Sometimes I worry a bit too much about what to wear, especially when I’m planning on going on a date with my husband or out with friends. Daytime dates are tricky in particular, because I want to express myself (roll eyes here) AND feel comfortable.
It’s not that I get anxious about what other people will think of my outfit Erg, well, sometimes I do, although I remind myself that I’m a grown-ass woman and that I shouldn’t be concerned with other people’s opinions – but that’s a bit of an eternal battle, no? Haha.
It’s that for me, clothing often has less to do with “fashion” and more to do with my relationship with my surroundings.
Clothing has always been an extension of my body, the part of me that connects me to the environment. And I respect that relationship, or at least try to. I know that if I go out with someone I love, I want to be 100% present with that person, to feel at peace, able to soak in each moment, and be comfortable. Clothes can prime us for that experience, reminding us that we’re in special place, in a special moment, and with people that fill our lives with joy.
Last week we went to the Berkeley Rose Garden, an insanely beautiful public garden filled with every type of rose imaginable. I’m a bit ashamed to admit that I grew up in the Bay Area and only recently visited the garden. Yikes. It’s a magical place, all terraced with layers of roses against the backdrop of city and bay views. Unfortunatley, we forgot to take photos of the view (double yikes), but we will be back and take more next time.
So, what to wear on a daytime date?
For me, day dates present a challenge because comfort should play a major role in outfit choices, right? On these dates, we’re usually walking around, sometimes climbing on things illegally, sometimes getting lost in little neighborhoods around Berkeley. With us, you never really know. The problem is that I have a strong tendency to overdress, which doesn’t always lend itself to comfort. So it becomes a balancing act between what I should wear for maximum comfort and what I really want to wear. You know, for very serious sartorial reasons.
I went with a square-neck pink-and-mustard top from Topshop with buttons down the front in a soft cotton/linen fabric. For me, texture is paramount! Paired with this comfy waffle-knit sweater and cinched with a chunky leather belt, the visual is soft and rugged and romantic all at once. Oooh.
here
Supercool florescent scrunchie here.
I have a crush on this sweater because it lends a very relaxed feel while adding layers and texture to the outfit. It has the bonus of falling “accidentally” off the shoulder. Whoops. I admit that when this happens I feel like one of those lingerie models that always seem to be waking up in a state of “I’m messily sexy but accidentally-on-purpose.” You know the ones. Then I remember that I’m 5”1’ and the image fades, but the feeling stays and that’s what matters. In my mind I’m a sweater goddess.
A note on the belt – I bought that thing on sale from Gap Men’s department when I was in high school. It’s been one of those lucky pieces that cost almost nothing but has worked overtime for years. Anyone else get those random pieces that weave themselves unexpectedly into your wardrobe for. Ever?
The jeans are from Lucky Brand, and they have patchwork and distressed details which add a little something-something, no?
The heels are from Pour la Victoire. If all else fails, pick a nude heel, right? Being so high, they’re a good excuse to lean on my husband. But the truth is that he smells amazing and I want to be close to him without seeming creepy. I am also not above kicking them off and going barefoot 🙂
I stacked a bunch of rings, mostly family heirlooms, for jewelry and topped it off with a ridiculously fun, florescent scrunchie (because life is short and anything that’s both florescent and a scrunchie is worth my time). Towards the end of the afternoon, though, I felt the need to fly free so I shook that thing out and let my hair down. I know, I’m super wild.
So, is wearing a four inch stiletto in a garden practical or comfortable? Hmm, not really. Haha. Thank God for paved walkways. BUT it was worth it because I felt like a damn princess and we had a great time.
What do you think? Any fun, go-to day outfits?
Love
Stig
