Last updated on November 17, 2018 by Liza Hawkins
I’m happy to report it’s possible to be both fashionable and practical—just use these 5 tips for no-fuss outfits. Aventura Clothing® sponsored this post.
I appreciate fashion that’s functional, practical and has a style that’s both classic and up-to-date. Classic, functional pieces can and should last more than a season.
The practicality of those pieces is made exponentially better in my eyes if the clothes can be washed and dried normally, and if they need zero (to minimal) ironing. Blech. Ironing.
That said, clothes, even the classic ones, still have to look current. Jeans from a decade ago, for example, have a tendency to look a little “off” these days, no matter how classic they were at the time. It’s worth it to get rid of the clothes you hate, in favor of making room for new pieces you love.
And as you’re adding those new pieces, pull together stylish looks that don’t just appear effortless; they ARE effortless.
5 Tips For No-Fuss Outfits
1. Embrace simple dresses.
I don’t wear dresses everyday, but I’ve found that they make life SO much easier when I’m headed to a business meeting, a social event, or to a warm summer picnic.
It’s only one piece of clothing to worry about, and can be dressed up or down depending on accessories and shoes (see #2).
My two current faves are these two from Aventura Clothing—they wash and wear beautifully.
With the exception of a few, I find most dresses fall better when I wear shapewear—it acts as a “smoother” and a slip, all in one.
A biker short style like this works best for me because the fit is comfortable (no creeping or adjustments needed). If you need shapewear to use with pants, then you might want to choose a style like this Vanishing Tummy option from Soma instead (no one wants to worry about thigh lines).
2. Consider accessories to pair with basics.
From scarves and necklaces to sandals and flats, accessories can really change the look of an outfit.
Spend money on quality, well-fitting basics that can be used for multiple purposes.
Dark straight leg jeans, a long-sleeve tee and a sweater poncho work perfect for running errands on a Saturday.
Those same jeans with a dressy top, fun necklace and heels could easily glide you into dinner in the city later that night.
Also, don’t doubt the power of a good hat.
Whether I’m sitting on the sidelines of a lacrosse game or a track meet, or I’m helping my mom in her gardens, a comfortable and shade-giving hat is key.
3. Try a subscription service if you hate shopping.
Over the years I’ve grown weary of shopping for clothes at malls, department stores, and even Target (I know).
I’ve learned my lesson with certain pieces of clothing, like jeans, that trying on sizes in person can actually make a huge difference, so I’m not completely opposed to trekking to Old Navy in town if I want to try a new style.
But, once I know what works, I’m happy to continue future purchases online, thankyouverymuch.
Another fun way to get a fashion-fix without schlepping to the store is Stitch Fix.
Over the course of two years, my stylists learn what I liked (and didn’t) and offered up new pieces of clothes that I would never have picked out on my own, either because of the cut OR because it was way bolder than the grays and browns I’m drawn to.
Interested in trying Stitch Fix? You totally need to. Click here to sign up using my referral link.
4. Pick travel-friendly fabrics.
There’s nothing worse than checking into a hotel after a long day on airplanes, only to find your outfits are a wrinkled mess.
Sometimes it’s unavoidable, I get it. But most of the time it’s totally avoidable and I’ve learned to thwart the wrinkles by sticking with certain fabrics.
Rayon and polyester blends make my travel-life a whole lot easier since they’re virtually impossible to wrinkle, and I’ve embraced them as part of my business travel wardrobe because of it.
5. Find a great pair of jeans (or three).
A great pair of jeans can make you feel pulled together just as much as an ill-fitting pair of denim can make you feel, well, like this:
(Yes, I witnessed more than a few pairs of high-waisted, pleated, tapered fashion awesomeness while in the city recently.)
Instead, go to a store like Old Navy, Target or LOFT, where there’s an abundance of sizes and styles.
Bring a trusted friend and try on everything with abandon. During my last trip to Old Navy, I realized instead of the size 10s I’d been buying for the past decade, I really wear their curvy size 8. Who knew? I wouldn’t have, unless my sister kept me trying on different pairs and lower sizes.
Once you know your size, buy a few different styles.
I like straight leg and skinnies, but I hear (shudder) that boot cut’s coming back, too. And, also wide leg! It’s like 1996 all over again…
