Being sick and going out-do you fake it? - YouLookFab Forum

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Being sick and going out-do you fake it?

slim cat

Veteran

I've been sick ( flu/cold ) for more than 10 days - headaches, runny nose, cough and aching. Occasionally I need to go grocery shopping or visit pharmacy. I try to look decent - colorful scarf, touch of lipstick, sunglasses and earrings. However sometimes I just can't bother with all that - too tired and fatigue. How do you - deal with challenges of looking/feeling awful and desire to look nice and presentable even in bad days of your life?

General

34 replies

Latest reply was from Flytigress

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

You know how “how are you?” is a standard greeting in the US? A cashier once said that to me, while ringing up menstruation supplies, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and similar goodies, along with Cheerios and 7-up which, in my world, are standard sick-to-your stomach food. I suggested he look at what I was buying and he’d know. It embarrassed the poor guy, but I still think it was funny.

Synne

Veteran

Rouge and mascara, non-black clothes, pretty shoes. Instant mood lift!

kkards

Veteran

Knock wood I haven’t been down and out for a while, but when I’m really sick, I’ll go out in my pjs-because I’m sorry but if I’m sick I want everyone to stay clear. I was thinking about this recently and I’d have everything delivered or Use the drive up at target or Walmart

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you @Fashintern and @Synne - I'll try blush, pretty shoes and a smile that your comments put on my face!

slim cat

Veteran

@kkards - I don't drive but sometimes feel like a short walk to nearest store will do me a bit of good. Of course I stay out of other people's way and once put that white medical mask over my nose and mouth ( that's a clear signal to others - sick/stay away ).

Anonymous

Lipstick, sunglasses to hide puffy eyes, and I'm good to go.

Hope you're feeling better soon!

Helena

Veteran

Sunglasses!

Hope you feel better soon; there have been some really nasty viruses this year.

StyleDetective

I make an effort to wear my one of my most flattering colours - I used seasonal colour analysis to determine these a while ago, but those not into SCA could just reach for whatever colour they feel makes them sparkle. I also reach for things that are a bit dressier than needed for the occasion... I'll rock up to the pharmacy in a skirt and cardi rather than jeans and a t shirt. But my style is quite dressy anyway so that feels authentic to me.

More often than not, I'm happy when people realise I'm sick, as they tend to be a bit more forgiving (which is nice when you are just too tired and miserable to make conversation).

rachylou

Veteran

Ankle length puffy that hides everything else I’m wearing and bright pink beanie...

Sal

Veteran

A hat (beanie or wide brimmed), glasses, scarf and usually a coat.

I might be wearing leggings and an old hoodie but I feel in disguise.

kellygirl

Veteran

I generally always get dressed. I have a difficult time leaving the house in sweats. Probably wouldn't bother with makeup and would wear sunnies. Knock on wood, I haven't had to do fake it very often.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Rachylou & Sal, I don’t need to be sick to pull on my long coat & tall boots over whatever “loungewear” I happen to have on for a run to the store—it’s not rare at all, for the grocery that’s 300 meters away.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, tbh, that’s what I wear every day for the midnight dog walk, lol

Kate

Veteran

Lipstick, sunglasses, and warm, colorful scarf.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Btw, Slim Cat, my son has been sick for about ten days now and me for about a week. He is starting to come out of it, and I’ve progressed just as he did, so probably only have a few days left. I hope you feel better soon too!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

If I am proper poorly I can’t stand the feel of make up on my face,strange I know when I usually wear it daily.l also can’t bear anything that feels like an effort to wear is anything tight or uncomfortable so it’s baggy stuff all the way but fortunately I am not often ill and when I am I can usually avoid going out.l hope that you are soon feeling better and back to your usual self.

Windchime

Veteran

Ten days is a long time to feel sick. I hope you start feeling much better very soon. As far as how much effort to put into your appearance right now, I’d say it’s up to you. If you’re too tired to make much effort, don’t worry about it.

The Cat

Veteran

When I have to go out while feeling sick, I wear: bold frames, lipstick, light/bright scarf, plus a long coat over comfortable pants and top. Don't bother with jewellery.

Best wishes for your recovery.

Kari

Veteran

I’m so sorry. I’m sick with the crud right now.

I go for comfort. Soft clothes, layers I can remove. If I’m blowing my nose nonstop or my eyes are watering I’ll cut out most makeup (no lipstick, minimal eye makeup.)
To just go to the pharmacy or doctor I’ll put on nice but minimalist sweatpants and a knit top and whatever toppers are most cozy and warm.

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you everyone for well wishes and suggestions for a sick day' out ideas! I didi venture out today feeling just a bit better with a fresh hair and a lipstick/sunnies combo ( even though it wasn't a sunny day ). Hoping the next day will be the last truly "sick day" for me - need to go back to work on Tuesday.
YLF forum is a very warm and supportive community and I feel good being a part of it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I try not to go out when I feel that badly. Luckily I have an accommodating family. Feel better soon!

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Ooh boy, I’ve had shingles for the past two weeks, so this is timely for me. Definitely comfort before fashion (all my clothes are comfortable, but comfort when you’re sick may mean different things). I think it’s worth it to do whatever makes you feel more like yourself without just making things worse. It seems silly to try to wear foundation with a runny nose, for example, or skinny jeans when you’re bloated. But a bright scarf? That’s doable. Oh, and just combing my hair usually makes me feel a bit better about being in public.

Joy

Veteran

A shower or hot bath and washing my hair makes me feel better as well as warming me up. A hat that covers bed head hair and a warm scarf. I hope you are feeling better.
Sick day clothes must be warm and have pockets for tissues. I actually have a small capsule of clothes for when I am sick, including silver fleece-lined slippers that look like loafers.

Anonymous

I like Windchime's response the best. She is wise beyond her years. I hope her response resonates with you. Best wishes.

nemosmom

Veteran

I try not to venture out when I am really ill. A hot shower, comfy pjs, and lots of rest. Hope you feel better soon!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Depends on how sick I am and where I am going. If I really feel like crap and am only going out because no one else is around to go buy me Nyquil, I'll throw on jeans with my pajama top and a baggy jacket to hide my lack of bra, and put on a cap to cover my hair and sunglasses to hide my bleary eyes.

If I just have a head cold or something, I will put in a moderate amount of effort but I certainly won't overcompensate.

I hope you feel better!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sending healing thoughts, and feel better soon. I hope you see a doctor or healer to help you out.

Personally, I find that my levels of self-care is the same when I'm ill because it makes me feel better. I shower, do my hair and make-up, and dress comfortably in regular clothes. I move more slowly though.

Slimcat, there is no right or wrong answer. You do what you can manage on any given day.

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you @shevia, @Jenn, @Joy, @Sterling, @nemosmom, @Janet and @Angie! I guess it all depends on the level of fatigue I'm feeling. I'm starting to see improvements in my well being, so more efforts will be made to look decent. It's has been a long time since I was sick with this level of misery but I'm feeling optimistic today. Thank you everyone for warm thoughts and wishes! Long live YLF!

Lesley

Veteran

What a timely post! I feel horrid today and my daughter was just diagnosed with flu, so I guess that's what I have too. (Yes, we got shots.) But even though I was totally not in the mood to put makeup on today, I did, because I have a dog training class at 7pm, and I knew if I was going to make it in public that late in the day I would totally have to fake it. (BTW, I'm only contemplating faking it as long as I don't have a fever. If fever comes on, I'm sending DH in my stead... and possibly even if I don't get one!)

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