My summer camping lifestyle - YouLookFab Forum

I keep getting so many awesome tips from Angie, Nicole, Antje, and everyone here, so I figure I'll keep on asking my questions.

During the summer my boyfriend and I practically move out of town to spend nearly every weekend camping in the mountains on his old farm property. We do day-long hiking trips, float down the nearby river, and some days just lay around in the grass next to a big fire.

I am a hardcore outdoorsy gal. I like that I don't get caught up what I'm wearing while I'm outside enjoying nature... BUT! I don't want to look like a slob while at the same time I don't want to look like I actually planned what to wear camping.

What should I wear for out outdoors adventures?
So far I've been stuck in 1 pair of ratty old jeans that I don't care how dirty they get (campfire soot, mud, grass stains), old t-shirts that I would neve wear in "regular" public, hiking boots, and fleece jackets.

I really would not want to wear the same jeans I wear to work or shopping out in the woods, and I wouldn't want to snag any pretty tops on tree branches. Also, is it safe to assume that this would be the proper time to wear short-shorts? Or do I still look for some Bermuda/walking shorts? And would a skirt just be ridiculous? I find them to be the most comfortable thing to wear on hot summer days or to throw on over a bathing suit to walk to the river.

And footwear... I'm also assuming that flip flops and flats would be comfy and appropriate for when I'm not hiking?

18 years ago

Anonymous

It sounds glorious and I say be one with nature! This probably will not be a popular opinion but I think in a situation like you are describing it is time to be a carefree kid again. Wear what is comfortable and protective to the elements.

Antje

Veteran

Interesting post. I have to admit that for me, my summer camping weekends are all about comfort. I wear my old jeans (either full length or cut off at or above the knee), old tops and camis, and flip flops or "utilitarian sandals" like Birkenstocks or the like. I personally don't bring flats or any shoes that I would wear to work or going out, since I don't want to trash them. My camping trips are pretty much all about hanging out at the campsite, in the woods, or at lakes. If I make a coffee or ice cream run, I still feel ok in my Birkenstocks (even though I wouldn't be caught dead with them at my local Starbucks at home.)

I still keep a tiny element of style going by not wearing plain boxy t-shirts, which I just find unflattering; instead I wear old summer tops that I might have thrown out of my closet because they have a stain and I wouldn't wear them to work/going out anymore, but they are fine for camping; or tank tops or camis with shelf bras.

I do have a "camping skirt" which I love; it's a very casual stretchy shortish skirt from Old Navy, which I'd never wear to work, but it makes me feel "casual-sexy" while camping, if that makes sense. (I also wear it around the house in summer, or maybe to the playground across the street.)

And I sure take a fleece sweater for the evening, to me that's just common sense, and I wouldn't want to ruin a nice sweater hiking through the woods or sitting around a smoky campfire.

Not sure this is helpful and what you're looking for, just my own camping wear philosophy. I have a box of clothes specifically labelled "camping"

Nicole

While I prefer to sleep in a bed, I do spend many waking hours doing out door activities with my family. When you are doing something specific, like camping, fashion takes a back seat to common sense. I wouldn't worry about how fashionable you are, but more about how much fun you are having. I think a zip front hooded sweatshirt would be a must have. Sturdy jeans/cords/canvas type pants that wont cause any grief when they get ruined. Hiker shoes for hikes, and Tevas (or Birks) for lounging. Shorts if it's not too buggy are okay, but if you feel more comfortable in long shorts, or jeans, then don't feel like short shorts are a must for camping.

LaurenNK

Active Member

Yay! That's exactly the kind of input I was looking for Man I love this place.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear Lauren, camping is when we are allowed to wear "gear". This is a sporting activity. And you heard that from me!

Alright... so I guess as I replace my basic tee's with more current versions in better cuts and fabrics I'll demote my others to the camping closet to wait with my fleece jackets (all 3 of them! yikes) and hiking boots.

Now that I think of it... my hiking boots are my most expensive footwear to date.. and only because my boyfriend got them for me as a gift.

I know feet are important (mine sure are sore from my cheapskate ways).
How much should I spend on a decent pair of shoes? I'm having a hard time "letting go" of my money in favor of quality items that will look good and feel good on me. I used to pay outrageous sums for sport shoes when I had hardly any money in highschool. I think it is because I value function so much more than form, but recently I've found myself truly appreciating the aesthetic sides of things, but still not wanting to spend what they are truly worth. Ack! I'm frustrating myself.

I find it hard to tell if a shoe's price tag is due to its overall quality vs. just paying for a famous name. Does anyone have any pointers for how to gauge this? Or even better, fave brands that you know to feel great, wear well, and last a while?

Ana

What type of shoe (and subsequently, which brand) you purchase depends on your lifestyle. If you have a more casual lifestyle and you're on your feet a lot, something like a ballet flat with a supportive insert or maybe even a fashion sneaker would be appropriate. If you have to be more dressy, then a heel or a more formal flat (if you can't stand heels).

I've found that with shoes, more than any other item (except maybe denim), you get what you pay for (especially if you have fussy or hard to fit feet). I think you should try on lots of whatever type of shoe you decide will fit with your style and lifestyle, and buy whatever is most comfortable that is within your budget. I would say there are a lot of really decent shoes in the $60-$120 range, and if you think about it, shoes are something you wear everyday and get a lot of use out of, so spending more on a pair you love to wear is really a good investment.

There was a recent post on Angie's blog about the Me Too Swann ballet flats being a great, stylish, comfortable shoe. They were $68.00 on zappos.com.

I love shoes, but i'm not a shoe snob. I like to bargain hunt for good quality shoes, but since my feet are not picky, I can do this. I regularly wear 3 inch heels, and strappy sandals don't bother my feet. I have a fairly normal size (8) and don't have issues with width or bunions or anything like that.

With that said, I buy most of my shoes at Marshalls, Bob's (not sure if that's a National Chain or not?), and Famous Footwear. My new favorite shoes are a pair of brown leather heels that I got for Free at Bobs! They were $65 sheos marked down several times, and when I saw them they were $10. I had a $10 coupon so the shoes cost me nothing. I wore them for the first time yesterday and they were so comfortable and complimented my skirt perfectly! My favorite boots are a pair of brown leather pointy toed heels that I got at Marshalls for $35! I think the most expensive shoes I own are my gym sneakers.

I do think the right shoes are imperative to make an outfit work. I bought a pair of pants and have yet to wear the because the shoes that will look best are sandals, and it's not sandal weather yet. So, I'd put shoes as #2 in importance to make an outfit work. (Bras are number 1).

Oops, I was mistaken. The Swann ballet flats were $83.00.

Nicole, I'm so jealous that you can wear strappy sandals. I've never found a strap that didn't dig in and leave me with blisters.

Good for you Nicole. I'm curious as a kitten! Do you sit for most of the day when you work, or do you run around and commute on foot?

Ana, this is natures wonderful law of compensation. I battle with shoes, and Nicole battles with tops. Others battle with jeans and dresses. Horses for courses!

It's so true, Angie! If I didn't have my shoe thing, I'd probably have some other thing.

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