Clothes that help you get out the door in the morning

I need to credit another blogger, but can't remember the author right now so if I re-find the link maybe will add it.

She used a term I found very interesting, and I think it relates to several recent threads, including Thistle's winter-cozy-clothing thread, IK's color palette streamlining, and even Lantana's current Letting go of what distracts you, and more.

The term was something like, "I need clothes that help me get out the door in the morning."

So true! In my conversations with my wardrobe, this is a question I can really ask: "Are YOU helping me get out the door today, or are you gettin' in the way?"

In doing wardrobe reviews and outfit creations, and then seeing what I'm really wearing, this term really hit home.

I can think of a dozen or concepts that are related and perhaps just as good--simplicity, comfort, fit, wardrobe essential, style uniforms, happiness 10, fab--add more as you choose.

But that simple distillation seems apt, and creates a special mental image for me. Like your cup of coffee or hot tea or wake-up shower, I think the term implies more than comfort & reliability but maybe also some excitement, stimulation, anticipation (caffeine!). Like using a style moniker instead of 10 adjectives.

Of course it is most useful for lifestyles or days in which you do have to get up and out, but you could adapt it to other situations--YLF'ers have noted things like, comfortable home wear that yet energizes you to do the chores needed; gear that helps you head out for your run; all of that sort of thing.

I'm going to play with this benchmark and see where it takes me.

Do you think it applies to your wardrobe, current or aspirational?

10 years ago

Anonymous

I love that idea, but would change it to clothes that help me get out of my closet quickly (as a MOTG I don't leave the house until later in the day.)

I have no desire to play in my closet everyday, yet I want to dress nicely every day and feel like me. That is why the minimal closet appeals to me.

I love what you wrote:

"But that simple distillation seems apt, and creates a special mental image for me. Like your cup of coffee or hot tea or wake-up shower, I think the term implies more than comfort & reliability but maybe also some excitement, stimulation, anticipation (caffeine!)."

Yes, that's a good question to ask your clothes! I would think anything that hinders, instead of helps would be a problem, like an item that required too much fussing to make work, or something that you've put on and taken off again one too many times, not to mention a piece that drove you crazy all day and wish you could have changed out.

Kbfenner

Active Member

Back in the 80s as a young lawyer, I appreciated the ease of a gray or navy suit, blouse and pumps. Then things got all fashiony at work, and I had to add time to plan, which meant less precious sleep time. I always love planning outfits for special events, including just lunch with girlfriends, but every day? Naw. I like a seasonally appropriate top and bottom, with a scarf or necklace, depending on temperature. Bam, out the door!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I love this. I'd just modify "out the door" to "down to work" or something, to reflect my work-at-home life. Because even when' you're at home with (presumably) more flexibility, some kinds of clothing gets in the way and becomes a frustration. And I have been asking myself what will feel best for the day ahead and going with that this entire season. Which has really helped me hone in on what works for me. Great topic!

I'm a bit like Suz, in that I work from home too and then of course I have errands etc. So I would go with 'gets me down to work' or similar ilk..I'm slowly getting there. I still have a way to go but I love your analogy Unfrumped and whichever blogger mentioned it. I will definitely talk to my wardrobe a little more I think!

I'm curious to see how using the phrase affects your closet management/dressing!

I don't work outside my home, but a modified version of this makes sense to me. I don't like having to fuss, try out different pieces, etc. when I'm getting dressed for the day. I prefer to do more front-end work (knowing my preferred silhouettes/fabrics/colours/etc for shopping, trying things out in the fitting room, and if bringing something a bit different into the closet doing some potential outfit creation when I first get it) so that things are simpler on a daily basis.

Gigi

I am in E's camp. I try to know my closet well and know what goes with what and what doesn't go with what. This does involve a lot of playing in the closet, but not while I'm getting dressed. I play in the closet in the evening so that I'm not stressed trying to get ready in the a.m.

unfrumped

I'm thinking it should continue to influence my purchasing choices as well as outfit creation. I think I can usually tell if an item has some kind of inherent simplicity and fit, and I'm also looking for the bit of pizazz that makes you want to wear it. Then for outfits, it's a matter of paying attention to how fussy, or does it take something from column a and b and c before it works. Looking for that balance between what might be considered a plain FFBO, which does help you get out the door in a hurry, vs. the spark that actually helps you want to get going.

AviaMariah

In my case clothes that help me get out the door in the mornings in the winter HAVE to be warm and cozy. I don't know how many times I've chosen an outfit the night before and in my early morning fog/not wanting to leave my warm bed I will always switch to something warm and soft. So this year I'm trying to add plenty of cozy sweaters that are nice enough for work. And ponte pants. God bless ponte pants.

I need some kind of get dressed 'cue' in my day to transition me from lounge or even sleepwear to real clothes. If I'm not going running and dressing for that and then immediately showering and changing, I can be into the afternoon still not dressed (like right now, ahem).

ManidipaM

Yeah. I'm like Mo. So my version of the question: Do you make me want to get dressed for the day, or do you make my pajamas seem cosier, comfier?

I had a problem with clothes too good for everyday. Now I realise it is really a need for good clothes as comfy as pajamas and sturdy as at least basic gear.

Also +1 for closet conversations.

Right, Mo! My thick cozy EF sweater fits that bill.
And MandipaM--they have to have something over on the Pj's--hot tea and croissants? Great question for your closet.

catgirl

My ponte skinnies and Joie cashmere tunic sweaters are like my daytime pajamas. Not a lot of creativity or variety, but these days getting out the door is ALL I care about!

Mandipa & Mo, my cue is definitely my shower; I usually pop in about an hour after I wake up & after that it's only real clothes. But I don't work out (just nice leisurely walking) so don't have to worry about changing into gear/re-showering etc. Mandipa, I like your version of the question! And with a baby the need for washable clothes/worries about the good stuff is definitely heightened. Though they're worth it.

MRL

I try to plan my outfit the night before, accessories and all. But during the fall and winter a knit dress, tights and boots are my go to if I have nothing planned and don't feel like fussing.

Runcarla

Though I'm trying to work my wardrobe towards a dressy/casual style for retirement in less than 2 years, I'm a dressy girl at heart. I've been on a month long pencil skirt and sweater/dress kick despite the snow and cold.

There is noting like a pencil skirt, micro fishnets, and a turtle neck sweater for office style (in my opinion) unless it is a faux wrap or sheath dress! Leather boots and a charcoal 'man style' wool coat with pashmina about the neck get me there. Slip on a pair of pumps, or low pointy toed flats and I've got my armour on for the day of work ahead of me!

Next couple of days I will be commuting via public transit, so will do trousers because it is going to be very cold (-20 deg. C.) but as soon as possible, I'll be back in my skirts!

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