7 Tips To Create A Comfortable Yet Stylish Outfit

Sponsored by Zappos
Sometime in my 30s I figured out my personal style. It is simple, yet chic (I hope!) but most importantly it is comfortable. If you were to scroll through the style post archives you will notice how it has evolved over the last decade. 

No matter what occasion or which place, I always choose comfort in my clothing. I believe when my clothes fit right and are comfortable I automatically feel confident and at peace in my skin. 

  
In today's post in collaboration with Zappos, I am sharing a few tips I apply to my personal style: 

1. Comfort and Ease

I always pick fabrics have ease of movement but are still fitted (never too baggy). The movement in fabric also gives it more elegance. Drape and lightness can add that little extra feeling of comfortable ease and elegance, especially in summers.

For winters I choose structured pieces in soft fabrics (silk, wool) which are easy to layer on. 

2. Clothing care is vital 

One of things I never ignore to check while shopping is the care requirements for the fabrics. Majority of my wardrobe is easy-care fabrics that can be thrown into the washing machine and don’t require hand-washing or dry cleaning.

3. Always choose quality

Fabrics need to be in the finer more high-quality arena. Consider fine merino knits which are machine washable for winter and summer weight knits from fabrics that include fibers like viscose or bamboo and elastane (rather than lots of polyester which pills or high quantities of cotton which can look cheap and wear poorly).

4. Layer a third piece

The magic of the Third Piece! It is a staple n creating a stylish outfit. I often layer with a kimono/duster – the drape and fabric give some glamour and elegance to the outfit.
For cooler seasons try a jacket. A jacket doesn’t have to be a suit jacket – it could be in color or in a knit fabric that dresses up a pair of jeans and takes your outfit up a level without feeling too overdressed.

5. Shoes make or break the look

Now on to the most important part of any outfit: Shoes! Few examples of a comfortable but stylish shoes are – wedges, espadrilles, ballet flats or sandals. In winter try boots made from polished leather.
When it comes to quality footwear, think about finish – patent or color can add a little elegance and a more dressed up appearance. Or a pattern or pony hair is another option for a flat shoe to give it more interest and elegance. Always maintain shoes so they don’t look tired. Regular polishing (or brushing of suede) keeps them from looking scuffed.
Personally, flats seems to be my go-to choice when aiming for comfort! Luckily, comfortable flats are in trend and hence available in huge variety. One of the brands I recent discovered at Zappos for comfortable footwear is Munro. They have comfortable shoes that fit my wide feet and are fashionable at the same time. "Munro strives to provide the best fitting footwear in the industry, and its philosophy of providing a diverse range of “All Day Fashion” for women appeals to anyone who is on their feet throughout the day. Whether you’re at the office, in the classroom, in the home, or anywhere in between - Munro has the fit for you (offering up to 75 sizes and widths)!" Here I have styled 'Munro Pisces', a pair which has helped me move through my day, while staying comfortable and giving me that fashionable fit. I choose them for two reasons, one it's name (I am a Pisces) and second the 100% 5-star rating on Zappos site. I ordered them on a Friday afternoon, and they were at my doorstep the next day. Zappos stellar customer service and speedy shipping never ceases to amaze me. Not to mention their convenient and 365 Day return policy.   If you are in the market for a pair of shoes but are struggling to find a pair which not only understands you need but is also stylish, look to further. Munro's proprietary technology and understanding of foot physiology provide all-day lasting support, durability and breathability. With prime leather selections and an array of versatile styles that pair with multiple looks, Munro’s footwear are the perfect companion to a busy lifestyle.

6. Don't forget the accessories 

Accessories such as necklaces, bangles/bracelets and earrings are key to making an outfit feel finished. Alternatively try a scarf, hat or feature belt to your outfit and create that all important focal point.

7. Personal grooming can make all the difference

Last but not the least, grooming. Style is not just about what you wear but about how you carry yourself. Spending a little time in the morning to do your hair and add a little makeup can take your whole look up a notch into a more stylish or elegant chic way. I bet if you look around at images of women you consider to be stylishly dressed there is one thing in common, and that is grooming.

The fact of the matter is that none of us have hours in the morning to spend on hair or a lifestyle that allows for new clothing every week. Most of us are busy, active, and could always use that extra hour of sleep instead of blowdrying our hair. I hope you would use this post as a blueprint for a few tried and true cheats that will make you appear as chic as possible while still being effortlessly comfortable.