Afternoon birthday party: Purple floral ruffle tank from The Gap, navy capri pants from Dockers, brown embroidered flats
Aki once asked how my weekend style is different than my workweek style. I don’t know. If I have a genuine personal style, shouldn’t I be able to adapt it to different settings but still be “me?”
I used to think of Work Clothes as “dress up” and Weekend Clothes as “normal.” Whatever I did for work (nylons, blouses, heels) was a costume (imposed on me by Work). Out of costume, I reverted to jeans, sweats, t-shirts, men’s plaid flannel shirts. This was “regular me,” but not because I liked the way I felt or looked in these clothes. It was just my Default Wardrobe, inherited from college, updated to include cuter t-shirts or jeans when I bothered thinking about it.
Sometimes, I’d want to look cute on a weekend. But I wouldn’t want to wear my “work clothes.” Then I was stuck. This is why:
To Church: Navy cap-sleeve cotton top, linen pants, brown embroidered flats
1. My work clothes weren’t “me” and I didn’t like them.
2. I had no sense of style or identity apart from my job.
3. I tended to panic, buy cheap weekend clothes that were too trendy or lame, and then get frustrated when they wouldn’t work (or at least not for long).
Work wear is where my “dress up or give up” moment happened, but I’m trying to expand it to the weekend. Here’s what works: For times I want to look pretty but casual, cute cotton tops are working (I also can wear these to work on a casual day). Knits are good if I’m going to sweat and need some mobility (long walk) but I like how structured cotton is more deliberate and pretty. If I’m going to be indoors and it’s okay to be dressy (church, bridal shower), linen pants with flats are good. For more active times (kids’ birthday party, Farm sightseeing), sturdy washable capri pants are good. Shoes I choose by ground type: Cute flats for indoors or easy paved walking, cute walking sandals for parks or beach, and serious terrain shoes for serious terrain (Tevas for low mucky tide, hiking shoes for hikes).
Golf Course patio dinner: White Costco tee, brown J Crew Skirt, Alfani Petunia Sandals, turquoise medallion necklace. Inset is the cardigan I wore over it.
Also, I’m trying to wear necklaces all the time. I like to take that extra moment to look in the mirror and say, “hey lady, you deserve an ornament where you’re going.” It also turns a t-shirt into a look.
So here’s what I wore one sunny weekend in September. I didn’t photograph what I wore to get bagels and clean out the garage, so you can imagine that same white t-shirt and brown capri pants. Everything was comfortable, I felt confident and for the most part pretty. Most importantly, it was fairly easy for me to go where I wanted to go, because “what will I wear” wasn’t a big obstacle for me.
Also, isn’t the baby cute?
Beach picnic: Lands End Modern Fit tank, fleece jacket, Docker's Capri Pants, Clark's sandals
Full disclosure: White Costco t-shirt, pajama bottoms, slipper socks
Nothing but cute
What should I wear to this event? It’s a 40th year anniversary celebration for Jim’s PA Program at the Tulalip Casino, which seems more casual, but it’s “cocktails, dinner and dancing” which seems more dressy. It’s this coming Saturday, so right between Summer and Fall.
Well, what I would wear would probably be separates. YMMV, obviously.
Something flattering on top but that I also wouldn’t mind sweating on if I danced. No jewelry since I don’t wear it but if I did it would be something that didn’t bother me when I danced.
Swingy knee length skirt, probably in black since that’s what I have about 3 of them in.
Hot-looking shoes that still allow dancing.
Sweater or wrap in case I cooled off during dinner or after dancing.
When I go dancing, I really dance so my outfits reflect that. Any excuse, man, any excuse.
this makes me think about my weekend wear too. but wait. i don’t have a “job” i go to. i should start logging what i wear too. it’ll be like weight watchers where keeping track of it will immediately make me dress better because of how aware i will be about what i put on. i’m mostly cute but i do phone it in on a lot of days too.
Weekends are just when I have time to take pictures of myself. That’s why it’s a theme. Also it does keep me a little accountable, so I am sure to tie my drawstrings and check for major bra errors.
For a Saturday Night work thingy, I would wear the most beautiful, flattering, comfortable outfit I have. If you don’t want to be too dressy, mix in some lighter colors or cotton. Definitely wear the coolest heels and accessories you can, because when else will you? That’s the kind of even that YOU can make a great, festive time (for yourself and others) by what YOU wear.
And for people who don’t have a WOH Job with a dress “code,” I think it’s a great opportunity to be expressive (since no one is telling you what to do). But from my experience staying at home, it’s hard to still value the way you look and tell yourself it “matters” what to wear, just because “no one” sees you. You see yourself. Look good.