High Waist Shorts

     High waist shorts are no new trend - they've been floating around in the fashion world for a while, as well as my closet, but others don't really seem to want to adopt them. I prefer a high waist over low cut any day.

1. They're so much more flattering.
2. They're more comfortable. Low cut shorts can be pretty low cut, if you know what I mean, and that is never fun to deal with.
3. They allow me to wear crop tops more easily. I don't want my entire stomach exposed (and I can't when I'm in school), so high waist shorts allow me to wear crop tops, but still be classy. (Pun always intended.)

A little dressed up

     Dresses can be really comfortable too, if you buy the right kind. Dresses, for most people, are typically reserved for special occasions, and are never worn on a regular day basis. They can actually be a great staple in your wardrobe, however, because you can dress them up or down. I know that's not a new concept, but honestly think about it. How many pieces do you have hanging in your closet that you could wear to a banquet, and to class?  I bet it's something like one. Maybe.
     Buy dresses in neutral colors, like white, black, grey, and some blues so that you can accessorize them to be casual, or more formal. To make dresses more comfortable, buy the soft stretchy knit ones. Also, try a shift style or baby doll dress. Both styles are loose, so you can move freely, and don't have to be  zippered and laced into some ungodly concoction of body constricting fabric.

Floral fancy

In a blaze

Playing with colors

     Making an outfit interesting doesn't mean you have to wear really fancy pieces of clothing and layer yourself with a million accessories. I don't wear a lot of jewelry, scarves, or other outfit enhancers like that, so I play with color a lot. I like to wear colors that both compliment and offset one another. Don't think that everything has to match. Adding a pop of color makes an outfit much more interesting than if everything coordinates together. You have to be careful though, because if you add to many color pops, you look like a neon rainbow threw-up all over your clothes. I typically wear a palette of more neutral colors, with one bright or vibrant color.

    



 

The merits of sweatshirts

     Sweatshirts can either be one of two things; something you use to make an outfit, or something you wear to break an outfit. A sweatshirt, sans logo, in a fun color or print can be used almost like a cardigan or jacket, but bring down an outfit to a more casual level, is a good choice. A PINK sweatshirt (that usually is not pink) or one of those giant, unflatteringly unisex ones that you get from every single sport you've ever played or random events that you put on with your PINK yoga pants, is not a good choice. The logo on the PINK sweatshirt is like an advertisement for Victoria's Secret, and it also detracts from the rest of the outfit. Those puffy pullovers everyone has speak for themselves. Come on. You're better than that.
     Instead, go for a plain zip up in an interesting color that you can wear with a variety of outfits. H&M has some great ones - inexpensive and in various colors. What more could you ask for?

Pastels

     I love pastels. They make me feel like I'm wearing all different assorted candies. Fortunately for me, they've been really big this season. Baby blue has always been one o my favorite colors, but I've just recently taken to lavender and lilac, which are a lot more versatile than you'd think. I also love the mints and the pale yellows. I stay away from the peaches and the pale pinks though; they're generally the same color as my skin, and that never really looks good!

Layering

     I've mentioned it before in my Spring in my step post, but I find that layering is a good way to beat the cold, and is also very comfortable. Instead of wearing one 'fashion' shirt or blouse, I create interest in an outfit by layering basics. A t-shirt, a cardigan, and a jacket is much more practical than just one Insubstantial top. It can be much more aesthetically pleasing as well, to mix colors and prints in layers. For those of you who are daunted by all the differnt styles out there, just buy a bunch of basics in colors that work together, so not only can you make more outfits, but  it's easier to pick out an outfit in the morning since everything goes together! You're welcome.

Why this year's sandals are your new best friend

     Sandals have been one of the most uncomfortable things to wear on your feet for a long time. Of course, there are comfortable sandals that exist, but they're always of a style that makes me want to shudder. However, this year sandals have taken a turn for the friendly, namely in the Birkenstock-esque style. These clunky chunky sandals have been popping up everywhere. They may read anti-fashion, but I think that they give an outfit a really cool, laid back feel. Not to mention, they actually support your feet, which is great for someone like me who loves fashion, but as runner, suffers from the lack of shoes that are actually good for your feet. Trust me. I've been to numerous podiatrists and physical therapists, and they all shudder at some of the styles that commonly grace the feet of the on trend. But I'm happy to say that I can really support (pun in intended) for the cushioning and love they'll give your feet.

Spring in my step

     I'm so excited to finally be able to wear Spring clothes because I'm absolutely in love with the clothes this season. Crop tops and high waist shorts and skirts are some of the things I'm most looking forward to wearing. It's still a little cold for those things right now, but hopefully the temperature will start to increase rapidly, but for now, I'll still have to cold weather proof my outfits for a bit.

In Short Order

When Sweatpants are necessary...

Because sometimes you deserve a day with your favorite pants. Just updated a little.

Why don't you care?

     Every morning, you're faced with a choice. Put effort into getting dressed, or just throw on whatever your hand happens to hit first. I feel like a lot of people always choose the second option, and I don't really understand why. I suppose it comes from a lack of caring, which stems from laziness and tiredness when you first wake up in the morning, which is understandable. But carelessness leads to a sloppy appearance, and looking slovenly all the time does not do wonders to self esteem. Honestly, I always feel much better when I look presentable than when I have one of those days where I throw on random articles of clothing (usually after a massive homework assignment is due). I don't care when I wake up in the morning, but I know that I will later when I'm fully awake and cognizant of what I look like.
     When you wake up in the morning, don't think about how tired you are and how much you really don't want to try. Think about how you'll feel later on in the day slouching around in your sweats. Comfy? Yes. But probably also a little disheveled. Just putting in an extra five minutes, maybe throwing on the second or third thing your hand comes across, will make you feel so much better in the long run, even though you might not care in the moment.

Leggings only half count

     If leggings were pants, then they'd be called pants. And if they were called pants, then they'd be in the same category as yoga pants. Because that's basically what they are; yoga pants, without the flared legs. Or tights without feet. I remember the days when leggings were still in the realm of tights, and they were only worn strictly underneath a skirt or shorts, or to work out. Now they're everywhere, and that's not such a great thing.
     Leggings have to be done correctly to really work. Wearing leggings, a sweatshirt, and a random t-shirt is not what I would consider a great outfit. Since leggings are just skinny sweatpants, they really need to be dressed up more than just the basics, otherwise you honestly look like you don't care. You might not care, but the idea of this blog is to help you at least look like you do. Instead of a sweatshirt, I would wear a cardigan, and trade the t-shirt for a button down. That way, the outfit has a balance between comfortable and presentable. It's a win-win situation.

Here comes the sun?

     Here in New England the weather can't seem to make up its mind, but for now, things seem to be warming up. This time of year is so fickle and changeable weather wise, so I always dress in layers. If it's warm, I can shed some of my extra clothing, and if its cold (and it usually is), I'm all set to not freeze.

Blazer Love

     I love blazers, as can be evidenced by many uses of them in my outfits. They add a more classy element to an outfit, and are versatile. I wear them with jeans, skirts, dresses, shorts,...sweatpants (when I have to), basically anything and everything. They come in so many colors and prints, and they're never "out of style". Not to mention, they're smooth, soft, and comfortable to wear!

Sneaker-Savvy

Sneakers

     I've always been a proponent of sneakers-they used to be all I wore. There are so many shoes out there that are designed solely with the idea of fashion in mind, which is fine, until you have to walk more than about 20 feet in them. But sneakers have made a foray  into the fashion world, and I couldn't be happier, and neither could my feet. I think sneakers add a certain casual vibe to any outfit. I love to wear blazers, which can look a little less relaxed, but adding sneakers brings them back down to every wear. The same goes for dresses and skirts. I wear mine with just about anything. I've been wearing my navy blue slip on sneakers from Lucky Brand with practically all my outfits. They go with anything! And they're so comfy, I forget I'm wearing something that look good too, (almost, anyway).

Clothing I find uncomfortable

     So many times, I hear people dismiss anything other than lounge clothes as uncomfortable, and is deemed "dressing up", relegated to the ranks of the difficult to wear. Just because you can't sleep in something doesn't make it troublesome to put on in the morning and manage the day with.There aren't many things that I would flat out say are uncomfortable, but there are definitely some that I do not readily invite into my closet.

1. Super Wide V-neck tops: I feel like I spend half my day readjusting shirts like this.
2. Pencil Skirts: This aforementioned style never seems to want to stay in place either, and doesn't really flow with leg movement. Ever.
3. High Heels: I guess they're technically shoes, but they just kind of make my feet cry.

     They're really aren't that many things I flat out say "no" to. Even pencil skirts and high heels, with the right cut or style, can be manageable. I think what makes things uncomfortable is how they make you feel. If you wear something that you don't really like, but everyone else wears it, then you'll definitely be uncomfortable. It's important to look good, but also feel good. Wearing clothes that you like will ultimately make you feel more comfortable. Even if they're not sweatpants.

Skirts made more comfortable

Why aren't skirts more popular?

     Skirts are always seen as dressy, uncomfortable things that are only worn when you're trying to try. Am I right? Sure, every once in a while you'll pull out a skirt and wear it to feel nice, but for an average day? Never.
     However, skirts are actually really comfortable. Think about it. They're typically gauzy, stretchy, light, flowy, and all around comfortable fabrics that don't impede your legs. When put that way, don't they sound awesome? And they can be, you've just got to find the right kind. I'm not a huge fan of the pencil skirt. Those are uncomfortable. Whenever I wear one, I feel like I spend half the time readjusting it, as it continues it's perpetual battle to shorten itself. On the other hand, fuller or A-line style skirts can be really comfortable. I find the ones with nice, soft fabrics, and when I wear them, I completely forget I'm supposed to be uncomfortable. Skirts don't have to be super dressy or exclusive to more formal events. I like to wear mine with sneakers to make them feel more casual. Sneakers and soft draped bottoms? Sounds almost like loungewear, no?

I love this trend!

     I love that athletic inspired apparel has been trickling into the fashion world as of late. Sneakers, Jerseys, baseball caps, and mesh everything have all made appearances on runways and style icons alike. I'm so happy with this current angle of fashion. Why? One, because it's comfortable, (duh). And two, because as an athlete myself, it allows me to mix more of wardrobe together. For example, I have a blue track jacket that I used to wear exclusively pre and post-workout, that I now work into my day wardrobe. I love the sporty, casual feel as of late, and find that it works quite well with my lifestyle.
     But I feel that many people could take this trend too far. You know where this is going. Just because the athletic look is in does not make it okay to where your lounge/workout clothes everywhere or everyday. The key is to have a balance. I certainly don't wear an entire track get-up to school. One must mix and match. I like to add in one sporty element to my look to give it more of an athletic feel that is not too over-the top, and does not make me feel like I'm ready to run marathon. As a general rule of thumb, if you could actually work out in your outfit, don't wear it around.

Yoga Pants are still Sweatpants

     Everyone is in love with yoga pants these days, and there are some people. I must say, I'm not entirely sure own anything BUT yoga pants. Unfortunately, everyone's favorite bottoms are in fact, still sweatpants. Just because they're tight and have pretty colors on the waistband doesn't make them anything more than what they are: pants that are designed for yoga. I'm not saying that yoga pants are evil, and that they should never be worn. There is a time and a lace for yoga pants, and that time and place is usually at a yoga studio. In a yoga class.
     I will admit that yoga pants are very comfortable. I happen to own a pair that I wear around the house, and they serve me quite well in that capacity. Just as comfortable and so much more presentable? Jeggings. They're no new concept, but their comfort can be overlooked. Jeans can often be stiff and difficult to pull on in the morning when all you want to do is go back to bed. But jeggings are jeans that eliminate all the stiffness, but still look like you put in more effort. Honestly, I think they're just as comfortable as any sweatpants, and they are so much more versatile within my wardrobe. Next time you feel like putting on your standard uniform of yoga pants and a sweatshirt, try this; wear a pair of jeggings instead, and pretend you're wearing yoga pants. I'll bet you won't be able to tell the difference.

...But don't say goodbye to comfort!

   I hate to be uncomfortable. Everyone does, I suppose, but I specifically mean I hate to wear uncomfortable clothing. Eight-inch heels? I'll pass. Jeans that cut off the circulation in your legs? I like to feel my feet when I walk, thanks. The epitome of comfort are sweatpants, and anyone who says they don't like to wear sweatpants is just kidding his (or her) self. Personally, I love my sweatpants, and I would wear them everyday if I could. Unfortunately, nothing says "I'm lazy" like a wardrobe composed of sweatpants and t-shirts. Whether you like it or not, clothing says a lot about you. Clothing can tell a lot of different things about a person, and is a great way to express yourself, and show people who you really are. When you don't try with your outfit, and just throw on your sweatpants everyday, not only do you appear to have zero motivation, but you're also not really telling people much about yourself. Being comfortable is an important part of feeling and looking good, in my personal opinion, but should not sacrifice looking good. You can be comfortable, yet look put together, and still put in a minimal amount of effort. Crazy right?
     If you can't bear to part with your sweatpants under any circumstances, I wouldn't bother with this blog. You are a lost cause. But, for the rest of you, next time you're feeling really really tired, and you just don't care, stop. Care a little. You don't really want to look like you just rolled out of bed, do you? If not, ditch your sweatpants, and continue reading.