Outfit ideas

A Summer of "Go-To" Options

What are your “go-to” outfits this summer? I think of these as the outfits that I wear most often. When you are in a morning rush and looking to get dressed quick, what outfit do you throw on knowing that you will be comfortable and look good?

Versatility matters now… maybe more than ever! One thing most of us are looking for this summer is comfort! We’re still spending a lot of our time in loungewear, staying close to home. We need the clothes we purchase to be comfortable and cozy for home and easily dressed up for when we eventually get up and go out! Versatility is key to this shift!

I find that I want to get out of my sweats and into an “outfit” each day. This helps my mindset and my energy. To help make this easy for me, I have a handful of “go-to” outfits that get me through the week. These outfits are a collection of neutral colors and prints that easily pair in my wardrobe. Most of these are items that i’ve accumulated over the years. I’ve gotten comfortable in these clothes so I can rely on them to look good and meet the comfort criteria.

What else should you look for in the right “go-to” pieces? In order to feel comfortable in your clothes, they have to FIT you. This requires that the style of clothing you choose match your body type. Being aware of the types of clothing that will fit you best, will help you to make the best choices when purchasing new clothes. Also consider what colors look best on your complexion. What color combinations will work well in our wardrobe? This will help you to mix and match pieces.

Below are a few of my favorite go to outfits. Many of these items are still available online. Each of these outfits is simple enough to wear at home or out running errands but could also be dressed up for a slightly more social occasion. Go find the best “go-to” options for your closet!

Time to get comfy

So now that we are practicing “social distancing” will you be living in your PJ’s? I know my kids LOVE to stay in their PJ’s as long as possible. And on the weekends when we don’t have plans, I’m happy to let them. But even though we’ll be home over the next several weeks, the kids are still expected to e-learn. And I’m expected to work from home. Like many of you, I have no idea how this is going to work. I’m fairly certain there will be a large amount of wine and coffee involved.

But one thing I do think we’ll need to figure out how to do is place some structure in our day. This might be my best chance at getting in a few working hours. One thing I notice with my kids is that they’re less likely to stick to a schedule if they are lounging around all day in PJ’s. But if I get them to brush their teeth, put on clothes, and comb their hair, they seem to be more mentally ready for the day ahead. I think this makes sense. It’s a way for them to pull themselves together and get in a mindset. This works for adults too!

Just because they’re getting out of PJ’s doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable. My kids insist on being comfortable. Sweatpants, track pants, under armor t-shirts… my boys live in this stuff. I also have my share of sweatpants, track pants, leggings and jeans that I find to fit the definition of “comfy”. And when I work from home, I put on an outfit. Even if that’s just leggings and a tunic sweater, it’s still an outfit that I purposefully put on to go about my day in. Like my kids, I find I’m most productive when I’m dressed for my day.

So even though we’ll be at home for the foreseeable future, we’ll still be getting out of those PJ’s and into something purposeful. After all, we still have things to accomplish and we’ll do our best to get them done. And doing them in a cute comfy outfit couldn’t hurt.

J. Crew Cropped Hoodie

J. Crew Cropped Hoodie

J. Crew Relaxed Jogger Pant

J. Crew Relaxed Jogger Pant

Anthropologie Varley Manning Pullover

Anthropologie Varley Manning Pullover

Spanx Faux Leather Camo Leggings

Spanx Faux Leather Camo Leggings

Lou & Grey Signature Softblend Drawstring Pant

Lou & Grey Signature Softblend Drawstring Pant

Athelta Breezy Tank

Athelta Breezy Tank

Athleta Mindset Sweatshirt

Athleta Mindset Sweatshirt

Step Up Your Weekend Wear

I was having dinner with some friends a couple weeks ago and a good friend of mine mentioned how she had unexpectedly run into her new boss on the weekend. Like many of us, she was running errands in her sweats and not exactly dressed to impress. She looked at me and said “I should listen to your advice and put on an outfit when I leave the house.” She said it in jest and I laughed because it’s almost inevitable that you’ll run into someone when you’re not ready.

So how do you “dress” for the weekend? Are you running your errands in leggings and sweatpants or your gym clothes? Are you living in leggings on the weekends? This isn’t necessarily a “bad” thing. The key to looking put together is knowing how to pair your items and adding structure to your outfit. Your pieces need to fit your body. Wearing oversized items can make you look “sloppy” on your weekend errands.

Now I get that it’s the weekend and all you really want to do is put on something comfortable. If you’re set on putting those leggings on then by all means please do! And if you want to look put together add a little structure to those leggings. How about a fitted tunic sweater and wedge sneakers? Layer on a quilted vest? How about a tank and long cardigan? You have options for how to pair leggings for a more structured weekend look.

Other options? Jeans are great for the weekend. They come in all kinds of styles and can be easily paired for whatever your weekend has in store. I’m a big fan of Athleta pants. These are comfortable, simple and easily paired. What about a pair of joggers or refined sweatpants? You have options ladies! Make them work for you!

Ok we focused on your bottoms, what about your tops? If you're wearing a tank, add a cardigan and a quilted vest or a t-shirt and a moto-jacket. Throw on a pullover sweater that fits your body. It’s less about what you wear and more about how it fits you. Add a structured jacket over a hooded sweatshirt. Whatever is in your closet can be layered and combined to create a great weekend look. Chances are you have something to build from and will not need to re-create your wardrobe just to get through the weekend.

Still unsure? Find a few inspirational pieces below.

 
J. Crew Striped Hoodie

J. Crew Striped Hoodie

Lou & Grey Signature Softblend Sweatpants

Lou & Grey Signature Softblend Sweatpants

Spanx Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings

Spanx Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings

Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant

Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant

J. Crew Sophie Open-front Sweater Blazer

J. Crew Sophie Open-front Sweater Blazer

J. Crew Quilted Downtown Field Jacket

J. Crew Quilted Downtown Field Jacket

J. Crew Factory Button-collar Pullover Sweatshirt

J. Crew Factory Button-collar Pullover Sweatshirt

J. Crew Excursion Vest

J. Crew Excursion Vest

Linea Paolo Felicia Wedge Bootie

Linea Paolo Felicia Wedge Bootie

Cole Haan ZEROGRAND Zip Bootie

Cole Haan ZEROGRAND Zip Bootie