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Room for practical style, sometimes

Jenniferblue

I'm picking up from the previous thread about individual style. I think that there are times or places where we want to look great but in a way that fits in with the activity. Right now I'm trying to think of a way to dress for attending fall sports events. It could be chilly, damp rainy, wet underfoot. I still want to look and feel stylish but how? We used to wear slickers and sneakers, parkers, fleece. Any ideas? I don't think Converse were cut out for standing in wet grass and falling leaves and maybe frosty ground for hours. At least I don't think they'd do the trick for me.
JB

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Jenniferblue

Dani

Veteran

What about wearing boots? They could be stylish and still functional (I'm not talking about 4" heel boots, but something more suited for walking around). I think wearing a casual blazer with jeans would be a great look for a fall sporting event. Or even a fun sweater vest and a button up shirt. There are many possibilities. What were you kicking around in your head?

Nicole

Veteran

This is why I often dress from the shoes up. If you know your feet are going to get wet/cold, then you MUST decide what will keep your feet warm and dry and then decide what will work with your footwear choice.

I too would wear low heeled riding boots, or ankle boots--but I'd make sure they were warm and soft on the inside. (unlined leather can be very cold). With taller boots, I'd wear a pair of leggings or straight (skinnies) jeans, and with the ankle height boot, I'd wear a pair of boot cut jeans.

But lets say game day is a beautiful sunny dry day. Then save the boots for a wet day, and wear your converse or other fashion sneaker with a pair of jeans.

As far as keeping your upper body warm--I would wear cardigans, light jackets, pull over knit sweaters, or warmer coats depending on the temps. If it's going to rain and you need something waterproof, a nice rubbery rain slicker (lined so you don't get clammy) in a fun bright color and contrasting umbrella could be a lot of fun. And if it's really wet, but not too cold, then don't forget about Wellies. I dont wear my wellies if it's cold because they are not insulated. But if you have a warm pair then you can wear them when it's wet and cold.

shiny

Veteran

Unlined leather can be very cold:

Cashmere socks.... needn't be 100% cashmere... but look for socks that have some chashmere in them....

Violet

Dressing from the feet up is a great idea! I think layering will help keep you warm. Maybe you can find some knit shirts or sweaters in your team colors. If it's really cold, I think it would be fun to wear a scarf and/or hat in some bright colors. A pair of dark wash jeans always looks stylish. I get cold really easily so I will even wear leggings under my jeans for extra warmth.

Sihaya

Veteran

I don't like to wear my boots in extended wet weather since the leather will wear out faster. However my Hunter wellies work great for this purpose along with straight leg or boot cuts. On top I would layer, layer, layer and then throw on a hat and/or scarf. I like the idea of using an umbrella as a statement piece.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(I dress from the feet up every day).

I'm in the wet a lot. I'm a big wellies and umbrella fan. Why get wet if you don't need to? You need a casual parka that’s quilted inside, preferably with a hood. (But NOT gear). Jeans, thick socks, scarf and gloves make it onto my list. If I’m not in wellies, it would be Converse or riding boots worn over jeans.

Jenniferblue

Thank you, great new ideas. Shiny, where did you say you get the cashmere sock you like so well? I'm not very familiar with wellies. I know what they and have even thought about getting a pair. Mostly what I see around the stores are the multi-colored, printed wellies. Is that what you're talking about?
I've never owned riding boots. Are they lined?
I like the idea of wellies and umbrella
Maybe a good 3/4 length parka.
any more suggestions?

shiny

Veteran

Jenniferblue - I find cashmere socks everywhere; you just have to learn to read labels. I had a long run with some from Target that were ultra cheap but held up for years and years - but I haven't found any there lately. Try TJMaxx and Marshall's or just regular department store.

I really hate cold feet. I don't know if it's just me, but it seems that most dress socks for women are made of silk or cotton or some weird acrylic blend, not wool. Men's dress socks come in wool - and they are super warm!! I learned that when borrowing DH's to pad around the house in. So I first started trying to wear men's socks... but my feet are too small.

That's when I started looking around and reading sock labels.

The trick is to find a wool blend sock that has some cashmere in it - the more cashmere, the better. But even 10% is good. It is also not itchy like regular wool. And cashmere makes the sock light and thin enough to wear with boots and dress shoes.

You can splurge and buy 100% cashmere socks - very very expensive! I did this once, but then I threw them in the wash and ruined them. 100% cashmere socks need to be dry-cleaned. Too much fuss for me. Socks with a blend that has a little bit of cashmere, hold up just fine in the wash and need no special handling.

When it's really really super cold here, I'll add a thin cotton layer under the cashmere sock - I use the same cotton socks I wear to run in. I also wear the cashmere socks over tights when wearing skirt with tights and boots.

shiny

Veteran

One more thing: SmartWool socks are great too. They are meant for exercising or outdoor sports, so they are thicker, but they do work wonderfully. You might find SmartWool socks that can work well under your boots though. (I wear mine for running in the winter).

Lena

Hee, I also tend to dress from feet up. Especially when I have to walk a lot or when the weather turns cold.

Jennifer, I have these wellies http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7346128 (in blue). They are very well made, but not warm enough to wear without thick socks. Because the pattern is so loud, I keep everything else subdued. I wore them with a denim skirt and jeans. I felt warm, dry and chipper.

I have a question about "wellies and umbrella" dressing. If the boots have a pattern like these Kamik boots above, does this limit the color and pattern for umbrellas and other accessories?

Nicole

Veteran

OK, I know this is a bit off topic...but we seem to be discussing socks at great length. I learned how to snow board last winter, and I learned a lot about socks in the cold and wet, when you're going to be exercising.

First of all, never ever ever wear cotton socks if there is any chance that your feet could sweat and it's cold outside. This just absorbs moisture and your feet will feel much colder. You are actually better off going sockless in warm boots if youre only option is cotton socks in warm boots. (Of course if you're just standing around a stadium, your feet probably will not be working up a sweat).

It's also not a good idea to double up on socks because part of keeping your feet warm involves good circulation. So unless your shoes/boots are VERY roomy (too big to wear with one pair of socks), then wearing more than one pair will just constrict the blood flow to your feet and make them colder.

Thank you students, you are dismissed, please remember we are having a quiz tomorrow, and bring back your permission slips for the field trip!

Jenniferblue

Thank you Miss Nicole. Can I have a pass to go to my locker to get my boots?
Seriously, you're right about the cotton socks. For real winter sports I wear some sort of silky first layer from REI, then the socks the ski boot or whatever.
Also, I have to admit the most comfy, cozy run around town boots I have are my short UGG's. They just are what they are-- very warm.
I've never worn rain boots or riding boots. I think Angie means riding styled leather boots. I have no idea about wellies and umbrella matching.
Thank you, Shiny for the fiber content information and origin of your cashmere. I would have thought you meant pure cashmere and then I would have had to go barefoot! Thanks JB

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(so what do you do if you can't wear wool socks?)

Treat wellies like Converse – keep them classic and stay away from juvenile patterns. I have a charcoal grey and hounds tooth pair. The hound tooth is real fabric and has an adorable buckle. Try “hunter” wellies too. The Burberry ones are delicious but pricey.

I personally stick to micro patterns on umbrellas but anything goes. It’s a rainy day. Have fun with the pattern on an umbrella!

Jenniferblue

Thank you for the details on wellies, Angie. I'm going out to look for some today. Piperlime has some if I turn up empty handed when I'm out shopping.
"Hunter' wellies are the real deal?? What a hunter would wear out in the woods.
I'm probably way off. Not a clue.
I also saw the information on the parkas with hoods that Happylife posted.
Very helpful also.
Technology is present in the sock industry. If you are allergic to wool it would be a good idea to go into any store that sells sports clothing. Like and REI or EMS, LLBean. Wicking sweat away from the body is key. On the feet too. So first layer is your wicking sock and then you add your warmth layer. The wicking concept is also key for the upper body as a first layer. When wetness doesn't have contact with your body you are warmer. These stores will be able to give you specifics on which combination of socks works best for you with you sensitivity to wool. Hope this helps you even a pinch as much as you've helped me. JB

Sihaya

Veteran

Hunters are good and were "Angie approved" on me. They are also good quality and come in great colors.

shiny

Veteran

JenniferBlue - I'm also an Ugg fan and was one long before they become a trend. As I said, I can't tolerate cold feet, and we get a lot of cold snow in Boston.

I have a cute pair of ankle-height Uggs that work well with bootcut pants - and I do think they are stylish. Then I have two practical higher pairs for shoveling snow or walking over giant piles of snow (carry regular shoes in purse to switch into them once I've reached my destination).

We (the girls and I) even wore Uggs when DH and I got married in Dec '05. We got married outside, and there was snow on the ground. The last thing we wanted was for one of us to slip and fall and break an ankle while walking to meet the JP. You can't tell in the pics we're all wearing Uggs with our pretty dresses. Hee hee.

Jenniferblue

I ordered a pair of "Hunter" wellies today in black.
Love your wedding story, Shiny.