The Impact of High-Comfort Trends on the World of Style

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

The Impact of High-Comfort Trends on the World of Style

— by Angie

on March 20, 2013

Several current fashion trends are extremely comfortable to wear. I’m talking about the oversized trend, sassy sweatshirts, silky track pants and sassy sneakers. Wear these trendy items together in one outfit and that’s about as comfy as it gets.

This got me thinking. Are we moving towards a fashion era that makes comfort the top priority? And if so, to what extent will the result of these trends be a sloppier looking society. An overly casual world. A lack of fashion flair. And ultimately, a lack of style.

I wholeheartedly advocate comfortable dressing because you couldn’t pay me enough money to wear itchy wool and shoes that hurt my feet. I am constantly concerned that my clients feel comfortable in their outfits. Furthermore, I actually love these current high-comfort fashion trends because they allow us to create interesting outfit juxtapositions that feel fresh and new. That said, I do take care to wear them with polish and luxurious fabrications, some structure, and mix them up with dressier pieces so that I can achieve a sense of sophisticated chic. If I don’t do that I feel unstylish.

If I could jump into the future I would hate to see the complete absence of tailoring and structure. If sloppy casual becomes the new chic, fashion won’t be as fun and I’ll definitely look dated.

I’m torn. I enjoy new fashion directions and love outfits that convey a sense of casual chic, relaxed polish and easy elegance. But I will fight to preserve a little bit of dressy so that things aren’t merely casual and easy.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Are the current high-comfort trends a good or bad thing for the future of style?

Spring 2013

58 comments · Add a comment

Mona

Veteran

I am all for new trends that are comfy and chic but I never realized that it can actually turn into something sloppy and overly casual in the fashion world. I guess even if it happens, it is not going to stay for a long time as fashion is always changing. I mean we came to this oversized trend after many years of tight skinnies. Also, what gives me hope is one of your blog posts that fashion world is a lot more accepting and liberal now and we dont have to follow trends strictly.

March 20, 2013 at 4:59 am

ironkurtin

Veteran

Aren’t there polished trends to balance the comfort trends? I woudn’t worry too much.

March 20, 2013 at 5:03 am

Diane G

I have been fearing exactly the same thing Angie. I couldn’t bear it if things got even more casual and sloppy looking. I WANT dressiness and structure. I am hoping that there may be a bit of a fashion backlash and trends may go the other way eventually. Go team dressy

March 20, 2013 at 5:11 am

Day Vies

Veteran

Interesting post! I think your concern about a frump-tastic society is well taken. I also believe that there are some people fashion just won’t affect simply because they take their fashion cues from friends and family who are equally comfortable rather than their gut feeling or their mirror.

I think getting in touch with one’s style helps people avoid blindly following trends or believing that only stretchy waistbands are comfortable. Once you identify what it is you want to tell the world about yourself it’s easier to filter out the items you appreciate from the items you truly want and need.

I adore the idea of a sassy sweatshirt especially if it’s a little asymmetrical or off the shoulder, but I’m not about to go to work with a sassy/sporty anything. I also like a variety of textures and fit, and I would feel trapped if I were forced to “dress down” everyday.

March 20, 2013 at 5:11 am

hedgiehog

Veteran

People who like to feel dressed and polished hopefully won’t fall victim to this trend. I’m all for being comfortable but I also like structure and style. I think dressing down, at least for me, would lead to frump. So maybe if this is the future I will be a bit dated but I’m not too worried. Not everyone is a fan of dressing down.

March 20, 2013 at 5:28 am

Ceit

Oh, just look at what sci-fi writers have been predicting for decades. Unitards and jumpsuits all the way!

March 20, 2013 at 5:28 am

Vildy

Veteran

Wearing all those casual items together would signal that those days are already here. They’re just a brand new version of what lots of people are already doing.

Belonging is a primary human need and I would guess that most folks are dressing so as to fit in to one or several circles. You can’t alienate people and belong at the same time. The only fallback is to be the pet goofball.

We think about style and fashion here a lot but I believe most people are only considering it in a crunch – something comes up like an event or a job interview. I think people want to forget their clothes once they’ve been donned, so I would think comfort is primary for most.

Other than that, if you give people attention and are actively interested in them, I doubt they would think further about what a person is wearing. You could be as formal and dressed up as you like, so long as you were outgoing. A dressy introvert is always going to have more trouble with being judged as thinking they are superior.

March 20, 2013 at 5:39 am

Jjsloane

Veteran

I think the lines are blurring more all the time. As you’ve pointed out so many times there is something for everyone to like that is current, stylish and comfortable if you so choose. It is always up to the individual to maintain their level of polish (or RATE if that’s the preference) to avoid looking like they just rolled out of bed in these current trends. As with body con styles and jean rises there will always be extremes that interpret a little TOO low or TOO tight or just not a current and flattering interpretation of the style. As long as we all keep tuned in to YLF we’ll know how to have the best of all worlds.

March 20, 2013 at 5:40 am

Kristin L

Veteran

I agree with Vildy. That time is already here. When I walk around campus, at least 75% of undergrads I see are wearing workout clothes, sweats and pajamas to class. I’d love to hope that some will kick it up a notch and wear the the more fashionable one like you’ve shown us, but I have my doubts.

I’m all for being comfortable and I now how uncomfortable it can be in a large lecture class, but I really want to ask some of these kids if it’s that hard to put on a pair of jeans.

March 20, 2013 at 5:50 am

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

If it’s sleek sci-fi unitards and catsuits and jumpsuits, count me in! But otherwise, I’m not to keen on the comfort trend. And you can count me out entirely on the oversize trend – I’ve been dodging that all my life, at 5’0″ tall! On my short, curvy self, that stuff makes me look heavy, and even shorter. Frumpity frump frump.

I have to have a degree of tailoring or structure as well, because if my clothes are fitted, I notice I make an effort to keep better posture, walk straighter, and am less inclined to overeat when I’m not hungry.

March 20, 2013 at 5:52 am

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Fashion does change and today’s sneaker trend may disappear and high stilettos will be next years it shoe. Or maybe not, perhaps fashion is responding to the overall casualization of society and trying to meet it half way? Interesting question. I do not like to wear uncomfortable clothes, but that does not mean I wear pajamas in public. I guess the counter-weight is the desire to look attractive, which is also alive and well. I hope super body-con or pajamas don’t become our only choices!

March 20, 2013 at 6:08 am

Vildy

Veteran

Great point about fitted clothing deterring idle overeating.
The low rise trend in waistbands that we’ve experienced for so long has, I’m sure, contributed to our reputation as an overweight nation. And also, of course, elastic and drawstring waistbands, yoga pants….
(I have no special interest in what people want to or do weigh but it certainly would feel uncomfortable to eat large amounts at a sitting while wearing a snug natural position waistband. I remember as a teenager we wore these kind of waistbands with side zippers. I would unzip the zipper at the family dinner table. My mother was shocked. What would I do in a restaurant? Not eat much, of course. I guess those heavy rubberized girdles contributed to that weight watching effect, too. How do all you spanx wearers manage to tuck it away without feeling a pinch?)

March 20, 2013 at 6:11 am

bj1111

Veteran

Yes to lbd…i need snuggish pants to remind myself not to over eat.

Yes to vildy, re observation about a dressy introvert.

Yes to angie that designer versions glamorize sloppy dressing. Otoh, the fun for me would be the juxtaposition of comfy with strict.

March 20, 2013 at 6:12 am

Rose

As a professional woman on the go, I am all about polished comfort and am LOVING the silky track pants, oversized tops, cute sneakers, etc. I love these new polished casual outfits that are comfortable, and have discovered over my mostly lurker years at YLF that this is what I need to wear. I sit on my computer for 10+ hrs a day or stand around (a little) in meetings, etc and my career is so mentally demanding that I can’t afford to be thinking/feeling that I am uncomfortable during the day, even in the slightest. And as much as I love high waist pants or heels, those just are not comfortable for the 12+ hr work day.
What I hope is that these new looks collectively decrease our ‘sloppiness’ factor by providing more options and pathways to be comfortably polished.

March 20, 2013 at 6:15 am

clearlyclaire

I just read a some fascinating books about trend cycles and I guess the faster a trend goes mainstream, the faster the designers move on to something else. That is, unless it sticks around for years like skinny jeans.

I really enjoy a sleek, tailored silhouette so I understand your mixed feelings on this Angie. I was hoping this age of casualization was going to take a turn and head in the other direction. Surely at some point, it must, right?

March 20, 2013 at 6:25 am

Diana

Veteran

Well, I am all about comfort as you know but I do think it is a fine line. I think it’s fine for people like you and me, who view this as comfortable FASHION. I know the difference between trendy wedge sneakers and the New Balances I wear to work out. But for others who don’t think so much about clothes and style, they will see track pants and sneakers in stores and think it’s OK to wear their workout clothes out on the streets! On the other hand, plenty of people do this already … so maybe you could envision it as an “upgrade” if they decided to wear fashion sneakers instead of gear ones.

FWIW, I do prefer a more luxe take on the super-casual trends. (For example, instead of a real sweatshirt, I used a big cashmere pullover for my “sweatshirt” look). I also don’t really do sporty style, since I am SO NOT sporty that it just feels fake to me.

March 20, 2013 at 6:27 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

This is really thought provoking Angie and I enjoy reading your take on these comfort trends.

I’m enjoying the trends at the moment but personally would not wear all of them at once – I would definitely feel “schlumpy”. I think that designers need to take into account the working woman – many of these trends cannot be worn in the workplace due to the casual nature. If the roomier, more casual trend continues, what will I be able to wear to work? And like you, will my pencil skirts and frocks become terribly dated looking even though they are the styles that I wear most at work and are the most acceptable?

I also think that these comfort trends do not suit every body type and variety needs to be available for EVERYONE.

March 20, 2013 at 6:47 am

Linda

A friend of mine likes to say “When did casual Friday become sloppy all the time?” I agree, there is a fine line between casual and sloppy, careless dressing. I am afraid that sooner, or later, we will all look like many of the snapshots shown on on various sites here on the web, mostly taken in Wal-Mart stores. YIKES The more we accept as being “ok” the more that will continue to slide in as being fine and accepted. People have always worked long days, the 12 hour workday is not a new invention! Being comfortable is a frame of mind as well as a way of dressing.

March 20, 2013 at 6:59 am

Georgia

Active Member

. There will always be polished clothes available but the concept of wearing clothes appropriate to a given situation is over. It started with baby boomers wearing jeans everywhere and fell from there. The Fashion industry is merely reflecting this lax attitude to sell clothes. I miss people caring about what they wear. Some trends like wearing leggings as pants is just awful. Few figures are flattered by this look no matter how young the wearer and its just obscene. Makes me sad.

March 20, 2013 at 7:09 am

nycbeck

Active Member

Living in the heart of NYC and working p/t in a well established retail store catering to mature women, I am really amazed at how poorly dressed and groomed many women are. Despite how many clothes people are buying, a very boring uniform of jeans (not well fitted either) t-shirts or sweatshirts and sneakers or tatty boots they wear. Often they will point out holes,etc. on the garments. I agree casual is great but sloppy is rampant. When I see a well groomed and attractively dressed person, it makes my day.

March 20, 2013 at 7:16 am

Meredith

Active Member

I don’t think it will be a ubiquitous trend that lasts forever. Just when I get around to finally thinking I could pull off wearing those slouchy trousers, tailored body con outfits will start trending again.

March 20, 2013 at 7:20 am

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I don’t think fashion as a whole will convert to the loose and sloppy but I know many people might embrace the current trend to their own advantage. Maybe it’s a good thing as then they can move up from sweats to a loose and flowing rayon top without the common complaint of “nothing that looks good is comfortable.” Not so sure about the men’s fashion as I don’t pay much attention there – except for suits maybe and jean styles. Which seem to be more fitted lately. I’m personally having a hard time embracing the loose fit look. My DH just said yesterday that my khaki slouchy’s looked like they were getting too big (I’ve lost maybe 2 lbs recently lol). And I feel like I get a bit lost in flowing tops – though I do have my eye on one that I might add to the wardrobe.

I think it depends too on what’s going on in Europe. America seems destined to copy Europe in so many ways – if they turn sloppy, then yes, fashion may be in trouble here soon!

I think in general people want to look good – so even though many give up trying, I’m not sure they are feeling the best about themselves. Even animals in the wild spend many hours grooming themselves and each other. So I think it’s human nature to want to look our best.

March 20, 2013 at 7:21 am

Carole

Veteran

I am all for comfort these days, but I don’t “feel” comfortable without some structure and style. Too much slouch or baggy just makes me feel dumpy and unattractive and that’s very uncomfortable. One thing I cannot compromise on is comfort in footwear!

March 20, 2013 at 7:25 am

tracina

It could back fire and cause the masses to be more fashionable. Many people have always and will always dress for comfort and they buy what is on the racks. If the comfortable clothing looks good and is made better they have less chances of just looking sloppy. If pants feel like pjs maybe they won’t feel the need to wear the pjs out in public.

March 20, 2013 at 7:32 am

rute

Veteran

it has all to do with the way we make a look. if the rest: hair, makeup, acessories are polished and fab, all those “comfy” pieces come together.
We can pair sporty pants with a small heel and a clutch and be fab or with a t-shirt and white sneakers and look too “i don’t care”

March 20, 2013 at 7:46 am

JuneBug

Veteran

Another quick mention first: Love love the new site revamp, I’m slowly learning all of it’s new features and it’s so easy to find things!

I like that there are more options out there in dressy casuals and comfort has taken center stage, but I’m also glad that structure will always remain a mainstay because it is what pulls an outfit together. A luxurious drapey, silky pant with a pretty embellished top can go on its own and look very classy and chic, but worn with a tuxedo jacket takes it to a whole different, attention grabbing, room- owning level and people keep coming back to incorporate structure for that confidence boosting feeling! My only wish is that people would dress a little better on holidays in the United States!

March 20, 2013 at 7:57 am

Amy

(website)

Veteran

People will always want to look good for attracting partners for romance/sex, impressing others (corporate advancement, etc.). I believe those drives will provide a counterbalance for the loose and comfy outfits that generally require more work/flair to look stylish rather than sloppy.

March 20, 2013 at 8:06 am

Isabel

Veteran

Some fascinating thoughts here.

I think that the concept of “comfort” changes. Years ago, people found denim and the “restrictive” waistband wholly uncomfortable. My mom still feels “comfortable” in an old fashioned girdle. What I see now is a “dressy” dress down. It is being worn with heels and the pieces are being made with scrumptious fabrics, like silk and cashmere.

I also agree that we have arrived ( and maybe crossed the line ) with traditional comfort/sport clothing. The other morning, I saw a man and a young boy out in their pjs having breakfast at a restaurant. And the number one type of clothing that I see on everyone, is sport clothing. It seems that the entire population of boys in our school system where nylon track pants, shorts and t shirts – all year round. It seems to me, more that comfort clothing, we no longer have any boundaries or guidelines for appropriateness. Everything appears to be appropriate everywhere for whatever reason.

March 20, 2013 at 8:31 am

Amanda

This is such a timely post! My mother in law (she is 88),and I were watching an old movie the other night. She and I were chatting about the lovely clothes the characters were wearing. Then she asked me what if they did a period piece in the future of the time in which we are living. She and I both looked at each other and said oh my how would they style people. One thing was clear that the clothing would definitely not look as tailored or dressy as it did in past decades.

March 20, 2013 at 8:43 am

Robin M

Active Member

I’m really happy that fashion has taken this direction, for a selfish reason. I’ve finally realized (by lengthy lurking on this site) that I need to focus more on my casual wardrobe capsule and less on my imaginary lifestyle capsules. I wear a uniform to work and change into loungwear when I get home in the evening. So really, I only wear clothes on the weekend, mostly to run around and do errands, casual meals with the spouse and sometime socialize with friends. These new trends fit right in with my needs and are really exciting to me.
I wouldn’t be too worried about the high comfort factor/slouchiness of recent trends. IMO, those with style will wear the trends well and look thoughtfully chic, and the people of WalMart will continue to look like the people of WalMart depite the fact they are both wearing track pants and sweatshirts. I think you could pull several current examples of people wearing skinny jeans with tanktops and say the same thing. How you go about getting the thoughfully chic look, be it luxurious fabrication, structure jackets or heels is part of what participating in forums like this so much fun!

March 20, 2013 at 8:44 am

cheryl

Veteran

I am all about comfy and casual. That being said I hate seeing anyone out in public in pajama pants. That is probably my biggest fashion pet peeve.

I think we live in a fashion world where almost every type of item will be available to us, we just might have to look a little harder for it. I don’t think those of you that prefer a dressier wardrobe need to worry at all.

March 20, 2013 at 8:45 am

bj1111

Veteran

isabel, interesting comment about the girdle…i actually love wearing my spanx.

March 20, 2013 at 8:47 am

Antje

Veteran

Interesting post. I agree with a couple other posters that this is more about casualization than comfort, which to me are very different things. While wedge sneakers look more casual than cap toe ballet flats, there is nothing inherently more comfortable in them. And I also doubt that a pair of slouchy pants is by nature more comfortable than a pair of stretchy slim black pants. I’d even argue that the oversized trend introduces an element of dis-comfort in the way that it’s hard to put together in a truly fashionable way vs. just looking like you’re wearing things that are too big for you. (Not physical discomfort, but mental stress.) Full disclosure: I am not a huge fan of the oversized trend, and I am perfectly and 100% comfortable in a fitted dress with comfortable non-sneakerish shoes.

And with regard to the casualization, I agree that there is a continued trend towards that. I see this here in the US and I even see it in Germany, which was always less casual. I personally regret it, I like a certain level of polish.

However, again, the fact that oversized jackets are in does not mean that women wearing their husband’s or father’s jackets will suddenly look more stylish. It’s still a “trend” that comes with “rules” about how to make it look intentional and fashionable, rather than an “everything goes”.

March 20, 2013 at 8:53 am

merwoman

Veteran

Great post and so many thought provoking comments – and funny ones too
I always seem to be behind the trends – just when I am ready to abandon my sloppy ways, and dress with more polish…well look what’s back in style! Or maybe I am just ahead of my time

March 20, 2013 at 9:03 am

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

I have to admit, I’ve been shunning some of the more casual/comfort type trends (bf jeans, glammed up sweatshirts, oversized etc) because as a stay-at-home-mother, my wardrobe _already_ tends to be casual. I fear the slippery slope.

March 20, 2013 at 9:05 am

Ginkgo

Veteran

There are always a number of styles in fashion at a time so I don’t think everyone “has” to dress oversize to took current. My goal is to dress in more the French style with fitted, flattering clothing.

March 20, 2013 at 9:09 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that Boomers, who currently hold a lot of the buying power, are ageing and needing more comfortable clothes. Will it change after that? Something tells me there will be a swing of the pendulum back to strict, Victorian era-style clothing.

March 20, 2013 at 9:13 am

JulieJohn

Veteran

Fear not, fabbers! Beauty and artistry will always survive and thrive. The fact that you all sought out this website proves it.

March 20, 2013 at 9:20 am

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I personally think that the reason we have some oversized and ‘comfortable’ trends now is less about getting in with the general population and more about ‘changing the landscape’. We had a prevalence of skinny tight clothing and sky-high heels for so many years now that the pendulum has to swing into opposite direction to get something new and fresh on the podiums: I guess designers just ran out of new ideas for old styles. And then fitted and tailored clothing is beautiful but it is not as extreme as bodycon or oversized and therefore less theatrical. Fashion shows are shows in the first place and need this drama so after they exploited bodycon for many years it is a time to swing in the oposite direction now. I think tailored clothing will be always in style as it has always been but extreme fits are required to add a modern and fresh punch to it.

March 20, 2013 at 9:51 am

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. Well, it could be leading to sloppy. Or it could be the reform of sloppy. There’s a lot of focus on tech these days, and techie fashion has pretty much been an oxymoron… those cute girls in marketing, HR, and admin don’t count… we don’t really understand who they are or why they are here, just that they always have a bowl of candy on their desks…

March 20, 2013 at 9:59 am

unfrumped

Veteran

I think it can be a concern, but more of a cycle, as fashion will always want to aim for change so people will buy new things!
But I do think it’s interesting as to how much comfort we already do sacrifice in the interest of fashion and figure-flattery. Otherwise there would not be so much difference between “loungewear” and smart casual or whatever. And there is still pressure toward that elusive American woman ideal figure, impossibly long legs, “sexy” shoes that I just cannot imagine are comfortable, even though some people swear that 5″ heels are just that–certainly they are unhealthy, according to orthopedists!

So my hope is that there will not be so much criticism as to, “you look sloppy in those relaxed pants–tight skinny jeans would look SOO much better”; or, “why don’t you just add a 2″ heel to all your outfits”–as there is focus on good fit, well-kept garments, great color, pattern, texture, creativity, personal style, and as you have described, at least the “tweaking” of certain garment styles or colors at intervals, so that someone’s personal style and fit formula–which might be very important in some areas, such as foot needs– might be maintained in some ways but freshened up.

That is why I love your blog posts on how to do just that–say, if tops really need to fit a certain way for a person to be “comfortable”–in all its meanings–then how to adjust other parts of the outfit to look modern or how they can get about the same top feel but in a modern way. Same for shoes, etc. Like remix challenges.

March 20, 2013 at 10:08 am

Gaylene

Veteran

I don’t think this direction towards high-comfort, casual, unstructured fashion is just another fashion trend. In my opinion, the roots lie much deeper.

For my grandmother and mother, fashion was all about how you presented yourself to the world. It was an acknowledgement that part of your life was lived in public and that people made judgements about you based on what you how you looked. Even if you were poor, you could still present yourself as a neat and clean person which made you a part of the society around you. Worn, but polished, shoes and a carefully mended jacket spoke volumes.

Although this idea was challenged by the societal changes in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, I think it was really the 90s that finished off this idea of dressing for others, especially in North America. The notion of dressing to please yourself, an interest by designers in exploring ripped, de-constructed looks, the growing influence of a highly individualized, street-style that could be showcased through the Internet, and the rise of fast fashion coupled with increased spending power in the 12-20 age group totally changed what it meant to be fashionable.

While, to someone interested in fashion, a designer’s de-constructed garment with its rips and shreds is quite different than an old, torn pair of sweat pants, the distinction is probably lost on the average person. And, if my old sweat pants are comfortable, so the thinking goes, why shouldn’t I wear them? That kind of thinking–that my own satisfaction and comfort are far more important than how others perceive me–is probably at the heart of how most people feel about how they dress these days. And I don’t see that attitude changing much in the future.

March 20, 2013 at 10:22 am

Ellen

I don’t know what the trends mean… though to be honest, I have a hard time believing it could get much sloppier than what I currently see in malls, airports, etc. Maybe it can… oh dear.

I like the comfort trends, if they are combined with polish. I have a rectangular build with a bit of baby belly and so I am very fond of looser, flowing, unstructured tops – even though my favourite look is a button-down shirt. The loosely cut cashmere-cotton sweater I was wearing today felt comfy AND polished because I was wearing it with slim-cut jeans, leather boots, and a silk scarf.

It is all in what you do with it and I dearly hope that the fashion trends won’t get so casual that we forget how to add polish to our comfort!

March 20, 2013 at 10:24 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I found myself nodding along to ALL your comments! It’s been a fun topic to dissect. Thanks for sharing your great thoughts. I also love the way some of you succinctly cut to the chase:

Rachy with: “Well, it could be leading to sloppy. Or it could be the reform of sloppy”,

bj1111 with: “Designer versions glamorize sloppy dressing. Otoh, the fun for me would be the juxtaposition of comfy with strict”.

Jj with: “I think the lines are blurring all the time”.

Textstyle with: “Even animals in the wild spend many hours grooming themselves and each other. So I think it’s human nature to want to look our best”.

I would like to think that the pendulum will swing back to strict and dressy, but I have my severe doubts that it will. At best, we will continue to glamourize casual wear.

March 20, 2013 at 10:24 am

JudyA

Member

I am in my sixties and have seen many trends come and go and in fact have worn the same trend in a couple of decades. I find that I have a horror of the day when I might say “I don’t care anymore, I just want to be comfortable”. This does happen to some people as they age. They give up and lose interest in fashion. Others maintain their interest until the end. My very stylish mother looked “marvelous” to the end. I don’t think it is necessarily “boomers” who are making the very casual fashion statement. I see people out shopping in big furry house shoes and pajamas ( hence the “WalMartians” videos) but that doesn’t mean we all dress that way. I think comfort is personal. Sloppy is sloppy and there is a difference. I personally see life as art and what I wear is my artistic statement for that day.

March 20, 2013 at 10:25 am

Lisa

Veteran

Interesting question. I do think fashion swings over time and even if trends are all comfort looks now, it’s only a matter of time until the trend is all about no comfort looks. However, I generally find that people dress more casual overall. Look at how many jeans are worn daily and often lounge wear is sported outside of the house. I think the geenral trend of casual dressing will continue.

March 20, 2013 at 12:10 pm

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Whether today’s trends of silky sweats, fashion sweatshirts and wedge sneakers are a reflection of the casualization of society, or a reaction to the prior decade of body con clothes, is up for debate. I tend to think it’s the latter, as fashion tends to react like a pendulum swinging rather than a reflection of what you see being worn at Wal*Mart.

March 20, 2013 at 1:01 pm

jenanded

Veteran

I happened to get in a lift at work with a well groomed woman and was trying to work out if she was on mega trend or still wearing her silky oversizedclothes from the 80s… it was the latter… so guess silky trackies are a trend, which is different to sloppiness. I see ylfers taking great care of wearing outfits with great thought so there are standards. Pjs out is pretty scary. Perhaps Australias equivalent is too many u
Large untoned bodies in skimpy clothes trying to keep cool with tattoos on show and frizzy hair in the humidity… oh let me add run down looking hoes as the market gets flooded wih cheap poorly made products which are still expensive here!

March 20, 2013 at 1:56 pm

Sona

Veteran

When I looked at the runway shows this year while there were a lot more ‘casualized’ designer garments BUT there still were tailored skirts, jackets and other more formal pieces. I think one of the big influences on where our sartorial style will go is if we actually pay attention to the word ‘sartorial’i.e tailored. I like my trousers tailored and my tops to be swingier as a muffin top aavoidance measure. So many of my work outfits have both dressy and casual elements. I think unless Wall St lets its bankers work in denim and tees, structure, form and tailored items will always prevail atleaty in certain circles and certain demographics.

March 20, 2013 at 3:05 pm

M-C

It’s perfectly possible to be a frump in tailored clothes. Think IBM. And unfortunately it’s highly unlikely that anyone would be wearing all possible comfortable trends at once, if only because wearing all-trends would be weird. So chill out :-)..

March 20, 2013 at 3:29 pm

Melanie

I love dressing for comfort, but I agree Angie that you need to do it with some structure and style. I recently had a bout of ‘I must dress more like a grown up’ and bought myself some very nice, well made button down shirts (grabbed on sale, so even better). But frankly they just don’t look right when I wear them in the ‘traditional’ corporate way (ie with a pencil skirt or a suit). They do however look great when paired with cargo pants or jeans and left untucked or part-tucked. My ‘corporate’ skirts and pants look and feel better on me when pair with a nicely made T or light knit. So that’s my nod to comfort. That and my MANY pairs of Converse (and yes, I do wear those with my ‘corporate’ wear and my colleagues recognise it as my own personal style).

March 20, 2013 at 3:39 pm

Sihaya

Veteran

I am all about practicality and comfort. And believe those are achievable while still looking polished, put together, and great in outfits that flatter. If the current trends flatter you and you can still look stylish – then go for it. Otherwise, stick with the tried and true – spoken by a self named “funky classic”. I personally forgo some of the looser, more casual looks because they don’t appeal to my eye. I’m more for structure and polish.

March 20, 2013 at 4:14 pm

Thistle

Veteran

I am a terrible person to ask this with a small child at home. I am all about comfort when I am with her, even if I look sloppy sometimes.

On the other hand, I do prefe ra but of tailoring and polish for work.

March 20, 2013 at 5:06 pm

MsLuna

Veteran

Angie, I’ve been wondering whether a happy medium can exist between comfort and tailored looks myself. I struggle with this in my personal style daily because I love my comfort but I also really like the tailored look. I almost exclusively wear thick, structured ponte/denim/faux leather leggings due to the comfort and leg-highlighting factor. I often pair the leggings with a longer, narrow flowy tunic top or a long knit tunic top with a boyfriend-style tailored blazers.

I often wonder whether this look is still too “informal” despite my efforts in adding more polish (I’m not comfortable with an ultra casual look). The look often looks very “put together” and flattering, but in the back of my head I keep thinking “leggings are not pants!”

March 20, 2013 at 9:52 pm

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I LOVE the oversized trend as a counterpoint to the predominance of bodycon but sincerely hope it does not have a long lasting impact on mainstream fashion.

March 21, 2013 at 2:38 am

MsMary

Veteran

Day Vies took the words right out of my mouth: Although I enjoy comfort as much as anybody, I’m not about to go to work in oversized/sassy/sexy/sporty/comfy anything, either! I saw a young lawyer recently try a case in leggings-that-are-not-pants, and it made me cringe and it set tongues wagging all over the courthouse!

I do enjoy the oversized, slouchy look in my off hours, but I certainly hope and expect it won’t take over all areas of dressing. I have every confidence the pendulum will swing back. It always does!

March 21, 2013 at 9:16 am

catgirl

Veteran

I for one am hugely relieved to see comfort being considered. I do not wear stilettos, or high-heeled pumps, control top hose or constricting clothing of any kind. I adore the current turn of events and hope that upstyling comfy items by making them in luxury fabrics will be ongoing. Witness my silk cargo pants, which I’ll be wearing all summer!

March 21, 2013 at 10:09 am

Lizardman

Active Member

Wow, it all seems very tricky indeed, and if professionals like yourself, Angie, have trouble with trends what hope do us mere mortals have?!

I often get concerened when I am buying clothes and one of my go to questions is always “Is this item a trend that will define this decade when I look back in 10 years time or is it an item that defines my style when I look back I can see myself and not be able to pintpoint my esemble to a particular decade as such?”

We all laugh at the “look” of past decades. Perhaps if we aren’t careful, we may get ourselves caught up in this current one!!

March 21, 2013 at 6:03 pm

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