Although I do appreciate the gorgeous silhouette these dresses from 1855 offered women, I'm just so doggone glad I never have to worry about being poured into one of the corsets they had to use. I like to breathe too much. It wasn't until I started researching information on my earlier historical novels that I grasped the extent of discomfort women experienced to follow the rules of fashion. In fact, compassion for the characters in my book, plus the lack of logic displayed by all the accoutrements of dress, incited me to place my characters in the country, far from city life, where they were free to dress comfortably enough to ride a horse astride.
As for me, I've never been a style maven. I don't even like to shop, so when I find myself in need of something to wear, I'll rush into a store, purchase anything that looks halfway decent and feels comfortable, and it isn't until I get home that I realize I look better in vee neck tops, not mock-turtlenecks, or that the hem doesn't come down far enough to cover the widest part of my backside, or that the color makes me look washed out. It doesn't help that I change my hair color every few weeks. Colleen is going to faint dead away next time she sees me, because now I'm blond--it was simply easier and cheaper than having it highlighted every six weeks.
As for comfort, I stopped wearing heels thirty years ago. Now everything I wear is comfortable, walkable and supportive. Now my clothing and shoes fit my lifestyle--comfy, laid-back. I figure if I'm comfortable in my clothes, I'll be more able to put those around me at ease, so Mary Janes, Sketchers and Birkenstocks are my footwear these days. My pants are so stretchy I could sleep in them if need be, and my tunics are loose enough that I don't have to suck in my stomach. Ever. My biggest nod to fashion is an occasional wide belt to emphasize that there is a feminine shape beneath that loose clothing.
I would love any tips on comfy fashion these days, since I'm scheduled to speak at least a couple of times this year, and am finally presenting my face in public after a long year of hibernation. Any helpful hints?
Labels: comfort, comfy shoes, fashion, historical dress
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8 Comments:
sorry you know me
and my fashion cents! ;0)
I'm in to pink camo.
How cool! I once purchased tiny pink camo for a baby shower for a hunter.
I have absolutely no claim to fashion sense, but comfort, yeah! My favorite jeans are called Not Your Daughter's Jeans. It's the only kind I wear now. They are quite stretchy and comfy, yet have a tummy control panel. Best part is that the waist is higher than most you can find these days, so no worries with bending over. As my brother in law once said, "Just say no to crack!" :) I always have to get a size smaller than normal, sometimes 2 sizes smaller. (Their shorts & capris are great, too!)
Sheila, I'm totally for getting a size or two smaller than normal. I'll check these out. Thanks!
I am soooo with you on this. Comfort before anything else. I will check out Sheila's jeans too. I haven't even worn jeans in years as I like things loose. Can't stand to have anything tight around my waist. As to my hair, I would LOVE it short short short, but my husband disagrees, so I keep it a bit longer but always have it up in an elastic or comb. I don't see the purpose. LOL
Sandie, i finally went short with the hair despite the fact that Mel loves long hair. Now he likes it short, too. He says I look perkier. Heaven knows I could use some perk these days so short it is! JJill has some Pure Jill French terry pants that are sometimes on sale. I have several of those in different colors. Oh, my goodness, I'm becoming my mother, but I don't care. She was right, comfort rules!
Oh yeah, I relate all right! I don't own any dresses any more. I have 1 long skirt I use for the ACFW Awards Banquet, alternating between tops, but all have to be comfy.
I discovered Chico's Travel Pants, and I have 4 pair. Those I use for business dress, retaining the comfort but having the look of classy. LOL
But I quit dressing for style about 10 years ago. :)
Ane, I have a pair of formal pants I've used for the last few years. Like you, I use different tops, and they work perfectly.
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