The Time Has Come to Put Down the Sweats!
I’ve lost count of how many weeks it has been since we’ve all be sheltering in place….8 weeks? 10 weeks? 12 weeks? I’ve stopped counting. All I know is that it is time to PUT DOWN THE SWEATS! You know your sweat pants are lying to you. They are loose and comfy enough to allow you to deny all the junk food that’s been going in your mouth. How do I know? I’m guilty too! So, yes it is time to put down the sweats. Not just because they’re lying to you about….well….how many chips you’ve been consuming. But, because after a while, those sweats are going to bring your mood down.
Lesson Learned
I had my first child in 2006. Even though I am petite and always was pretty trim, I gained a whopping 48 lbs with that pregnancy. My body felt totally foreign to me. I could not wait to have the baby and have a chance to feel normal again. My weight gain didn’t just impact my body, but even my face. My nose grew! It was weird! Anyway, toward the end I was tired and all I wanted to do was lay around all day but I still had to work. I felt this was a great injustice!
One day, my pastor’s wife said something that shifted my perspective a bit. She said that when she was pregnant, she’d begged her doctor so sign her out early (sound familiar?) but there was really no “medical reason” to do so. He told her that actually having to get up and get dressed and make yourself look presentable for work, was actually a good thing for her mental outlook. “He was right!” She said. So she suggested that each day after I get up, that I get dressed in something nice, and put on some makeup and it would instantly lift my mood. SHE WAS RIGHT!
So, that’s why I am saying that now is the time to put down the sweats and start dressing yourself like the beauty that you are. Don’t wait for a special occasion. YOU are the special occasion!
Quick Tips to Get Your Fashion Groove Back
Tip #1 – Wear something you have not worn in over a year
When I get into a fashion funk, and I can’t shop….uh…kind like right now, I shop my closet for old forgotten items.
Recently, I pulled out a striped linen blazer that I haven’t worn since at least last spring, maybe even longer. I paired it with one of my favorite pairs of jeans and a chambray halter that I got at one of my last thrift hauls.
(I couldn’t decide on a necklace..hence the two necklaces picture).
I didn’t even go anywhere but I was extremely productive the day I wore this outfit. Probably because I felt thee part. When I put down the sweats I also put down my lazy tendencies.
Tip #2 – Dress for a Theme
Truth be told…I got this idea from my daughter. She’s 14 years old and loves fashion just like her mom and grandma! Even though she is doing school at home right now because of COVID, she still likes to “dress up” everyday. I think it’s mostly because she usually has to wear a uniform to school. But, she’s really inspired me to put down the sweats and think a little more about what I put on each day. Even if I only leave the house to walk the dog…which is most days.
Her idea is to pick a theme and try and dress for it. She and I brainstormed this list of possible “themes”
- Cozy – Wear your comfiest sweater and jeans. Or, if it is hot, maybe an oversized tee with some cute patterned shorts. Cozy does not have to equal frumpy!
- Sporty – This will always include sneakers but not the grungy ones I wear for running. This look is for my “nice” sneakers. And also includes my “nice” sweatpants. In this case, a pair of Athleta city joggers. BTW – This picture was taken from my “Outfit of the Day 30 Day Challenge” so check out that blog post to learn more.
- Chic Meets Casual– Maybe wear some slim cut pants with a simple top and blingy jewelry. Or, a shirt that has some bling or shine to it.
- Cottage/Country – This could include a lot of florals and flowy cuts mixed with denim and other “ladylike” styles. I love to mix a denim jacket with a girly skirt.
Tip #3 – If you don’t want to put down the sweat pants…dress them up!
You might be thinking, “No way lady! You’ll have to pry my sweatpants from my cold, dead hands!” Okay, okay. I concede that you can be comfortable AND fashionable. Once again, I turned to my 14 year old for some of her favorite tips on rocking your sweats.
- Put on a pair of hoop earrings. Everything looks dressier with hoops.
- Cuff your sweatpants. If you have wide leg sweats, a hair elastic will help roll the fabric and keep it in place.
- Cinch them as much as you can.
- If you are wearing plain grey sweats, don’t wear a pattern on top. Solid pastels work well.
- Tank tops and long sleeves look best on top.
- If your sweatpants are baggy, wear a fitted top.
Looking for More Ideas?
For more tips on how to feel fashionable without having to spend any money, check out the free 6 Ways to Shop Your Closet Guide.
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