Comfort Vs Style

I reached an all-time fashion low last night. It was a very rainy and miserable afternoon so I decided to have a shower and put on my cosy (and very comfortable) compression tights. These are basically just really tight tights but they feel amazing on sore legs. As a self-confessed gym nerd I am usually a walking ailment of sore muscles, so I love putting them on at the end of a big day. I had just settled in for an afternoon indoors with my two young girls when my husband rang and asked if we wanted to go out for dinner.

“Great!” I replied. “Oh cr*p, I have to take my tights off.”

Now let’s be clear, these tights aren’t your usual exercise pants. These require a good 10 minutes just to get them on, as well as an advanced diploma in lining up awkward seams. Not willing to undo my hard work by taking them off, I decided to use the clever creation of the maxi dress to partially cover up my fashion sins. I threw my dress over the top and left my daggy tights on underneath. Doesn’t sound too bad, right? Well my maxi dress comes to somewhere around the middle of my shins rather than my ankles, so you could well and truly see the pants. This may have been really edgy and cool if I were off to Sochi and just grabbing a quick bite to eat at the airport on the way. But I am not an Olympian. The closest I will get to snow this year will be defrosting my freezer. I am just very lazy when it comes to fashion, especially if it means I have to choose between comfort and style. So, I’ve searched far and wide for the top five tips to make the transition from frumpy to fancy while staying cosy.

No pyjama pants

No matter how tempted you are to slip down to the shops in your best flannelettes or even tracksuit pants, both of these are off the list. Draped pants are a great alternative and they are just as comfortable and fashionable. These can vary from fitted to loose cut and come in various styles to suit almost all body types. A cotton maxi skirt is another good option if you’re after something full-length.

Choose quality colour and material

If you are like me and not willing to take off your favourite daggy pants, choose an up-to-date colour as well as a good quality material. Yoga pants come in a beautiful range of colours and styles.

Cute flats to dress up

Adding a cute pair of flats to your comfy pants will almost certainly raise the style bar. They’ll not only dress up your outfit but they will update it too. Go for vibrant colours or cute designs.

No daggy caps

If whipping out the straightener or blow dryer isn’t an option for you but your hair still needs taming, throw on a hat. According to the experts, caps aren’t in this year (unless it’s leather or the ‘snapback’ kind and you’re actually at the beach.) Fedoras and panama hats are timeless alternatives that can offer even more protection from the sun than a cap. If it’s cold, a slouchy knit beanie is another stylish but very relaxed look.

 Leggings and Tunics

These may be the most versatile option when it comes to choosing comfortable yet stylish clothes. They can be   dressed up or down depending on the occasion and you can vary the length of the tunic. One pair of leggings can go with many different tunics so choose a colour you can mix and match with.

What’s your comfort outfit of choice?

Jessica Greenwood is a mum of two young girls and is married to a true blue Australian cane farmer. After travelling, studying and eventually working as a journalist Jess has now settled down in her home town of Cairns, Queensland to raise her family on the farm. When she’s not running around with her kids or cleaning up after them, she can usually be found in the gym or off the beaten track training for an extreme event. The rest of the time she is usually writing and enjoying the peace and quiet while her adorably noisy kids are asleep.