Running Errands in Style

Published: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Jamaica Observer

Since we are Under the Dryer, we decided to dedicate this week to running errands and getting dolled up on a Saturday... in style. We are often tempted to pull on the most comfortable clothing when heading out on the weekend to do errands, especially after a week of dressing up for work. Knowing that we will be running about, we opt for comfort, and may not necessarily consider style while we get dressed. But by filling the wardrobe with stylish clothing that are also comfortable, we won't be tempted to pull on just any old garment and head out. It's a fallacy that style cannot be comfortable.

Opt for Stylish pieces

There are some garments that are considered comfortable items, such as exercise apparel, or jeans. We can opt for stylish versions of these items, or clothing inspired by them, that give the same level of comfort. So the first step in addressing the wardrobe upgrade is to shop for fashionable versions of these items. These include trendy comfort shoes instead of sneakers, for example.

A loose and comfortable cotton dress (belt optional) worn with stylish yet comfy gladiator sandals.

The knit dress can be jazzed up with a wide-brimmed hat and pumps for the girl who just can't give up her stilettos.

Mixing Style with Comfort

It is also not necessarily about tossing everything that may not be super-chic, but consider matching "comfort" pieces with stylish or trendy ones. So if we opt for jeans, then we could go with a fashionable top, rather than a T-shirt which is likely to give a drab look. If we love T-shirts, or even loose shirts, then wearing T-shirts or shirt dresses is a good way to stay comfortable and look fashionable.

These items can also be dressed up for other occasions. This gives more stretch to the wardrobe as such items can be dressed up, whereas the simpler pieces cannot.

Steps: Loose dress

* This is a process we have repeated a few times now, and hope you see the versatility in some construction steps.

1. Cut (i) front and back pieces, (ii) facing for the neckline.

2. Join facing to the back (right sides together) then turn inside and topstitch.

3. Join facing to the front (right sides together) then turn inside and topstitch.

4. Join front to back at sides and shoulders.

5. Finish edges and hem.

(Photos: Marc Evans)


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