I'm so excited that Clare asked me to tackle this topic. So often, the idea of comfort is completely overlooked when it comes to fashion. The idea that we must suffer in the name of fashion as though it's some great achievement or rite of passage is ridiculous. Fashion is not digging seams, itchy materials and mega-blisters. Fashion is comfortable.
There are so many things I look for in my daily outfits, but the most important is comfort. For me, few things ruin an outfit quicker than a pinched toe, sagging pants or a pain-inducing waistband. Even moreso, if I don't have full range of motion with all body parts, then forget it. When I think about what I'm going to wear, I think about what my day will entail. Then, I ask myself a few questions: Will these shoes survive the weather? When I walk to lunch, will my feet survive these shoes? Will my underwear lines show in these pants? Is that bra going to drive me bonkers under this shirt? Can I even wear a bra under this shirt? Will I be able to close the trunk of the car if I layer under this jacket? Am I going to have to modify any movements in order to wear this all day? If the answer to any of these is "yes," then it's a pretty good sign to move on. After all, what good is personal style if it doesn't fit into your personal life? Sacrificing comfort for fashion seems like an oxymoron to me. I spend a lot of time and energy putting together looks that express who I am and who I am is a real girl with a real body, real job, and real life. If my clothing prevents me from experiencing any part of my day to the fullest, then what's the point? Fashion is not just putting on the clothes - it's wearing the clothes. And if wearing the clothes means sporting 5 bandaids or tugging and pulling with every movement, then what are you really saying about yourself?
I didn't always subscribe to this belief. I was the girl who trekked all over her Big Ten campus in 3" heels on a daily basis. I was also the girl walking really funny by the end of the day. Many of you know that I recently gave up all heels in lieu of flats, and I've enjoyed it more than I could have ever imagined. Before, I relied far too much on the shoes to make the statement. Now, I'm challenged to be more creative with my clothes and accessories, which has allowed for a much more cohesive and expressive style to come through.
Of course, comfort extends beyond footwear and starts with the basics. Have you ever worn underwear that doesn't stay put or an ill-fitting bra? Have you ever worn a pair of pants that constantly creep down or a shirt the constantly creeps up? So much of comfort comes down to fit. I encourage you all to be fitted for proper undergarments - I swear, it will change your life! And if things aren't staying in place, then there may be a better style or a different size that would better suit you. Could you imaging going through an entire day without having to fidget or readjust? Just think of the time you could save!
I've gotten to the point now where I just don't buy, keep or wear anything that's not truly comfortable. This means the garment must fit, must flatter and must stay in place. If it doesn't, then it must go - my closet space is far too precious. I've had one too many blisters, visible panty lines and chafing seams to know that if I'm not comfortable in my clothes, it's going to show in everything I do. Fashion should make us feel confident, not self-conscious.
Thank you so much for doing this with me, beautiful Kyla! Click here, or on any of the pictures, to go hang out at her blog for awhile. For those of you who want more of the "Fashion is..." series, click here for my introduction of it, and here for Sally of Already Pretty's wonderful post on fashion and body image.
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