Sometimes a gal just wants to look cute comfy, am I right? You know those days when you just wanna stay in bed and snuggle with the puppy because it’s cosy and warm? Yeah, sounds cute but puppis are worse than toddlers in the bed, taking up all the damn room! What about the days when you just wanna stay in your pyjamas, but heading out for a coffee or to the shops in your flannel nightshirt and Uggs would attract a few too many ‘weirdo’ glances?
That was me today. I woke up with a crook neck and after a big weekend I just wanted to feel soft clothes against my tired skin. I’m a fan of the casual vibe and unrestrictive clothing so finding something in my wardrobe that meets the criteria for a ‘casual Monday’ isn’t a stretch.
How about you? Do you have a ‘go to’ look or outfit that you turn to when you want to dial it back and have a ‘comfy womfy’ day? A few of you have asked lately how I seem to effortlessly put together a casual look, I’m a sharing type so this one is for you.
If you struggle with the soft pant look I have 7 tips to get you started….
Droppies are your friend.
I hear a few of you gasping and even cringing at the suggestion of a droppie, but every single time I suggest them to a client who has reservations they have converted to the droppie faster than three year old let loose in a candy store. Because they are cute comfy.
Droppies are the pant that sticks the middle finger up to others judgment, they are for the ‘wearer’ (is that even a word?) and when I see a sista in them I wanna hi 5 her for honouring her own personal style and comfort.
Wear them a little lower on the hip, cuff or pull up the ankle a little, do a little half tuck with your tee and for superior comfort buy them in a soft fabric and have fun with print. If you want to dress them up a little add a heel.
Ok, ok, if a droppie absolutely is not for you then try a pair of boyfriend jeans or denim joggers for your relaxed casual look.
Ponte is on point.
A Ponte pant is the grown up big sister of the legging. Thicker with a little more coverage and the magical powers that pull you in just a little they are comfortable and classy. Ponte also has a way of smoothing lumps, bumps and even cellulite. All hail Ponte! Cute comfy AND magical!
Tuck your Ponte pant into ankle boots or long boots and look for Ponte pants in colours other than black, of course if black is your thing then go with it.
Ponte in a straight skirt is also a dream and keep an eye out for Ponte panels in jackets. Ponte panels give superior comfort and a dream fit.
Hi Lo tops.
My personal belief is that I’m curvy and I want my clothes to echo my gorgeous curves. I’m not a fan of boxy straight hems so I will always reach for a Hi Lo tee over anything else. This one below is from Intimo, my favourite lady to order through is Heidi. Find her on Instagram HERE.
Make sure there is enough length in the front to play with a half or full tuck and flouncing. This will give you options and allow you to create multiple looks. If you love chambray as much as me then look for a chambray shirt with curves.
Comfy kicks.
White kicks are my jam, find a style to suit your personality and you will always have a comfy and stylish shoe option. I’ve been known to team white kicks with everything from casual to a ballgown, it’s all in the attitude. I’m also very partial to my leopard print sporty loafers so if white is not for you experiment with colour and print.
Keep your casual kicks clean and neat, that way they will always look stylish.
Bomber jackets.
Bomber jackets come in and out of fashion but will always be in style. Push the sleeves up, leave open or even tie around your waist. A block colour like my khaki one will settle a print and the luxe fabric lends a dressier edge to simple styling. Keep it casual with cotton drill or jersey stretch fabrics.
On the flip side there are lots of print bombers coming through and these are a great way to add some personality to your basic foundation pieces. Bomber jackets have no collar and have either a fitted waistband or pull tie waistband, giving a relaxed structure.
Layer like a player.
The real key to stylish comfy womfy is layering. Even in the cooler months you can layer, if it’s new to you then it just takes some practice. Use Instagram to take inspiration from bloggers/stylists who layer well. No matter your size you can still be ‘inspired’ by others and tailor the look or feel to your own body shape.
Layering allows us to wear more of our wardrobe more often and for most of the year, which is great news when it comes to good ‘dollar per wear’.
Layering is also the way we ‘speak’ with our clothes, it conveys our very own personal style. Layering can be as simple or as creative as you like and there really is no wrong to do it. Mix up your print and pattern, keep it monochrome or go a little crazy with colour and /or texture.
Just make sure that if you remove a layer that your look will still work for you.
Balance.
Balance out gritty with pretty, soft with structured, sporty with luxe. Stylish layering is that unexpected juxtaposition of fabrics, texture or styling. Team a sparkling statement necklace with sporty kicks, use an oversized clutch instead of your regular handbag, place luxe fabric next to shredded denim.
There you go, do you feel like you might give it a go now? Collect a few foundation layering pieces, add some on trend pieces and have fun!
Let me know how you go.
Til next time,
Jen x
Some items in this post were sent to me for my editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy.
I am home sick, was considering spending all day in my pjs, now I think I might get dressed! The shorter you hair is the more I love it Jen, suits you perfectly. I love your grey jumper too. Great post x
Thanks Kathryn, the grey jumper is a target bargain ?
My hair is growing so fast lately, in need of a side trim already!
I’m so glad I found you (via intimo). Any recommendations for the best place to get me a pair of droppies?
Hi Justine I would check out
Bohemian Traders (size down) https://bohemiantraders.com/bottoms/
17 Sundays http://www.17sundays.com
SEED, Cotton on and ASOS/ASOS CURVE
Hope that helps x
Oh chick – you hottie! those leopard print ones – where are they from? xx
Haha everyone loves em Sonia, they’re from Empress Eleven but sold out sorry X
Oh bugger~ Thanks though hun xx
Wow, just today I was considering buying the bohemian traders plum droppies! You are a mind reader ? As I live in a very cold place (for Australia) I’ll have to wear a cardi (or jacket) even inside. I’m thinking a longline cardi or cocoon cardi might look good with droppies – what do you think?
Hey Tracy I have the plum, size down at least on size. They are a lovely weight (like a denim) and warm.
Try a long boyfriend cardi but remember to tuck your too a little (and flounce) in the front so your layers don’t look too heavy.
The plum loves navy, mustard, pink, sage and grey ?
Thanks for the colour tips! I like the navy too but have been wearing quite a bit of blue and black together lately, so I thought I’d try the challenge of the plum ?
Hi Jenni,
I lurve these blogs, get so much out of them, but I am terrified of droppies & ponties! I can do boyfriend jeans & the jogger pants though! My big fear of droppies is my thighs rubbing, I have thumpers! Is that a problem with them? Ponties are just to tight & I can’t find the right pair, again my tree trunk legs are an issue! Cheers Melissa. ?
I really struggle with styling soft pants so they don’t look too pajamery. Id like to wear them with flat ankle boots but don’t trust my own judgement. Any tips Jenni?