MsKatieKat, thank you for your thoughtful question! Here goes: I'm a journalist, editor, travel and food writer who works mostly from home. I also travel several times a year (could be anywhere, really). I smarten up a bit for work trips (well, I try) and for restaurant reviews etc; but mostly I'm a very casual girl.
My wardrobe and homebase are currently split across two cities --- one is hot-humid tropical and the other has 2 extreme seasons of very hot and very cold. I don't drive. Our roads are what you would likely call dirt tracks --- uneven and very messy. You won't see me out in my mary janes here! (I'm on a budget and can't afford duplicates.) City 1 often waterlogs in the 5-month monsoon, requiring one to wade through dirty water that may be thigh-high or more on petite me --- not good days for my shoes and clothes. Indian cities often tend to be countryside combined with urban jungle in terms of the challenges to health and safety.
I haven't got enough of a handle on my personal style, but a few general preferences:
- I prefer my feet (especially toes) covered for protection but I need to let them breathe esp in summer. Most footwear is a compromise in that regard.
- fussy feet plus walk a LOT, so comfort is paramount. Shoes that can be easily slipped off (the norm in most Indian homes) are a bonus.
- I wear ethnic Indian garments as often as I wear 'Western' garments, which often dovetails nice with my boho or creative preferences; I like to feel I'm wearing my heritage on my sleeve a little
- I like colour; I get bored of only-neutrals easily. I lean towards ALGO!
- I like things handcrafted, because artisans here in India too often live in poverty or are rewarded by very modest means. I prefer to support them in what small way I can in my outfits
- I'm an apple-bellied rectangle who prefers NOT to have to tighten her belt, or indeed wear one; though I sometimes do when I have to 'dress up'.
- typical daily formula if staying in (2/3 of the year at least): thin cotton casual pants or loose Indian salwar topped by breezy blouse or T-shirt or tunic
- typical daily formula for going out: jeans or salwar or tight churidar-style leggings with a loose-fitted shirt or lightweight tunic
- typical formula when travelling for work (depending on local culture and weather): better quality jeans or flannel pants or pencil skirt or leggings, more fitted shirt or tunic, usually no toppers unless it's cold (have very few jackets or blazers)