One of the benefits of living in a small town is the casual dress code. You can go to work, take in a Zumba class on the way home, and go to dinner at almost any restaurant in yoga pants or jeans and a t-shirt. Excluding proprietary uniforms for Oil Can Henry’s or the wait staff at Jose’s Burrito Palace, women here can toss their structured black suits and rhinestoned evening dresses, and relax. We get to live, work, and go out in public in anything, excluding, possibly, pajama jeans.
A few years ago, I was working at a beautiful high-end boutique in our downtown district. During that time, I met dozens of women who came in to try on a gorgeous item that they rocked, but ultimately didn’t buy. Not because it was too expensive. The lament was always the same. “Where am I going to wear it? I live in workout gear.” Or “I’m a blue jeans woman. If it doesn’t look good with my jeans, it’ll just sit in my closet with all the other things I don’t wear.” And the Big One: “What do you have that will work with my life?”
For many women, the space between polished work outfits and stretch pants with t-shirts is a black hole. They’re at a loss as to how to dress up their casual wardrobes without sacrificing comfort. Our closets are filled with athletic wear and t-shirts emblazoned with “Have you hiked today?”, or jeans that don’t quite fit but were on sale (and we can always cover that scary muffin top with an oversized shirt). We have one “dressy dress,” but it requires full-body Spanx, so we never wear it. Our only jacket is from Bud’s Outdoor Wear because we live in the Pacific Northwest. We wear everything with running shoes. And no matter what we wear, most of it’s black.
The results of living in a place that doesn’t require us to wear anything interesting or unique is that, eventually, even the biggest shopaholic will stop doing so. It’s get easier every day to wear “whatever works.” But the reality is that clothes tell people something about us. They also affect how we feel about ourselves. Spending days, months, or years in boring, nondescript clothing, we risk feeling nondescript and ultimately invisible.
So this is for all the women I’ve met over the years, that repeatedly asked, “What do I wear when the invite says ‘casual dress’?? I don’t even know what that means.” Just for you, here are some fun, affordable options to consider adding to your casual wardrobe. Turns out it is actually possible to look great and be comfortable, at the same time. Who knew?
The perfect little black dress. Classic cut in a solid color, fits like a dream without necessitating full-body compression undergarments, and can be dressed up or down, depending on your accessories. Don’t worry if you only plan to wear it once a year. That’s the whole point. It’s timeless. You can wear it every year until it falls apart because it will look different with every swap out of shoes, handbags, and jewelry. People won’t remember exactly what you wore to last year’s event. They’ll just remember that you looked fabulous.
Great-fitting jeans. No thick denim or cheap, heavy stitching. No tight waistband smushing your belly up and over the top like an overcooked pie. Look for soft denim, with a little stretch that follows your curves and doesn’t require “sucking it in” to zip them up or hopping up and down to pull them up past your thighs. Dark wash, great-fitting jeans are the denim LBD (little black dress). They can be dressed up or down. Plan to spend $40 or more, and take your time to find the perfect fit. They’re out there. But you probably won’t find them in large box stores that also carry auto accessories and ten-pound jars of ketchup.
A denim jacket. Super-hot right now, and looks great over everything from t-shirts to dresses. Look for soft denim, and make sure it hits you at your waist. The longer ones can look dumpy, and the super short ones make you look like a matador (not hot right now).
A man-style watch. Chunky and oversized, they’re a great choice for jewelry minimalists because they make a strong statement on their own. They don’t have to e expensive. They just need a serious cool factor. I have one in a rose gold that I paid $20 for, and I get more compliments on it than I do my diamond Bulova.
Black ankle boots. Whether from Payless or Nordstrom, these add instant sophistication to your jeans. They look great with distressed, dark wash, or boyfriend-style jeans (roll them up and show a little ankle. Very trendy and kinda sexy). Suede or leather, they give any outfit a more “edgy” look, even if you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
Diamond stud earrings. Even faux (yep, as in “CZ” or Swarovski crystals), they’re always the perfect choice. Wear with an oversize, man’s white shirt and jeans. Or with yoga pants and a t-shirt. They add instant class. They don’t need to be mistaken for the real thing, so don’t be afraid to go slightly larger. You’re not trying to fool anybody. It’s a little sparkle next to your face.
Metallic ballet flats. Give your sneakers a break, and wear something a little more elegant. They’re comfortable, and work beautifully with casual outfits. I’ve seen them with jeans and even with yoga pants, and they always look darling. Think Audrey Hepburn. With shimmer.
A bright, fun-colored jacket. Jackets and coats don’t always need to be black. Color in the winter is fun. It’s an amazing pick-me-up. I have a bright coral raincoat with a vivid floral lining that I adore, and it’s eight years old. I wear it all the time and still get compliments on it. These can be found everywhere, from Target to Nordstrom.
Fabulous sunglasses. The right ones can make the most casual outfit look expensive. Look at shape, color, and fit, and buy what you can afford. Women often tell me, “I don’t buy expensive sunglasses because I always lose them.” Trust me. You won’t lose $300 sunglasses. But you can also find them at Macy’s for $40. Don’t be afraid to go big. For those mornings you don’t have time for makeup, a little tinted moisturizer, one gorgeous lipstick, and oversize, killer sunglasses is instant glam.
A black moto jacket. Motorcycle jackets are the “it” jacket this year. Wear yours with everything from jeans, to workout gear, to your perfect little black dress. No matter what you wear it with, you’re telling the world you’re a bit of a bad-ass. And you won’t have to say a word.
Vikki, I would give anything to have your style! You always inspire me with your advice <3
Thanks, Nancy! What a kind thing to say. Just between us, I didn’t develop my own sense of style until I was in my 40s! :)
As I’m sitting here pondering on the thought of having to finish up some Christmas shopping & the dreaded grocery list for shopping, my outfit for the trip to town will be LLbean snow boots, long johns on under my jeans, comfy & warm sweater, my winter coat, scarf, woolen headband, gloves & a smile on my face! Maybe I’ll dig out my faux diamond earrings just to add that bling that only I know will be there cuz of everything covering me except for my eyes! BTW~~it’s snowing again!
You’re so funny, Cheryl! And for this weather, your outfit is perfect. And the big smile on your face is all you need to accessorize beautifully! :)
Great tips Vikki! I need all of the help I can get. I get tired of wearing the same old same old, but now I can change things up a little bit!
Thanks, Rena! Glad to help! :)
A little sparkle always make me feel good. Finding the right jacket is like slogging through sand dunes. Good list
Great tips! Can you come to Maine and help me weed out and organize my closet??? Maybe in July or August (unless you like snow, cold and ice)?
Roxanne, how did you know I love organizing someone else’s closet? :) If I was in Maine, I’d be on your doorstep (and we’d have some serious fun!) :)
Vikki; you’ve got some good ideas to keep the “Young” in us; and who doesn’t like that. You always were a snappy dresser and by giving some attention to what you wear and how you wear it goes a long way in showing people, friends and strangers, that there is a very fun happy person walking out the door. I take some of my dress cues from my sons and daughter in laws and watch their Christmas list to see what’s the latest ” Wanta gotta have items ” are and wonder if that might be fun to own myself. I do wish people would dress up more because it always makes me feel more feminine and flirty. Your Dad had a keen eye for clothes and fun stuff to wear. Keep sending us your good ideas. Karen Hollingsworth
Thanks, Karen! We did have a lot of fun in those days, didn’t we? I definitely have a clothes horse in my gene pool! :)
As always great tips! Every year I go to NYC and I have to change my mind set about my fashion from the PNW!
Haralee, I’ve been to NY, and felt really out of place in my bright yellow suit with nude stilettos. It was a sea of black, as far as you could see. Does anyone there EVER wear color? :)
I am in the process of switching my ‘public’ wardrobe from inexpensive, boring tees and sweatshirts to just-as-comfortable nicer sweaters of various weights, styles, necklines. Worn with my existing stock of jeans, leggings and my one pair of actual slacks, they work for all but the hottest days.
I figure I am dressed up if I am not wearing fleece!
Valleycat1, you’ve got the idea! It doesn’t take a complete overhaul (which is time-consuming, depressing, and expensive). We just need a few killer pieces that we wear the bajeesus out of, that make us feel as fabulous as we truly are! :)
We have a similar dress code in Florida, but it’s shorts and flip flops, lol.
I hear you, Karen. I lived in Hawaii for several years, and Jams World loose-fit dresses (okay, short muumuu’s) with flip flops, were my go-to every single day! :)
Thank you for another great post. I just included Laugh Lines in my list of favorite blogs on my personal blog. Cheers!
I hope women will consider the little navy dress, or the little cranberry dress. I would dislike showing up at a party looking as if I’m wearing a uniform, as are all the other women present.