I love looking at beautiful clothes as much as the next person. I love to look at bloggers like Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific in their extravagant outfits…and sometimes I dream of a life in which I actually dressed in beautiful clothes as a matter of course. And certainly, as a style blog, Fashion Schlub might get more interest if it offered up more trendy, interesting, provocative looks.

BUT.

That’s not really me. I’m a normal person, with a normal life. I love comfort, ease, simplicity…did I say comfort?? Comfort is really high on my list. Comfort wins out over fancy any day. But I still want to look good!

And I think the vast majority of people are in the same boat as me. The challenge is to find “comfortable” that also looks neat and pulled together. I know many bloggers who do this so well – just take a look at my favorite bloggers list on the right-hand side of the page.

Some tips I’ve learned on how to build a wardrobe that allows you to be comfortable but also look good are:

  1. Stick mostly to basics. Tried and true, timeless pieces like tees, figure-flattering jeans or slacks, button-down shirts, simple cardigans, blazers and dresses. Throw in a trendy piece now and then to jazz up the foundation pieces, but try to avoid building your wardrobe on just trendy items.
  2. Fit is so important. The most basic…or most expensive…item can look schlubby if the fit is poor. This can be particularly challenging for people who wear sizes outside the commercial norm. Tailoring is an option, but it does add to the price of the garment. I know, personally, fit is one of the most challenging things for me about trying to look “nice.” When an item is big enough to fit around my hips/butt/tummy, then it’s too big in the neck and shoulders or the leg. But I keep it in mind, always, to spend the time searching for as good a fit as I can find.
  3. I’m laughing as I write this one, because it’s very “do as I say, not as I do,” and that is – keep your accessories in good condition. When your shoes get worn out and dirty, it’s time to replace them. The same with bags. The condition of these two items can bring down your whole look. I know, I know, I’ve been wearing the same pair of sneakers for like three years! And they look it! I actually have a new pair shipping to me as I write this, so…
  4. Have an outfit formula that works for you. Jeans, tee, cardigan. Dress, cardigan. Slacks, button down, blazer. Leggings, tunic. Jeans, loafers, turtleneck. Etc. Make it easy on yourself – pick a formula or two that works well with your body type, that you’re comfortable in, and just pick multiple colors and prints in those items. Then mix and match. It doesn’t have to be more complicated than that.

You don’t have to wear a pink tulle skirt with a leopard cardigan and metallic ballet flats to be stylish (although that does sound daring). Fortunately, these days, almost anything goes. You can look effortless and modern and be comfortable!

What I’m Wearing

Photos by me and Tri.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.