As we re-engage with the world after years of lockdowns, working from home in our sweats, and watching NetFlix on the couch, many of us are struggling to get back into the rhythm of going out into the world again.
One potential difficulty, whether for work or for fun, is choosing an outfit to wear. Maybe you feel like you’ve lost your edge. Maybe your clothes seem old and boring. Maybe you struggle to remember what’s appropriate for the office or for a meeting. The reasons can be endless and overwhelming...
Of course, you could solve the problem with the brute force of money, but that doesn’t work for everybody. It can be time-consuming, especially if you end up having to return things that don’t fit or that you later realize don’t quite suit the situation. And who has the time to go shopping anymore?
In today’s WorkFunky blog post, let’s take a look at some ways to make it easy for everyone to step out of the house in comfort and with confidence.
Look before you leap!
Before you start rooting around in your closet, take a few minutes to think about your day and schedule. Review your calendar and take a peek at the weather forecast, too. If you have to go out, it’s best to be prepared for any eventuality. What’s going on today? What are your goals? Who are you going to meet?
Check the weather forecast
With the wonders of technology, it’s easy to know what the day will bring in terms of temperatures, humidity, rain, and wind. Grab your smartphone, and open the weather app. You can find a detailed, hourly prediction for the day.
Cold weather opens up opportunities for sweaters, sweatshirts with brushed lining, thicker materials, and more layers. Hot, sticky temperatures demand wicking layers and items that don’t show perspiration. Changing weather patterns call for more flexibility and functionality in matching clothes.
With a little research, it’s much easier to avoid dressing disasters and feeling miserable all day. However, it’s recommended to always have an umbrella at hand just in case things take a turn, especially in Spring and Fall. While these are delightful seasons, they can change in a heartbeat. Having a scarf along, too, is always a good idea. Make it something simple in black or another easy-to-match color. It can make a world of difference in case you need something warm on your neck and shoulders.
Who wants to end up cold and shivering on a chilly patio cafe after work, just because you didn’t check the weather?
Consider indoor conditions
If you know you are going to work, think about what’s it like inside the office. Does Jim from accounting like to turn the thermostat up to roasting? Or does Alice the computer programmer insist on arctic-level temps and a fan?
For me, there’s nothing worse than being overdressed in a hot and stuffy meeting room while the boss drones on and on. Layers are key in this situation. Vests or button-up shirts that can easily go on over another t-shirt are super handy. It’s also ideal to keep something like this in the office for those temperature fluctuations. Remember, they can also be shed if the temperature gets too high, too.
Do a quick self-check
It never hurts to take a moment and think about how you’re feeling. What’s your mood right now? Feeling down? Then grab what makes you feel good and go for it. Remember that old adage: Look good, feel good, do good. Dress for success, and don’t spend the day second-guessing your choices.
Or maybe you want to turn that frown upside down? A bright, cheerful, and maybe even a little wacky outfit can help raise your spirits.
Time to get hands-on!
So, you find yourself standing in front of the closest, gazing at rows and rows of clothes. Where to start?
Rushed for time? Go with what you know
If you’ve only got a few minutes to spare before you need to be out the door, then perhaps the best thing is to start with something you already like to wear as the foundation of the outfit. Got a favorite pair of pants/trousers? You’re already halfway there!
Take a quick look for something that’s an easy match and get moving! You can play fashion show another time.
A little time to spare? Let’s walk the catwalk!
If you’ve got the time, here are some ideas to help spark some fresh ideas to liven up your current options.
Play with colors and textures
When you look in your closet, which colors catch your eye? Grab those first. If you notice a trend in your habits, make a mental note to look for matching accessories or other items in similar shades.
Run your hands over the fabrics and materials. Which of them just feels right? Which ones bring you joy? Again, if you find yourself passing over something in a favorite shade because it feels a bit meh, it might be time to move that piece on and replace it with something you do like.
Ok, now you’ve got a fistful of hangers and ideas. What’s next?
The mirror is your friend
Stand in front of the glass and quickly hold up a hanger with a top against your chest and a pair of pants/trousers at your waist. How does it look? Yes? No? Will you be comfortable in this all day? Is it appropriate for the meeting with your boss this morning and lunch with your coworkers this afternoon?
Mix and match your options until you find the one that works. Put it on and hit the road!
Feeling lucky?
If you’re willing to play the fashion lottery, reach into the back of the closet and see what you find. While it probably won’t be your favorite and most frequently worn items, you never know what combinations you’ll discover!
You’ll also probably surprise people at work when you rock in with an outfit they’ve never seen before...
A stitch in time saves nine!
If you don’t operate well under pressure, it might be a good idea to invest some time in yourself and your fashion choices based on your current clothes. With some experimentation when you are free, you can create some outfit options in advance.
Do it the night before
You might also want to consider doing this the night before. I tend to think through my day a bit and the weather so I’m prepared. I also make my lunch the night before, so I’m a bit nerdy. However, it does reduce the stress of having to choose an outfit in the morning and gives me a bit more time to enjoy my coffee!
Before you go to bed, choose your outfit and lay it all out. That way, in the morning, you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to wear. You may also find that with (coffee) fresh eyes, you’ll tweak it a bit to make it even better, which is a highly satisfying activity.
Organize your closet
If your closet is a hot mess and you can never find what you want, re-organizing or sorting your clothes by color or type is a great way to re-discover what you have and create a system that makes it easy to find what you need.
Also, it gives you the chance to see everything that you have and reassess what you really need and want. Maybe it’s time that the sweater in the back that you haven’t worn in years goes to the recycle shop, or it’s time to move things for summer to the back or box them away until you need them again. This is a great thing to do as it gives you a chance to reassess, tidy, and make more space in your closet. Plus, when you bring those things back out for the season, it’s like getting a whole new wardrobe!
Create your own fashion catalog
Perhaps on a free Saturday or Sunday morning, take some time to experiment with some of the ideas above to create new and fresh outfits. Instead of being flustered and rushed, you can play with your clothes in a leisurely fashion.
As you create new combinations, definitely take selfies or photographs in the mirror with your smartphone. These will help you see yourself outside of your own head. They create distance and perspective that allow you to see yourself as others see you.
Don’t forget to save them in a folder in your smartphone photo app. That way you can easily access them later and even share with friends or your partner.
Speaking of friends, why not invite one or more over to help you? They already know you and your style. Also, they are the most likely to give you honest feedback.
Finish with a flourish!
Consider keeping some of the following items near the door. That way, as you walk out, you can grab the finishing last touch.
Small shoulder bags or kicky purses for carrying the things of modern life: smartphone charger, water bottle, emergency flashlight, etc.
Hats and scarves for warmth, for breezy conditions, or just for fun
Glasses or shades are also good for spicing up your style
What do you think?
Here at WorkFunky Clothing, we’re all about being comfortable and finding the right clothes for the right occasion. Our designs are aimed at the perfect balance of fun, fashion, and functionality.
In today’s blog, we took a quick dive into how to easily choose an outfit for your busy day.
What do you do to get ready in the morning? What are your secret tips for pulling together the best outfit to match your mood, schedule, and goals for the day? Please let us know in the comments below!
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Author Profile
RICH BAILEY - Product Copywriter at WorkFunky Clothing
Originally from Ohio, USA, Bailey is an experienced freelance writer and editor, especially for technical and scientific content. With an MA in English and a background in science, he also has more than 20 years of experience in teaching English around the world.
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