This, Not That: Fashionable Substitutes For Lazy People

Hey, readers!

One of the biggest concerns my clients have  is on how to cultivate their everyday style.  Since I mostly work with artists, the challenge of working with someone who has an on-stage persona is getting their off stage look to be cohesive.

Some people were born with an innate sense of their individual style, and how they want to present themselves.  I for one, know nothing about what that is like:

Or maybe I do.

But, with cultivating my overall personal style has come years of successes and failures, trial and error, and falling into comfort zones.  But, there is a difference between comfort zones, and dressing because it's comfortable.  In the words of Tim Gunn

We have become a nation of slobs!  It is commonplace to see people out and about in their pajamas, if not something similar.  We have fallen into the comfort trap, and have decided that if it's not swallowing us, or shoes made of rubber, that they are "fussy" or "trying too hard" Knock that crap off.  Here are some substitutes for your uniforms to amp up your look to make you look like you're not about to go to the gym or to bed.

If you love oversized t-shirts...  Get a t-shirt dress!

T-shirt dresses are a wonderful way to get that oversized, unflattering, and baggy shirt out of your system.  T-shirt dresses can be paired with nearly every different type of shoe...a ballet flat, a gladiator sandal, or like I do with chunky sandals.  In the fall and winter, I pair mine with a pair of great boots. Throw on your favorite long necklace, and you get the familiar feeling of your stained, oversized tee and look like you paid your light bill on time!

Grey t-shirt dress from People Like Art March 2015

If you live in flip flops or the dreaded Ugg boots...Put some pep in your step with some beautiful ballet flats or gladiator sandals in Summer, and riding boots when it's cold!

As Tim Gunn mentioned above, flip flops are meant for the showers at the gym, and should be left to that alone.  These rubber shoes were designed to be sanitary, not stylish.  There are so many great options for other flat sandals, and in the fall and winter, riding boots are always an option for those who are worried about a heel. 

Claudia Schiffer manages to slay on a Starbucks run in a causal sweater and riding boots. This look would not have this impact if she were wearing flip flops! 

Victoria Beckham and Reese Witherspoon make errands look effortless chic in ballet flats.  Dressed up with a pair of tights and a solid dress, or a causal trench and skinny jeans, these shoes are a definite if comfort is your main concern.

And for summer, invest in a pair of cork wedges. These dressed up my vintage Stones tee and denim hot pants...because everyone needs to feel good about their trip to Home Depot. 

If you like to wear sweats...trade out for some great denim and a jacket!

Find what sillhouete of jeans look best on your body type.  Skinny jeans aren't necessarily going to be flattering on everybody, and the same goes for high-waisted, flares, and boyfriend jeans.  Personally, I think dark bootcut jeans with a bit of stretch works great for every single body.  Now, denim isn't as rough and tough as it used to be.  Find some with some spandex in, and invest in two great pairs instead of five cheap pairs.  This will also make you feel like there's a little bit of luxe in your closet! 

As far as an alternative to your favorite hoodie?  Try a blazer over a band tee, or a cropped bomber! These are classic, and you will look like it's not laundry day.  Basic black is always a great go-to, but I like to add a pop of color as well.  I just picked up a beautiful vintage crushed velvet purple blazer that I am so excited to bust out this Autumn! 

Or this lightweight salmon colored blazer that came from Trunk in Nashville this year.  I styled it with an airy tank and some turquoise and coral jewelry. This was a great look for Spring and Summer.

Prime example of the clothes making the man. Ben Bradford styled by me. Dark denim bootcut with the most beautiful couture jacket made by Eric Adler. Sweatshirt-0 Trenchcoat-2949473829

Other alternatives that I am a huge fan of that merge style with comfort?  Military jackets are a favorite of mine, a cropped dark denim, or a faux fur vest for the more daring.  Style and comfort don't have to be complete polar opposites!

Obviously, this is the tip of the iceberg in the long list of stylish substitutes to make you look more polished.  Because if I have to see another pair of Ugg boots and a Juicy tracksuit at the airport, I'm going to scream! Remember, readers.  Not only will you feel better about yourself overall, but like Tom Ford said:

So, go and be polite! (And fashionable!)