like an extension from the sole. They are great because instead of having a traditional heel where it sits right beneath the heel, this covers the entire foot area making it a great platform for comfort. The style is extremely popular and can be found in heels, boots, sandals, etc.
Flats: Depending on the arch in your foot, flats can be friend or foe, nevertheless they can still be a stylish and comfortable choice when looking to be balanced. Find some with extra support so you don’t end up with achey feet. Naturalizer has an extremely comfortable array of flats. They aren’t the most decorated, but that can easily be solved with some fun shoe clips!
So there we have it, 10 ways to be stylish and still make an impression. The outfits pictured are ones I would have used to re-dress the lady I had encountered that faithful day. To see more outfit ideas follow me on polyvore at http://shockyourcloset.polyvore.com/
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