Interesting observation - YouLookFab Forum

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Interesting observation

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

While off work this week I've been dressing casually (as you've seen by a few examples) and although a nice departure from my work attire and totally appropriate for the errands, gardening and furniture moving I"m doing, I'm finding I'm missing dressing up. I feel better when dressed better. Who knew?

General

18 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are stylish and cute no matter what, Shannon. Dress up if that makes you happy! Our wardrobe is there for us, not us for it.

Isabel

Veteran

Isn't amazing what we find out about ourselves when we pay attention ? Shannon, do you feel more confident or powerful dressed up ? Just out of curiosity. When I worked and had a big negotiation, I always felt "powerful" with a suit on. Which is hysterical since my abilities didn't change with what I wore. How about you ?

rute

Veteran

I feel the same when I'm on vacations! I miss dressing up and my make-up!

cheryl

Veteran

You always look wonderful. Wear what makes you happy!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, wear what makes you happy! I struggle more with casual too. I often dress down my work dresses for MOTG with jeans jackets or leggings etc. Would that work for you? No rule that you can't wear dresses in a casual setting!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Isabel - I think I just feel more "put together" dressed up. I somehow equate casual dressing as making me feel sloppy. I'm working on gathering summer casual pieces that fit better (like my white jeans and white clams) because I think that has been part of the problem.

Angie - I really need a fridge magnet with that expression "our wardrobe is here for us, not us for it"!

Anonymous

As yet another YLFer who struggles with casual, I hear ya loud and clear! Dress up if it makes you feel better. I've discovered that about myself, too. I don't feel the need to be overly dressly, but at least smart casual, with hair styled and makeup done.

Anonymous

I think casual is a struggle for a lot of people, myself included. Since I'm an at-home parent who homeschools, I feel as though I'm constantly trying to find the right casual pieces that are comfortable but not unstylish. I don't envy the money it takes to maintain a professional wardrobe, but I do envy what I perceive as the simplicity of throwing on a great dress and shoes. The style quotient seems more "built-in" with a professional wardrobe. I hope that makes sense.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I think I would/will miss it, too. It has become such an important hobby to dress up!

catgirl

Veteran

I have to say, when the not dressing up is directly related to joyful activities (like in Hawaii or camping or hiking) I am perfectly happy in my raggy gear and even revel in it. When it's just slobbing around for no reason, I miss making a little more effort, even if it's just effort to be RATE.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Every single day is precious, so dress however it makes you feel best!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You know, Shannon, this does't surprise. me. As you know, I mainly dress quite casually for my work-at-home lifestyle. And it often feels...unstylish! It helps a lot when fit and colours are perfect. But especially in the summer, it can sometimes feel as if I'm not really getting properly dressed!

I do find that fall/winter - with their layering possibilities - seem to add more style-quotient to my own casual dressing. That's because it's easier to add that distinctive 3rd piece - be it a jacket, a scarf, a fine pair of boots - that just kicks it all up a notch - and yet not lose the casual flair. I have seen others do this in summer with great jewelry. But in our hot humid summers, I don't even want to wear jewelry! Plus, I don't own any great pieces that work for casual outfits.

I'm still mulling on this one myself.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Great topic, Shannon, and I'm a bit like Suz on this and she articulated it so well. It's better when I have some place to go and the summer seems like my casual almost gets too casual, so I prefer the cooler seasons.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I SOOOOOOOO hear you Shannon. While I have no plans of returning to work in the immediate future (couple of months at least) until all transitional issues following the move are taken care of, I actually miss getting dressed for the office. Somehow pencil skirts and playgrounds or running around the town don't quite go together. Not to mention all the shoes with heels that won't see the light of the day for quite some time. Yup, forget the social aspect of working or financial benefit of additional income, I want to work so I can dress up

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thanks for all of your input and it's nice to know I'm not alone!

Suz - once again, it's like you're in my head! You have nailed the issue exactly! And like you, I definitely find it easier to feel more "dressed" in cooler weather. Because I can't often layer in our heat and want less form fitting for comfort sake, I feel less stylish.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I have had a couple days off this week and feel exactly the same. I don't know if I would do well without having an office to dress for! I would miss all my pretty, dressy, ladylike things much to much.

Meredith1953

Veteran

Interesting! I am by nature a very "undressy" person but I miss the complexity and layering of clothing that cool and cold weather brings. I feel more finished with a jacket of some sort and it's not always easy to do that in the summer. Also, I don't enjoy exposing much skin so summer presents lots of challenges for me. I am starting to appreciate nice casual dresses though and really want a few skirts.

Deborah

Veteran

Shanno. I feel the same way. I love dressy!