Last night I got into a discussion with one of my bffs about clothing choices…specifically how our clothing makes us feel and how we choose to wear certain things based on how we view our bodies. I had come home and changed out of my work clothes into some ratty old stretch pants and a huge t-shirt before heading to meet her for dinner. As I was walking towards my door, I caught sight of myself in the mirror and thought “what am I doing?” Here I was going to meet a friend for a great meal (and not at McDonald’s)…so why did I feel the need to look all slobbish? Of course there is a time and place for “comfortables” …but in that moment, it felt like I was just giving up. I have 2 closets full of clothes (some with tags still attached) and I often seem to find myself gravitating to the same faded pants and tops. It’s not about money. It’s not even about personal style. I feel like I am always “saving” some fabulous outfit for the next special event, but when that event comes, I don’t look so fab.
I think a lot of folks are in the same boat. Maybe we don’t have the energy to wear anything but sweats. Maybe we don’t feel we have anything worth dressing up for. Maybe we’re unsure about how to dress our bodies or think that since we don’t have our dream figures, what’s the point anyway? Right now I’m reading an interesting book that addresses some of this stuff. Body image, how to accentuate your positives, and tips on dressing for your shape. Another book that continually inspires me is here.
I found this gorgeous illustration by the talented Hennie Haworth (love her name so much!) and it made me stop and think. I definitely don’t mean to frill it up with a tutu (unless of course you prefer tutus!), but dress like you are something worth celebrating. Even if the occasion doesn’t feel all that special, who couldn’t use a little extra oomph? We might be very surprised at what happens!
I’m going to try it…wish me luck!
I feel the same way-saving certain pieces, but then disappointed with the outcome or always wearing the same things...Why do we torture ourselves LOL.
ReplyDeletethis is very very true! that's why I always try to dress my best so that I feel good all day. Today I'm dressed "meh" and I have felt that way all day long!
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here in my sweats as I'm reading this! My problem is I don't know what to wear to fit my body type. And, I like to be comfortable, but I'd like to look good, too!
ReplyDeleteThis just reminds me how desperately I need to go shopping and update my wardrobe! I have a lot of work clothes and very few everyday outfits. And since I'm no longer working but staying home with GG, I want to look cute but casual! Time to hit the stores!
ReplyDeleteLet's not forget the underpinnings...because granny panties and ill fitting bras, do not a diva make!
ReplyDeleteI love this illustration/saying. I need to print it out and put it in the closet!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I'm in sweats right now. But I'm home sick. But on nights in, I usually change into something comfy especially during winter. I DO love dressing nice. It makes me feel great about myself. Good luck with the oomph!
ReplyDeleteHey, it's okay to throw on some sweats and comfy up on the couch sometimes! I can't tell you how many dresses I've bought and saved "for a special occasion"..and there they are in my closet, still on the hanger. oh what a eye-opening post! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love this post....it is SO true...I have a pair of nice jeans that I wear with boot clogs (I am the only one who knows they're clogs, they look like boots) and I have some long sleeve T shirts with a funky necklace or scarf...it's not much really, but I feel dressed up and not as slouchy as in my yoga pants (which I wear at night when I'm in for the day)
ReplyDeleteThe cupcake reference is perfect!!! love it!!
good luck! I feel like I always look like a slob but I'm tired of being so disappointed when I try on clothes and they don't fit like they used too. Maybe one day I'll lose some weight, get a job and be able to afford some new clothes!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! :) Sometimes even a fun pink t and some accessories can make you feel lovely and stay comfy :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cupcake saying! For me, I guess it's such a rarity that I feel like I look like I want to.. that I've mostly just given up in the clothes department... waiting for that day when I suddenly like the way I look. Not really the best approach!! I'm a work in progress.
ReplyDeleteI sort of touched on how I don't get dolled up enough the other day. You've further inspired me to step it up more often!
ReplyDeleteI find that I go through very long phases...sometimes I just don't care and dress for comfort and other times I pull out the fun cocktail jewelry. I feel the best when I'm wearing red lipstick. :)
ReplyDeleteyou hit the nail on the head. this is the constant conversation in my head!! so true!
ReplyDeletelove this print "dress like a cupcake should feel!" i'm printing it out and putting it in my closet... i tend to gravitate towards cozy clothes, too and then i have to snap myself out of it. i have gorgeous dresses with tags still attached in my closet and i just toss on pink fleece pants and a top and lounge around. thanks for the motivation!!
ReplyDeletewow...this post really struck a chord. i'm so glad i'm not the only person feeling this way....after getting over the initial frustration and uncertainty in front of the closet last night, i tried to choose something for today that would make me feel cute. so far so good.
ReplyDelete@mary...check out the books i linked to....some really good resources in there for figuring out your shape, etc.
and of course sweat pants aren't evil....i just don't feel very special when i wear them.
ReplyDeleteAs a 52 year old sexy momma I believe that Saturday clothes should be purchased for comfort but class.I had a long conversation with my daughter and she inspired me to upgrade my wardrobe and I must say with a few small purchases( i.e .Jeans that fit and look 2010 instead of 1990 ) have made me feel better and have happier days... so has giving up processed foods.... but that is another story.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun post!
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend!
xx
Nikki
I can get in a huge rut out here in the "country" where no one hardly ever rings my doorbell. On the off chance they do, they will probably see me in jeans and some shirt that is at least 10-15 years old! I need to try a bit harder too! Thanks for the nudge!
ReplyDeleteSO agree ~ need to print this out and place in my closet. Don't laugh but I have a clothing *menu* that I create every Sunday so that I'm not wearing the same thing each week. I write it down so I can go back and and review. I often get asked if an item is new just because I've warn it with something different.
ReplyDeleteJo
Thank you for this great reminder!!! I have to tell myself almost daily that it's just as easy to slip on a cute pair of jeans than an old pair of yoga pants. I also do my "Sunday Best" feature on the blog to help motivate me for the upcoming week! It's my little imaginary closet :)
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