Would you leave the house in shorts and a graphic tank? UPDATED

It's Sunday afternoon and I had a tap dancing lesson this morning, to which I wore a graphic tank and a pair of athletic shorts. I wouldn't leave the house in that getup, so I have changed out my athletic bottoms and tap shoes for a pair of real shorts and real sandals. But I'm still feeling a little iffy.

What do you think? Dare I leave the house like this (for a Trader Joe's/Target run), or should I buck up and put on a real top?

Update: Even with Angie's blessing, I couldn't do it. Even though I was totally hungry for lunch and really needed to run out for groceries, I couldn't leave the house in that tank. So I put on a real shirt, did a semi-tuck, and tossed on my sunnies to cover the no-makeup face. Not really a whole lot better, but at least I feel decently covered. Hopefully I won't scare anybody to death at Trader Joe's...

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14 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

Hmm, well, I've been known to leave the house in worse. But you have such great style, I'd love to see you put on a cropped jacket or switch out the top. You have a reputation to uphold!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

I too have left the house in much worse. I am not sure I agree that there are no exceptions to the look your best rule. I just got in from pulling weeds wearing baggy shorts and a tank. I was just as visible but the clothes suit the circumstances and activity.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I would not simply because I do not wear t's. It's truly up to you, Mary! You look casual and decent all the same.

Polly (thunalata)

The honest answer is that yes I would, but I don't have your SIZZLING style quotient and if I did I might change...

Ornella

I vote real top.

Beth

I vote real top too, or a layer you can take off.

And I have to say I love the thought of you taking tap-dancing lessons. It seems so fun and so...Mary:)

I'm honestly okay with the top but would change out the shorts first!

greenglove

I agree with Mo- I love the top but with denim shorts or a denim skirt. Something more fitted than those shorts. They seem too beach- like to me. I wear very casual clothing most of the time but an edge helps it be more stylish, maybe for you it would be a necklace or cuff bracelet that would do the trick. Tanks in the summer are great!

Much better!

(Btw, we have similar armchairs... squareish and with studs, except mine is brown. This is one piece of furniture in my entire house that I love more than anything else... love at first sight at the store, I still feel the same... I digress now, do I?)

Scarlet

I actually like the first top. The graphic is colorful and clean. It is the shorts which look very casual to me. I might wear some denim clams. Add some interesting chunky jewelry to that Hardrock top and we are talking cute in my book.

ETA: the polished hair counts for a lot too.

celia

It seems you don't
I like the first top but maybe you feel better with something a bit less casual as a bottom.
Mo suggestions look pretty good.

Jjsloane

I know exactly how you feel. I always have this blog, WNTW and Oprah in my head about not going out in sloppy sweats etc... DH makes fun if I change to run to the local grocery for 10 minutes. I just can't do it. You didn't look horrible in #1 and I have seen fashion atrocities at my Trader Joes so no worries there. It's a personal preference.

Lisa

Either outfit works for me however, for the tank I would have thrown a cardigan or blazer over it. I'm always cold in stores so this would keep me warm in the a/c and cover up that I'm wearing a tank top.

Marley

The top looks fine to me - but, I'm wondering if those shorts are just too big for you? or fit kind of funny? They look pretty baggy at the bottom - that's the only thing I would change about the outfit - something more fitted on the bottom, that is!

Anonymous

I might wear the first top with clams and a blazer. This weekend we went to the Farmers' Market. I'm not sure what DH saw but he made a rare comment that he was glad that I didn't wear tee shirts and shorts, emphasizing the tee shirt part. I had on a woven buttondown sleeveless shirt. I agree with others that your shorts look baggy while the tee looks fine.

MsMary

You know what? You're all right -- those shorts ARE too big for me! My friend gave them to me for my cruise back in January, and I guess I've gotten smaller since then!

Bummer, Dudes. I liked 'em...

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