how to decide what to wear

The dilemma of what to wear…we all know the feeling. We receive an invitation to something: a dinner out, a party, a wedding, a business event, etc., then the fun/exciting/stressful thought comes into our head…”What should I wear?” If you are like Julie and I, opportunities to wear something other than a casual or dressy casual outfit are few and far between. We both love fashion and creating outfits so much that we don’t want to miss the mark when we have a chance to break out of our usual mold.  Some of you also love this challenge, while some of you despise the stress of deciding what to wear. We want to help!

Here are some things to consider when you’re creating your special outfit:

Step one: Plan for a future outfit

When my kids were little, I had them make a sign on the door to the garage that said, “Where am I going? And, “What will I need?” Once you know what the event is, plan ahead! Think your outfit through down to the accessories and undergarments, if necessary. Don’t wake up the morning of the event scrambling to throw an outfit together.  For instance, if you have a wedding to go to at the end of the summer, buy a dress in the spring. By the end of the summer, the dress selection is slim and it may be hard to find your size because the fall clothes have already taken over the stores.

Step two: Consider the “dress”

Another consideration while choosing your outfit is that you need to know what is an appropriate amount of “dressiness” for the event. Of course you want to express your personal style, but you don’t want to be out of place. What will other people be wearing? Consult a stylish friend to see what she will be wearing. You may even want to consult a stylist!! Here at Lastseenwearing we want to help you with your styling needs. We can help you to be prepared with stylish outfit formulas for the places your lifestyle takes you. For instance, now that my kids are older, my husband and I are going out to dinner more with friends. This means I’ve had to buy more “out to dinner” wardrobe pieces such as fun, statement tops, funky jeans and stylish, yet casual heels. I love wearing this elevated casual look – this kind of outfit makes the night more special!!

Step three: Think about warmth

Another important consideration is the weather. Here in the Pacific Northwest, even though it’s summer, our weather can be very unpredictable. We rely heavily on layers to get us through the day. You want to make sure all your layers work together to complete your stylish outfit. You don’t want to cover up a pretty dress with a fleece jacket lol. Make sure each layer can stand alone when the weather takes a turn for better or worse.

Feel free to have fun creating your outfit, but also consider who you will be hanging out with. If your friends are fashionistas, go crazy! Be as trendy as you want to be! If your friends could care less about fashion, perhaps it is appropriate to tone down your outfit a bit. Creating and wearing stylish outfits is super fun, but the most important part of socializing is the relationship you have with that person or people. You wouldn’t want to make the event all about you or make others feel uncomfortable when you show up to coffee in a sequin dress!

So, with careful planning your outfit choice will help you enjoy your special event. When you are wearing something that you feel comfortable and stylish in, you are free to focus on other people and the festivities!

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