can comfy be cute?

Written By Julianna Partida

I was once quoted Oscar Wilde and his thoughts on fashion being utterly useless and a waste of materials.

I think all college girls have been there. How come when I wear sweats, I just look tired?

I’m going to tell you that it’s not you — I’m serious, it’s the extra steps. Ugh. We can think about it in a geometrical way where not all rectangles are squares, but all squares are rectangles; not all comfy outfits are cute, but cute outfits can be comfy! (I know, my logic isn’t 100%)

I’ll share some recent outfits that were good I’d say, an improvement from the past for sure, and then we can analyze them!

I think the top secret thing that the “clean girl” trend holds to make it effortlessly chic, is accessorizing.

Trust — any boring outfit looks more elevated with the right pieces. Perfect time to wear big hoops and loud bracelets.

Consider:

  • sock height

  • jewelry colors (silver, gold, or mixed)

  • shoe choice (bold or neutral)

DON’T FORGET HAIR!

Comfy to be stylish isn’t an excuse to keep it plain…!

Examples (courtesy of Pinterest)

Misc.

I also engage with this one creator, Sam Shunney (@samshunney), because I think he makes some fair points and has good information on just manners and important social skills. He’s right, though, how you look is how you make your first impression without saying anything.

So always:

  • put your laundry away so it doesn’t wrinkle

    • yes, fold your clothes and hang them up

  • get clothes that fit you well — don’t invest in pieces that won’t look good on you over and over again

    • this can be cheaper than you’d think

Jewelry

Seriously, it’s important. Honestly, this is trickier to shop for than clothes sometimes because you're balancing quality and cost. But I think comfy is always elevated with the right pieces. Not too thick, not too much, but complementary. Huge statement pieces aren’t always the move with this comfort style, but it’s definitely subjective. Here’s some inspiration I think would serve as good examples.

Statements

Crazy, but I think the statement for the right comfy fit usually is shoes — unless the color of your clothes is vibrant or the main focal.

I used to despise Adidas Sambas…but I don’t think they’re that bad, I think I just didn’t like the way they were styled sometimes. I really enjoy bright shoes with simple, comfy outfits, or bright sweat sets. However, I never understood Birkenstock Clogs. Why are we wearing clogs…I can’t believe I wore Crocs. Up to you! I just think they’re very descriptive about your personality and lack imagination.

Also, just because it’s “comfy” or “clean” doesn’t mean it can’t be colorful! I loveeee the patterned pants or mixing the right colors. I think it gives you some edge and whimsy.

All of this is just something I’ve observed about how people are able to pull this off — unfortunately, it’s not effortless.

XOXO, J

Julianna Partida