Don't Compromise For Comfort
Summer is breezing in and as much as I love my sweaters and boots, I am really looking forward to easy layers and colorful sandals. This concept of comfortable dressing does not necessarily have to be confined to long, warm summer days. Dressing in easy pieces (read: soft, non-binding fabrics and styles) can and should be available to us throughout the year. That said, there is a fine fashion line to be drawn between dressing with comfort in mind and dressing only for comfort.
We’ve all been there. Those days when we never get out of our sweats. By all means, we are allowed those “down” days. It’s when down days become every day that we need to catch ourselves. Nowadays, it is more common to see women in yoga pants vs. dress pants throughout the day. And while yoga pants and zip up hoodies are totally appropriate for a Sunday morning Starbucks run, weekday dog walk or well, yoga class, I am astonished by the number of adult women who choose lycra over denim on planes, in restaurants, and in urban centers. I have to ask myself, when did athleisure become its own department in high-end stores like Neiman Marcus?
It’s hard to pinpoint when athleisure became a fashion category. Unlike “Casual Friday” which can largely be attributed to Gap and its groundbreaking marketing and advertising campaigns (think back to 2009 when Gap took 1,200 New York Stock Exchange traders out of their suits and into Gap jeans and khakis), athleisure feels like it snuck in through the back door or perhaps more fittingly, through the minivan door. What Lululemon kick-started back in 1998 with its functional and wearable Boogie Pant (recently part of the Museum of Modern Art’s exhibit Items: Is Fashion Modern?) has fast become a $44 Billion market, according to Forbes.com. While these marketing and advertising influences help explain how the industry has grown to embrace athleisure (i.e., the supply side), they don’t help explain why women choose to embrace the category (i.e., the demand side).
When faced with a quandary, I always tell my kids to focus on finding solutions over dwelling on problems. So, following my own motherly advice (or nagging, depends on who you ask!), I turn my attention to exploring solutions—or alternatives—to the athleisure trap. Below, you will find my suggestions for how to dress comfortably in style.
Boyfriend Jeans: When you’re tempted to pull those baggy sweats out of the laundry pile, pivot and head to your closet instead. Inside, I bet you will find a pair of loose fitting, featherweight jeans. Cuff them, belt them and pair with a casual top layered with a cropped jacket or flowy cardigan. Best part about this look is that you can choose virtually any style of shoe to match your occasion: sneakers, flips or flats to keep it casual and comfy, boots or heels to dress it up.
These Jessicas know how to rock the boyfriend jean
Cargo/Utility Pants: Forget the army pants you may have worn as a kid and don’t confuse these pants with those used to go hiking. Like its kissing cousin, the boyfriend jean, cargos are a great choice for style and comfort. Cargo pants come in a variety of silhouettes, from skinny to baggy, and many feature details like ankle zippers, contrast stitching and fabric treatments that up the fashion quotient. And because most cargos are made from cotton or cotton blends, they are extremely easy to wear and care for. When pairing with a layering piece or a top, be sure to consider proportions. Shorter, more form fitting tops balance out wider legged cargos and cargos with prominent side pocket detail. Skinnier cargos pair best with longer cardigans or blazers, but keep the shirt or blouse at or above the hip for a cleaner line.
Not a pants person? A-line, wrap and ruched skirts can cover your legs in cozy comfort. My current favorite? Denim skirts with unfinished hems like this one from Acne Studios.
Maxi and midi dresses are also good options for coverage and comfort—just be sure to choose a style that is not too long or tight at the bottom—you will surely compromise your style if you are tripping over your hem or shuffling like a mermaid.
Finally, the key to successfully transitioning from athleisure to casual cool is your shower. No, I am not suggesting you get into the shower with your clothes on. Rather, just get into the shower. Like before noon. I promise you will not want to get back into those Lulus...especially if they are still sweaty from your morning workout.