Combatting Casual Wear
Today I decided I’m instituting a wardrobe challenge for just this week.
(A peek inside MY closet.)
I was putting away laundry this weekend and I was peering through my closet. I realized I have an untapped wealth of cute skirts and dresses. I constantly wear sweaters with jeans or (generally black) trousers to work. There’s no real dress code here, and I feel like I’ve hit a wall in wardrobing. I’m so bored with jeans – every day. I know that wearing whatever you want to work is some people’s dream, but if I don’t have a reason to dress it up, I get lazy about looking good.
So this week, I’m going to try to squeak by without wearing denim and overly casual clothes. It’s spring! I feel like I should usher in this new season with a wash of cute skirts.
I often hear the same basic mantra: Pacific Northwest people are SO casual. Mister took me to the symphony and when I came out all dressed, he said, “We’re going to be some of the best dressed people there!” It was shocking to see people in Benaroya Hall in polos and jeans. And I garnered more than one double take, in my navy silk party dress and my cute heels. I love dressing up! I wish I had black opera gloves to go with the outfit. People should dress appropriately, and dress well. Step it up a notch, folks. Let’s make this look good!
You Look Fab has covered the idea of casual wear more than once. In one article, Angie discussed “Retaining a level of polish” when it comes to casual outfits. She makes a valid point that I love: Casual wear is not hoodies and sweats and trackpants and outfits you would lounge around your house in. That’s “gear” according to Angie, and that’s too casual.
Angie also noted another phenomenon: Women feel criticized for being overdressed! Okay, first off, why do you care if someone thinks you’re overdressed. At least you’re well dressed, right?? Second, if you’re overdressed, what is that other person sporting? If they showed up in a hoodie and flip flops, they probably feel underdressed. I’d take that criticism with a grain of salt. Like I mentioned, I got more than one funny look at the symphony, but I put a little effort into dressing up and the folks who gave me the funniest looks were simply underdressed.
I think it’s time we step away from the legions of baggy jeans tucked into uggs and oversized hoodies and step it up a little. I know I’ll be a little more conscious of overly casual wear – at least for this week.
What is your wardrobe challenge? What trend, color or style are YOU overwearing??
Related posts:
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
I think I’m going through the same thing. I’ve just spent the last few month is jeans, paired off with various tops. In the last few weeks, I’ve bought more skirts and dresses, just to add more variety to my wardrobe.
Sherin’s last blog post..I love high-waisted skirts
I love skirts and tights!!
I’ve definitely been combatting my lazy, pants-wearing style. I’ve worn two (two!) skirts this week, and am trying to wear one not-pants item at least once every week for the next couple of months. If I can get used to skirts, I’ll have a much easier time staying cool this summer!
I love the skirts!