When it comes to fashion, you’re often forced to choose between two options. Do you wear a dress or pants? Should you opt for heels or flats? Are long or short sleeves more fitting? These decisions are nearly endless, making finding the right outfit an uphill battle.
One of the biggest fashion choices is style or comfort. To be on-trend, you may feel the need to dress out of your comfort zone. Or maybe you feel conflicted between picking comfort for your commute over the latest and greatest style. Luckily, you don’t have to choose. There’s a way to balance both, and here are a few ways to do just that.
Invest in Your Base
What you wear is more than meets the eye. It’s in the confidence that comes from within. It’s in the way you wear your clothes. And it’s in the most basic elements of your outfit – your undergarments.
Having the right bra and underwear can be make or break for your style and comfort level. If you’re being poked, prodded, or scratched all day, being comfortable is out of the question. And that impacts how you feel and look in your clothes. So, prioritize finding the right style and fit for your life.
If you opt for skin-tight outfits, no-show bras and underwear may be your best bet. If loose and flowy is more your style, comfortable wireless bras and boyshorts are an ideal combination. If you fall somewhere in the middle, invest in a mix of all kinds of undergarments to fit every occasion. With the right comfortable, well-fitting bras and underwear, your outfits will look and feel that much better.
Pick the Right Fabrics
Not all clothes are made equal. They won’t all fit the way you want, nor will they be as comfortable as you hope. So, when seeking style and comfort, keep the material makeup of your clothes at the forefront of your mind.
Certain materials are better for different use cases. Wool, for example, is fantastic for warmth but can be scratchy. Rayon is great for comfort because it’s stretchy, but it can shrink easily. As such, it’s important to know the pros and cons of common materials to ensure your style works for your goals.
If that feels overwhelming, start with what you own and love. If your favorite top is 100% cotton, look for other options made of the same material. Do this with every go-to item in your wardrobe until you only have pieces that wear well and are comfortable. With that in place, you can’t help but be both stylish and comfortable.
Find Your Personal Style
Trends are challenging to navigate for several reasons. On one hand, they’re what’s most popular and are relatively easy to access. Many stores you go into will have on-trend pieces, which can be tempting. But trends are also fleeting and lacking longevity, making them hard to keep up with.
Fortunately, if you know your personal style, you can avoid the struggle altogether. Instead of wearing uncomfortable trendy pieces made of cheap materials, you can stick to what you know and love. You’re able to invest in your wardrobe instead of changing it every few months, making buying high-quality possible.
Ultimately, clothes that are made better and are true to your style preferences will feel more comfortable. Dressing in your style will give you a boost of confidence that can’t be replicated. Plus, you’ll feel the authenticity that comes with self-expression. And that is among the most comfortable places to be.
Opt for Simple
It’s easy to overthink what you wear. Whether you’re uncertain of a dress code or not loving your wardrobe, style is hard. If you’re frustrated when picking outfits, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s a straightforward solution: Simplify.
Rest assured, that doesn’t translate to boring. Instead of pairing pieces together that you never would for the sake of style, stick to the basics. Start with a base of a pair of pants and a plain or lightly patterned top. Then, add a pair of shoes and one accessory like a necklace. You can stop there or, if the outfit is missing something, throw on one other accessory like earrings.
Slowly but surely build up your outfit until it’s put together without being overdone. You can be intentional with each step and ensure you’re comfortable simultaneously. When you’re ready to walk out the door, you’ll look and feel good, knowing you love your outfit.
Images from Jamea Lynee by Ashley Chappell – see full story here.
