There’s an old notion that “beauty is pain,” and you don’t look attractive unless you’re uncomfortable. Unfortunately, too many still live by that mantra when building their wardrobes. They think that in order to be stylish, they must sacrifice their own comfort or even their own health! Consider the last time you invested in a pair of ill-fitting, but stylish shoes that pinched your toes and made you walk unnaturally.
The good news is that comfort and style can absolutely go together, despite popular beliefs to the contrary. It may take more time to find clothing that fits both criteria, but that extra time and effort will pay off. You’ll be able to turn heads for all the right reasons while still feeling totally relaxed in your clothing. Here’s how to build a comfortable wardrobe without sacrificing style.
Prioritize Comfy Undergarments
When putting together a comfortable wardrobe, don’t forget to start with the layer people can’t see. Your undergarments can have a huge impact on how relaxed you feel throughout the day. If you’re currently stuffing yourself into stiff push-up bras or tiny underwear that don’t sit right on your hips, it’s time for a change. Putting on a cozy base layer will help you avoid feeling too restricted throughout the day.
But, what makes undergarments comfy? What types of features should you look for? To begin, search for bras made from soft, comfy materials. You want the fabric to move with your body instead of restricting it. But, optimal support is also a necessity. Bras made with nylon or spandex often fit both criteria by offering flexible comfort without sacrificing support.
Next, opt for bras made without rigid underwires. Though underwire bras can give you a lift, they’re stiff and press uncomfortably against the chest. In extreme cases, they can restrict the wearer’s ability to get a full breath. They could even cause injury if the wire pokes through the fabric. Most people agree that a wireless bra is more breathable, moveable, and comfortable to wear than a wired one.
Invest in a Few Quality Comfort Staples
When you consistently purchase low-quality, “quick style” clothing, you end up needing to replace items often. Trendy, cheap styles are often made from poor-quality materials that wear out quickly. Filling your wardrobe with these types of pieces just because they’re stylish contributes to unnecessary wastage. It’s far better for the environment and your wallet to invest in a few quality comfort staples that will last for years.
When building a long-lasting comfort wardrobe that withstands the test of time, you want to choose classic pieces. These include tried-and-true pieces like classic jeans, blazers, or blouses that will look just as classy in 10 years as they look today. They’re unlikely to become obsolete due to ever-changing trends and styles.
Some staple items for your quality comfort wardrobe include cozy sweaters, basic T-shirts, A-line skirts, and comfortable slacks. Purchase pieces in neutral colors to make it easier to mix and match different components and accessories with them. You’ll be surprised how often you reach for your quality comfort staples instead of your uncomfortable but fashionable “statement” pieces.
Protect Your Feet With Shoes That Fit Well
Stiletto heels with flashy prints may be all the fashion rage right now, but that doesn’t make them a good wardrobe choice. The shoes you wear can have a huge impact on how you feel from day to day. While they may temporarily boost your confidence and feed your ego for the short term, they can cause long-term damage.
Restrictive shoes that aren’t made to fit anatomically correctly can restrict the blood flow to your feet. They can also force the toes inward and cause bunions to form at the base of your big toes. It may not cause too much harm to occasionally wear an ill-fitting shoe for short periods of time. But why sacrifice your comfort when you can find comfortable alternatives that are still stylish and attractive?
Fortunately, many shoe manufacturers are now emphasizing comfort and proper fit over fashion alone. It’s now easier to find attractive shoes that also offer good arch support and toe-box width. Brands like Dansko, OrthoFeet, Sorel, and Birkenstock all carry attractive footwear options that are made with comfort in mind.
Wear Lounge Dresses
Modern lounge dresses are so much comfier and more breathable than the restrictive, form-fitting dresses of the past few decades. They’re often made with extra fabric to ensure ease of movement and maximum breathability. You don’t need to worry about reserving lounge dresses for special occasions. They’re better suited to casual, everyday wear—though they are quite versatile and can also be dressed up as needed.
Lounge dresses are often made from soft, cozy fabrics like jersey, cotton, polyester, or spandex. Higher-end lounge dresses might be made from luxury fabrics like cashmere or silk. Your unique preferences and budget will come into play when selecting the perfect lounge dresses for your wardrobe.
One of the most desirable features of a good lounge dress is its versatility. It’s typically made with a very simple and straightforward design that still remains chic and attractive. You can throw on a denim jacket and sneakers for an effortlessly casual look. To dress things up a bit, add a pair of heels and some statement jewelry.
You don’t have to stuff yourself into restrictive clothing to look stylish and aesthetically pleasing. Use these tips to fill your wardrobe with pieces that are just as comfortable as they are attractive.