How to Dress Comfortably and Look Good
We all want to feel comfortable in our clothes. However, these days comfort has translated to sloppy and thoughtless styles. Walk down the suburban areas of America and count the number of women dressed in track suits and tennis shoes. Sure, some of them look cute and stylish, but far more look like they just don't care. But it is possible to dress comfortably while still looking good. It will take a paradigm shift in thinking, a little bit of commitment and more attention to detail. To begin, follow the steps below.
Things You'll Need:
A list of the clothing you normally wear for comfort
An idea of the type of clothing you would like to wear
Pictures of clothing styles that you would like to emulate
A computer with Internet access
Paper
Pens or pencils
Step
1
Determine what you like to wear for comfort. Is it jeans, sweat suits or track suits? Do you wear
T-shirts
, sweaters or blouses? Are tennis shoes your norm or do you wear nothing but clogs or boots?
Step
2
Determine why you consider the clothing you have identified as comfortable. Is it because it is loose fitting and doesn't bind? Do you think it hides your figure flaws? Is it easier to take care of? Do you just not care how you look? Be hard on yourself and get to the bottom of your reasoning. Until you understand your current normal style and the reason you have slipped so easily into it, you will not be able make successful clothing changes.
Step
3
Next, decide the types of fabrics that you like. For example, if you don't have time to iron everything you wear, chances are you don't have a lot of 100 percent cotton or linen in your wardrobe. If you prefer clothes that move and "give" as you go throughout the routine of your day, then your normal wardrobe items probably contain a lot of spandex.
Sometimes the real issue isn't the type of clothing you are wearing, but the fabric of the clothing you choose.
Step
4
Now identify the styles of clothing you would actually like to wear, given the option and identical comfort. For example, you may prefer a pulled together, suited look overall. But if given the option and identical comfort, would you be much happier with a stylish pair of pants,
blouse
and a leather jacket or blazer? There is little question which outfit would likely look better and make you feel more put together and attractive. One barrier we have to get beyond is the idea that comfortable has to mean big, sloppy and stretchy. These days that just isn't the case. Almost every fabric known to man, including leather, can now be mixed with spandex in order to allow "give" and movement. That means that the stylish pair of pants that you covet may very well be every bit as comfortable as those knit stretch pants if you choose the right size, cut and fabric.
Step
5
Next, go through some current fashion magazines and cut out pictures of the clothing items that appeal to you and that you think would work on your body. That will give you something to look for when you go shopping for replacement clothing. However, keep in mind your body shape and size. Also don't forget about age appropriateness. Some hot new trends in clothing may just not be right for you. Pick and choose among those that suit who you are, your own personal style and the image you want to project.
Step
6
Think about the colors that you want in your new wardrobe items. Go through the items in your closet that you intend to keep and figure out which colors would blend and work with what you already have on hand.
Step
7
Visit one of the many online shopping sites that have virtual models that you use to see how your clothing choices might look on you. These sites allow you to put in your weight, measurements, height and other key information like bust, waist and hip sizes to create a virtual model that mirrors your body image. Some even allow you to adjust skin, hair and eye coloring so that you can get a feel for how various colors of your clothing choices would look.
Step
8
Before getting ready to go shopping, you have to make certain that you are really committed to a style change. The best way to do that is to clear out your closet of all those offending clothing items. That means you must dump, or better yet donate, those items altogether. Keeping them will offer too much of a temptation to fall back into old dressing habits.
Step
9
Make a list of the particular items you need to round out your wardrobe now that you have dumped all the old stuff. For example, you may decide that you need to purchase a new pair of jeans, a stylish black trouser, a crisp white shirt, a black turtleneck and a neutral-color pencil skirt in order to round out your existing wardrobe. All of these items are considered essentials in most women's closet. If you don't have them, then you may "need" them or whatever else you have determined for yourself.
If you have no idea what is needed in a typical woman's closet, there are any number of online sites with Top Ten Essentials for a Woman's Closet. Visit a few and narrow your choices down.
Step
10
Make a list of the items that you want to round out your wardrobe. Few of us absolutely need to have a leather jacket in our wardrobe. However, many of us want one because it is not only something that can be thrown on with jeans, blouse, skirt or a dress, it also has a kind of status symbol attached to it. So if you can find one that fits just as comfortably as that old ratty sweater that you typically wear and you can afford it, why not add it to your closet? You may decide that once you have all of the needed items in your wardrobe, your wants run more toward accessories like a cut pair of stylish boots, a few trendy bangle bracelets, a couple of colorful scarves or a really great handbag. Wanted items are a place where each woman can show off her individual personality without fear of repercussion. If you think you look good, you will feel that you look good.
Step
11
Go shopping for the items you have listed. Your method of shopping is up to you. I don't have time to shop in retail stores so I shop online and through television sites like QVC and HSN. I appreciate their 30-day unconditional money back guarantee as well. That gives you time to wear the clothes and try them out. If they don't feel as comfortable as you thought they would, you can send them back with no questions asked. Another advantage to shopping online or through TV is that you get a feel for the designers and brands that work best for you. Once you get the sizing down, you can easily make selections without worry that they won't work. If you opt to shop locally, take advantage of the retail clerk's expertise. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for suggestions. Tell them what you are looking for in terms of comfort and style and let them recommend brands or designers that might work for you. That's what they are there for.
Step
12
Once you have a new style put together, try it out two or three times before deciding whether or not it works for you. It may feel foreign the first time you wear jeans instead of sweat pants. Give your body time to adjust to the new changes. Then if you decide that it doesn't work, back and start over working through the steps because somewhere along the line you haven't been honest with yourself.
Step
13
Pay attention to which outfits garner you the most compliments. If those are also very comfortable to wear, you are definitely on a winning road. You will also find that when you know that you look good, the tiniest bit of discomfort fades away, replaced with confidence and style.
Tips & Warnings
Choose cuts and styles that work for your body shape and size.
Trends are fun but that doesn't mean that every woman can wear every trend.
Choose quality pieces of clothing. They are often more comfortable because attention was paid in their construction.
Designer clothing is called that for a reason; because designers know what they are doing. Try a few pieces and if they make you feel fabulous, then they may well be worth a slightly higher price.
Choose clothing that makes you feel good. If you feel good, you will automatically look spectacular.
Don't assume that something is uncomfortable just because it may look that way. Try it on and judge for yourself.
Quantity isn't key. It is better to have a few pieces that look spectacular than 20 pieces that look okay.
Don't assume that you can't afford designer clothing. Through large retailers, designer clothing becomes affordable for many.
Don't shop size. Shop "fit." If size is a hang up for you, purchase what fits and cut the size out of your clothing. No one needs to know that you are wearing a nine instead of an 8. You'll look fabulous because it fits!
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