Comfortable clothes vs. Feeling comfortable in your clothes
I don't wear leisure wear except to exercise. I'm not a track suit and tennies sort of gal. But Tuesday, I had an important meeting in the afternoon and errands to run with my kids in the morning, and I just couldn't face getting fully dressed twice. So I experimented.
I wore a nice stretchy top given to me by my fashionista sister, and my new track pants (with stripe that matched the top), and my white athletic shoes. I ran the kids around to school and whatnot in the morning, even stopping by my office. I had more "bounce" than usual. I noticed that I chased my son to the gate at school, which I would never do in my normal shoes. I was truly a "mom in tennis shoes."
It was a fun experiment, and I think it worked because I knew I would be really dressing for work later, and my hair was styled and my accessories matched my outfit. I didn't put on my makeup until later, but I did wear lipstick (a habit I am happy to have reinstated).
What struck me was how comfy the clothes were. I can see why women want to dress like that every day. But even though I was wearing comfortable clothes, I would not have been comfortable in many situations. I think running errands with a one year old on my hip bought me the permission I needed to wear that outfit. Once my kids were home with dad and I was "on the clock" I needed to be dressed more professionally. That's just me.
But it made me realize that there is a place in my wardrobe for leisure wear. It is a small place, but it is there. I think I need another pair of those cute track pants.
I wore a nice stretchy top given to me by my fashionista sister, and my new track pants (with stripe that matched the top), and my white athletic shoes. I ran the kids around to school and whatnot in the morning, even stopping by my office. I had more "bounce" than usual. I noticed that I chased my son to the gate at school, which I would never do in my normal shoes. I was truly a "mom in tennis shoes."
It was a fun experiment, and I think it worked because I knew I would be really dressing for work later, and my hair was styled and my accessories matched my outfit. I didn't put on my makeup until later, but I did wear lipstick (a habit I am happy to have reinstated).
What struck me was how comfy the clothes were. I can see why women want to dress like that every day. But even though I was wearing comfortable clothes, I would not have been comfortable in many situations. I think running errands with a one year old on my hip bought me the permission I needed to wear that outfit. Once my kids were home with dad and I was "on the clock" I needed to be dressed more professionally. That's just me.
But it made me realize that there is a place in my wardrobe for leisure wear. It is a small place, but it is there. I think I need another pair of those cute track pants.
posted by Beth at 9:41 PM
3 Comments:
...and so it begins...
I have noticed that the days when I wear tennis shoes I do feel energized and "bouncy" - and I think your observations are right-on. Maybe my Saturday mornings could get a bit more productive if I wore clothes that made me feel energized.
I still don't wear tennies with jeans unless circumstances are extreme...
I think the color coordination is a factor in why your look worked. You were not wearing sweatpants and a sloppy message tee.
Track pants are a good option because they are easier to fit than jeans. But I still feel like I can go anywhere in jeans and my men's casual shoes.
Steve looks happy about this latest development! :)
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