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WIW: Saturday Peace

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

So, it's Saturday, and, after a crazy week, we're finally relaxing. I put on a pair of subtly striped black cargo capris and an olive green cotton tank. A long leather, beaded necklace and Chuck Taylors and I'm good.

Here's something: I'm dressed about as casually as casual gets. I can see beaucoup lumps and bumps through this fitted tank, and I don't particularly love that, but I still feel great. I'm good with this look. I feel like myself.

Analyze me, fabbers. How can I funnel this feeling into leave-the-house-wear?

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15 replies

Latest reply was from Jenn

Anonymous

Well, I went out in an olive green tee, bf's and chucks Hi Ness (the ones with the wedge) to drop off bags of stuff to a charity shop today. The only difference is perhaps that my tee is looser fit. I think you look great Jenn, perhaps all you need do is get a couple of looser fit tops? You look great in olive BTW.

Anonymous

This top with rushing or a print would flatten it all out and be outside worthy.
I think you have a great figure and this top really highlights that.

Anonymous

Oh, yes I like Smittie's idea for a top with a little ruching on. And you do look good. Often we are too critical of ourselves.

Meow

Veteran

I love this olive with black combo. Wow - a lot of olive on the forum lately. I definitely need to get me some more olives!

shedev

Veteran

A drapey top would make the outfit a little more modern.

Word Lily

Veteran

For me, what I would need to feel comfortable leaving the house? More formality. Something a little dressier, less casual somehow.

But seriously! You look great! What is "worthy" anyway? If you feel happy with how you look, that's what matters.

Meredith

Veteran

My version of your outfit is boyfriend jeans and a fluid gray tee. For just an ounce more polish I like to wear this tank. I really love the fluid fits for helping me stay cool in the summer and covering the evidence of a few too many cupcakes (gah, why do vegan cupcakes still have calories?).

Charmeuse Pocket Tank

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Elly

Veteran

For me this outfit feels a bit confused. The converse are "streetwear casual", those ribbed tanks usually read as "underwear" to me, the capris read as "hiking gear", and then you throw a necklace in. A tank with some drape and linen capris or BF jeans with cons would read as "running errands" but for your capris to read as casual wear for me you'd have to wear a sporty/fashion-y top like a colorblock tee or something (like the ones in finds). All gear (like with a wicking top and running shoes) would read differently as well. All iterations are fine, yours just says to me "ran to the hardware store to grab extra pavers for backyard project"+ a necklace? versus "running for groceries" or "purposeful casual outfit" or "stopped for milk on the way back from a hike".

When I first started having a budget for clothing and fashion and being more concerned about my style and professional image I didn't have money to update my weekend wardrobe, so I wore a lot of "gear jeans" and plain or graphic tees with running shoes or converse. I am practical to the core and I often felt like "me" --- completely comfortable and functional and fitting in with the environmental norm. However, as I've grown professionally and begun dressing for work in a casual but deliberately put-together way I've noticed that I prefer to have a similar style on the weekend for errand running. I encorporate casual stuff that is too casual for work (really faded jeans, shorts, tanks, etc.) but in a deliberate way-- and find people expect me to be dressed that way-- previously they were often confused by my really casual duds. I still love gear pants and plain tees-- I just save them for the hardware store, the gun range, fishing trips, etc and wear slouchy skinnies or BF shorts with a top on weekends. This isn't true for everyone, though.

Women's 3/4-Sleeved Color-Block Sweaters

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Silk-Back Colorblock Tee, Black/White

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Vince Favorite Long-Sleeve Colorblock Tee, Purple/Gray, Size S-XL

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2

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

You've all given me a lot to think about. I'm going to start another thread to discuss some thing I've been thinking about more in depth, but for now...

Diane - It sounds like we lead similar lifestyles, working at home in a semi-active creative capacity, and being moms to older boys. I'll be watching your casual outfits for inspiration!

smittie - I love what ruching does for a figure and have worn a lot of it in the past (and present), but I also find myself gravitating away from the look of it, in favor of cleaner lines and simpler tailoring. I'll have to think on this.

Sarah - I'm liking the olive and black, too. I'm glad olive seems to be coming back into style, probably because I have such fond memories of it from the 80s, safari-themed version of Banana Republic.

shedev - That makes sense. I have made a couple attempts at drapey tops, but I feel like they make me look bigger all over. I'd rather accentuate my smaller top half, so maybe something body-skimming rather than body-con.

Word Lily - I've been pondering this and have some thoughts, but I'm going to address them in another thread, because it's a lot. In short, you're right.

Meredith - I like that tank a lot! I'm not buying rayon anymore, or I'd be trying that exact one, for sure. I'll look for something similar. I think that might be a good solution, both for summer and seasonal layering. And yes, vegan seems virtuous enough. Those cupcakes totally shouldn't count.

Elly - Thank you for the detailed response! I'm in a different boat than you, because I work from home 95% of the time, so don't have the same needs for professional attire. I'm actually more likely to dress up on weekends, when we have social engagements. This weekend was supposed to be an exception, but as it happened, we did end up going out yesterday, and I had to change. I'm interested in your comments about the necklace, but I'm not sure I agree. I don't have pierced ears, so it's a rare day I don't wear a necklace or cuff, even when I'm hiking or cleaning house.

Anonymous

Yes, I can see wanting the move away from ruching. I don't think stores offer it as much anymore either...
I like M's idea of a fluid tank.
I like the kind where you can see a sports bra underneath. I know it's ultra-casual, but I think it could be made to be slightly dressier with the right print.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, maybe a tank like this one from StyleSaint?

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Anonymous

Cute!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

When you're a woman with curves, tanks fit LIKE this only. So while Diane suggests opting for looser fits, that doesn't happen. A loser tank will fall off the shoulder and still manage to cling to curves!

I've spend the day in a blue tank that fits exactly like that with black capris....and I was very happy too! So I can tell you what I did to pop out for groceries. I added a very lightweight cotton scarf (it adds coverage if you wear it like a muffler and hides the lumps in the front, plus an ample bust in my case....and it adds print and colour!) and I wore the cropped denim vest (that hid the side lumps and gave me a little streamlined look. That's ALL!

You mentioned once you love scarves, plus I remember from Stayfit's post that you and I have the exact same scarf organization method. So you have them..... And you do love your denim jacket too. Try the look....it lets you stay within your comfort zone and yet look pulled together.

So that's my take on how to convert this super comfy Saturday ensemble into leave-the-house look.....tried and tested!

Elly

Veteran

Ah-- That makes sense--- I've seen a lot of looks from you and knew you worked from home at least part time, but was not sure how much. I did contract work for a while where I would travel for several weeks (or occasionally months) and then be home for weeks on end-- but still doing a lot of prep work and bidding for jobs. I remember feeling really lost with how to dress when I was home. Today if I went back to it I think I would probably change my philosophy and wear my work clothes at home, maybe with more graphic tees and knits. Then again, I wear jeans, sneakers, and booties everyday to work and get just as dirty there as I do at home!

Good point with the necklace-- I have pierced ears and am an earring and watch gal (and wear my medical ID on a long chain tucked down my bra) because I'm not allowed to wear most necklaces at work (nor bracelets) because they can swing forward and catch on or hit artifacts when I am bent over them. Probably for those reasons I consider them less practical and don't wear them when I'm doing projects or hiking (but I totally wear earrings because I'm too lazy to take them out).

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Maneera, thanks for the reality check. Loose-fit tanks and tees do tend to either make me look huge or cling to my hips. Your ideas are practical and do-able out of my current wardrobe.

Elly, you're echoing things Aida has said, as well. When we work at home or in a casual environment, sometimes the impulse is to go even more casual at other times and that's not really necessary or positive for self-image.