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Un-Fancy

Outfits: Summer, summer outfits

just hanging out at the corner of style + comfort

06/30/16

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Style or comfort?

I’m so over choosing.

I’ll take both, please and thank you.

I’m a few years into this whole “figuring out my style” thing, and when I first started, it didn’t take too long to find the aesthetic I loved.

But it did take me a while to figure out how to execute my aesthetic in the most comfortable way possible.

In fact, I’m still figuring it out.

Last week, I released my free wardrobe planner and an example of how I filled out my own planner. If you checked out the example, you probably noticed that I made notes about things in my closet that aren’t working for me, even today — mostly because it turned out they weren’t as comfortable as I thought they’d be.

So, hitting that sweet spot of comfort + style is a process.

But even though I still make mistakes, this outfit is definitely a win for comfort + style.

Let’s break it down:

No. 1: Flat, comfortable shoes.

Flat shoes are the best.

Except for when they have zero support and give you blisters. :)

But here’s my big secret:

As soon as I get a new pair of shoes, I slip some comfy insoles in ’em and I put moleskin padding around the heel and any other uncomfortable spots. Quick tip: instead of following the instructions and putting the moleskin on my foot, I put it directly onto my shoe instead.

And just like that, they’re broken in.

Just say no to blisters.

No. 2: A structured leather tote, with plenty of compartments to keep me organized on the go.

I swing back and forth — sometimes I prefer a small bag, sometimes a big bag.

But right now, a roomy tote equals comfort.

Why? Because I can stash snacks in it. And a sweater if it gets chilly. Or a backup pair of flats if I’m wearing heels. Or my fav water bottle.

Basically, I can fit all the comforts of home in my tote.

No. 3: A pretty, easy-to-wear midi dress.

I’ve dubbed this dress the most comfortable, wearable dress I own. Here’s why:

  • One word: Pockets.
  • A camouflaging pattern that will come in handy when I inevitably spill something on myself.
  • An adjustable drawstring that defines my waist (but it can also be loosened after a couple of tacos).
  • A midi length that keeps things demure.
  • And soft, throw-in-the-wash fabric.

Give me that overlap between style and comfort and I’ll take it every time.

What about you? Do you lean more towards style or comfort? Got any tips for upping your style game while staying comfortable?

Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:

01 / Dress gifted by Bridge + Burn (responsibly made) / Same dress, also pretty in light blue

02 / Bag gifted by ONA / similar tote for less (responsibly made)

03 / Shoes by Madewell (on sale) / similar sandals (responsibly made)

04 / Bracelet by Moulton (responsibly made)

05 / Necklace (old) / similar in gold

xo

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61 Comments

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Comments

  1. ClarE dowling says

    June 30, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Like you I’m somewhere along the road to having my style and my comfort completely in sync. At the moment, I’m trying to replacing things (only when they need to be replaced, which I never admit to until a favourite item is totally falling apart) with garments that are as expressive of my style but secretly express my need to be comfortable. Shoes are the hardest. I’m far too inclined to pick edgy options that leave my feet aching after a simple trip to the post office. Now I look for block heels and straps or laces that keep the foot in place and allow greater ankle support. And I’m all about smock dresses, which really suit my grungy-girlie-but-weirdly-smark-and-put-together look. Or desired look.

    Reply
  2. ClarE dowling says

    June 30, 2016 at 11:26 am

    Should say “smart”!

    Reply
  3. elisha-mae i wear this? says

    June 30, 2016 at 11:39 am

    love the simplicity of your approach to style! i wish i had the self-restraint to have a minimal wardrobe :-(

    elisha-mae I wear this?
    http://www.elisha-mae.co.uk

    Reply
    • Alicia says

      June 30, 2016 at 6:58 pm

      Hi I’m Alicia May!!

      I adore Caroline’s style and am two season into creating my perfect wardrobe. Finally working out your style is just too much fun.

      Alicia
      https://olivekisses.wordpress.com/

      Reply
  4. Bonnie Rae says

    June 30, 2016 at 11:40 am

    You have made me just adore Madewell. I never would have realized how wonderful and stylish their clothing is if you didn’t feature them so often! Comfort is always on my planner as well :)

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Bonnie, their style is just so spot-on for me! Glad you like them too :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  5. Aimee says

    June 30, 2016 at 11:56 am

    I love this outfit, especially the shoes and purse. For summer, I definitely have to wear comfy and practical outfits. It’s just too hot to be tugging at clothes that don’t feel right.
    By the way, this week I used your new wardrobe planner to re-organize my summer wardrobe. It was lots of fun and I feel really confident about the outfits I’ll be wearing this summer. It has already saved me a lot of time in the mornings. I love your website and wardrobe inspiration!
    Aimee
    http://www.lifetimeorganizing.com

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:46 am

      That’s so exciting Aimee! Have a wonderfully stylish summer! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  6. Julie says

    June 30, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    I was all in for this… until I remembered what trips me up every time… the underwire strapless bra negates the comfort. And it’s the spaghetti straps that keep this dress looking so sweet! Love the look, though. Thank you for all the inspiration you provide!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      June 30, 2016 at 1:20 pm

      Hi Julie! Totally understand! Have you tried looking for a comfy wireless option? I’m trying out this one: http://bit.ly/295zRJk I’ve also been known to take an exacto knife and cut the wires and boning out of bras, swimsuits, etc. It works great! xo, Caroline

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        June 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm

        Caroline, what a great idea to cut out the underwires, I love it!

        I have the same frustration with bras and I’ll definitely try both your suggestions. Thank you!

        Reply
    • Kate says

      July 1, 2016 at 2:08 pm

      Depending on how busty you are Julie maybe try something like this: http://www.naja.co/collections/bustier/products/talavera-valentina-bustier

      I am a DDD and this is the only kind of strapless I can stand. Because there is the bustier part below the cups you get additional support without having to have the bra as tight. I have this exact bra and love it.

      Caroline, you may like this company. They try to work with women who are heads of households or are single parents. They also print all their fabrics rather than dye them to cut on water waste.

      Reply
      • Eloise says

        August 4, 2016 at 5:10 am

        Kate – I just checked out the Naja website. Amazing! I just love it. Thank you for the recommendation! :)

        Reply
    • Sarah Alice Andrews says

      November 25, 2016 at 12:42 am

      Just a thought, but have you been professionally fitted in a bra? In my experience, the wiring of a bra shouldn’t be uncomfortable if the wire is cupping you correctly & the band is not too tight across the ribcage. But I do get that the silicon on a strapless bra is not always comfy in summer heat. ;).

      Reply
  7. Kari says

    June 30, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    I like that dress. Just the thing for hot summer days!
    Kari
    http://sweetteasweetie.com/fresh-mozzarella-cucumber-quinoa-salad/

    Reply
  8. lisa ValinskY says

    June 30, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    I am all about comfort (and clothes that hide stains, lol). I could live in my cotton shirts and skirts and a pair of Birkenstocks all summer and be totally happy.

    I’m doing the stay at home mom thing right now and love that I can live in comfy clothes, but even when I was a teacher I always sought out comfortable outfits and shoes.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:48 am

      Lisa, it just doesn’t make any sense to be uncomfortable or wear “high-risk” clothes, right?! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  9. Eloise says

    June 30, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    You’ve definitely got both covered here! Love the dress xx

    Reply
  10. Jackie (york avenue) says

    June 30, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    I love this dress! It looks so great on you. Comfy and stylish – love the midi length.

    Reply
  11. Berta Errando Aguila says

    June 30, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    Since I am a mum, comfort is a must! It’s impossible to run after a two year old in heels or a mini skirt. Sometimes is not easy to find both…. but I am learning to not to buy anything that doesn’t have both. Thanks again for your inspiring posts!!!

    Reply
  12. Taryn says

    June 30, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    I love your outfit! And yes, comfort is absolutely as important as style in my book. I’ve become more picky than ever when I’m out shopping because of this. Nothing’s worse than fidgeting with a garment that’s too tight/itchy/slips down, or whatever, when I figure there’s got to be a better option out there I just haven’t found yet. I just got rid of a lot of clothes like that, and I’m not bringing more back in! :)

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:49 am

      Taryn! Woo! It’s so nice when you have a closet full of clothes that you actually enjoy wearing! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  13. Lifeeofgirls says

    June 30, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    Your dress is so beautiful *-*

    https://lifeeofgirls.wordpress.com

    Reply
  14. Hanni says

    June 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    I love your description for “the dress”: soft, comfy, and drop into the washer are Musts on my tick list! However, I have yet to find cute wearable shoes like yours and hadn’t heard of moleskin padding, presumably for snug fit. Thanks for that!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:50 am

      Hanni, I’d say give the moleskin thing a try and hopefully it will help your shoe situation :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  15. Alina @EclecticAlu says

    June 30, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    That dress is beautiful, and so wearable!

    Alina
    http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com

    Reply
  16. melanie says

    June 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm

    hello! i know you’re researching and exploring ethical fashion. i’m curious if you have considered or will consider going vegan in your fashion journey? many consider it unethical for animals to be sacrificed for our personal pleasure and adornment.

    no judgments, just curious. :) plus i would love to find a resource, like you, who has these values to assist in my own personal fashion journey as well.
    light & love, ox

    Reply
    • Michaela says

      June 30, 2016 at 11:30 pm

      While I understand the concerns vegans have about leather (I assume you are referring to Caroline’s shoes and bag) I find the common vegan shoes/bags made of pleather – or “vegan leather” as it is marketed – to be as bad or worse. This is a fancy name for plastic (recycled or not), and the manufacturing and disposal of it takes it’s own toll on the environment, wildlife (especially marine life) and so on. It is possible to find products made of recycled leather, and to find products made of leather that is exclusively a by-product of the meat industry (thereby honoring the whole animal). Leather will biodegrade in the landfill or the compost pile, and typically lasts longer. I wholly admire the effort some people make to avoid synthetic materials and focus exclusively on natural plant fibers, like cloth bags and shoes – and perhaps that’s what you do, and that is great. But I can’t help but to dismiss the idea that vegan pleather is a more ethical choice over any and all leather, as is so often suggested by those who market such products. It is not so simple a matter, in my opinion.

      Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:55 am

      Hey Melanie and Michaela, thank you for your thoughtful posts. I don’t think it’s possible to start on the ethical shopping journey without at least considering going vegan. I appreciate both points of view and will continue researching! Thanks :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  17. Lisa says

    June 30, 2016 at 9:49 pm

    I actually didn’t realize how important comfy clothes were for me until I started filling out the capsule planner and realized that most of my go tos were described as cute and comfy. Suddenly, I’m realizing why the skirts with the tighter waistbands that don’t allow for a good-sized lunch are staying in the drawer!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:56 am

      Lisa — truth! haha :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  18. Atul@ Charu Fashions says

    July 1, 2016 at 5:54 am

    Gorgeous Outfit! Superb style!!

    Reply
  19. Marie @ The Business of Blooming says

    July 1, 2016 at 6:01 am

    I love the title of this post – it’s a great place to be :)

    Reply
  20. Kristin says

    July 1, 2016 at 8:28 am

    I recently discovered your blog and the capsule wardrobe has really helped me as I have been slowly transitioning from a “business” centered wardrobe to a more relaxed yet professional looking wardrobe. Your advice particularly helped me pair down and identify what makes me feel great. I smiled when I saw your description in your sample planner as “feminine tomboy,” the word I came up for mine is “Refined Tomboy”! I also wanted to share my newly discovered apple cider vinegar drinks after I saw your mention in another post. My morning favorite is a 1/2 cup of orange juice over ice with 1 T of apple cider vinegar and topped off with peach flavored sparkling water, it’s like having a morning cocktail! Later in the day I also found the vinegar tastes good added to Fresca! Thanks for sharing, your inspirations!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:56 am

      Kristin, that sounds delish! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  21. Leah says

    July 1, 2016 at 9:31 am

    I like to think of my outfits as stylishly comfortable. In the summer I love reaching for things made out of cotton or linen. Sure, it’s a pain in the butt to reach for the iron every time I want to wear a shirt, but it keeps me cool in the summer heat.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:57 am

      Leah, absolutely. It’s worth the few minutes to iron/steam items to feel fresh all day :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  22. Danae says

    July 1, 2016 at 11:49 am

    I absolutely love your site! I’m currently in a revamp of my closet and honestly style. For so long I’ve just worn clothes but now I’m at a place where I wanna wear clothes that at me. I’m team comfort and practical all the way (save the few pieces that aren’t “practical” but oh so lovely) and learning how to make that stylish!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 11:59 am

      Danae! Woohoo! It’s so fun when you get to be YOU :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  23. Lan | Morestomach blog says

    July 1, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    ok, thank you so much for your tip. i have those same sandals (and another pair by madewell) and even after THREE months, i still am getting blisters. i don’t wear these often, and or trek far in them, due to that and what i’m going to mention next:

    this might be TMI, but i have sweaty feet sometimes, which makes for a slew of issues, one of them being stinky shoes/feet, and wanting to only buy cheap shoes cus they smell so bad after awhile. also, wearing bandaids don’t work because i sweat so much that they will FALL OFF.

    putting the moleskin directly on the shoe itself – i will have to try now. because i love these shoes, they’ve just be so painful to wear.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      Lan, I understand and sympathize with feet issues! We do what we need to do to make sure our tootsies are taken care of. :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  24. Karin Rambo says

    July 1, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    Comfort is my number one! I do the moleskin trick as well and it has literally changed everything! It’s the little things…

    Karin
    http://www.truncationblog.com

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      Indeed Karin! Indeed :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  25. Angelina says

    July 2, 2016 at 12:34 am

    Ok well if it has pockets, it’s pretty much an automatic favorite! I love how casual and comfortable your style always is, and your jewelry is just so versatile. I need to invest in some cute sandals for the summer, for sure!

    Angelina Is | Bloglovin’

    Reply
  26. Jess says

    July 2, 2016 at 9:01 am

    Hi,
    I am curious about what insoles you use and how to keep them from showing in a shoe such as the ones you are wearing here. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:49 pm

      Hi Jess, I use the Dr. Scholl’s DreamWalk line. They are a little smaller and easier to fit into sandals. :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  27. Elizabeth says

    July 2, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    I so agree with you, give me both comfort and style please. Why compromise?

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 12:05 pm

      Elizabeth – exactly! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  28. camille says

    July 3, 2016 at 5:52 am

    Lovely look
    Xoxo
    http://fashionbackyard.blogspot.fr

    Reply
  29. Tanya E says

    July 3, 2016 at 11:52 am

    Really great to see outfits for the heat, as I struggle to choose outfits for the hot weather! I’m sure that’s due to living in a mild climate (UK), so I don’t have much call for it. The dress is really sweet, in both colourways.

    I have recently been replacing quite a few items and comfort and style is so important. I love the part of your planner which looks at this, if something is not quite right – why? It pays to be picky and always choose things we really love.

    Reply
  30. Mary says

    July 5, 2016 at 7:03 am

    I love your blog! I have been so inspired and started my own capsule.

    Would you consider showing us all your shoes at once (in a single blog post), maybe writing where/how you wear them and why you chose them? I know you have written about shoes before, but I think it is a major struggling point for many women because we convince ourselves we need a shoe for every occasion.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 5, 2016 at 12:06 pm

      Hi Mary, I’ll certainly add it to my list of upcoming post ideas! Thanks :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  31. Rita says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:17 am

    Hi Caroline! I so agree with you on comfort. After discovering my style I abandoned most of it because it wasn’t comfortable and if it didn’t allow me to feel myself in my clothes it actually isn’t my style :)

    I couldn’t help to notice you have a “dark” eye (is that the term in English?). Or is it makeup (if it is I’m a little embarresed sorry! If it is not hope it gets well soon :))! ).

    Reply
  32. Andrea says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:28 am

    Absolutely amazing post! I changed my shopping habits in the last few months and it feels so much better so buy less and only keep the favourites! Love this dress by the way ;)

    Reply
  33. Jo says

    July 6, 2016 at 10:50 am

    Hi – just wanted to leave a note about Bridge & Burn. I stopped in their store last week (I live in Portland), and inquired about the factory, as that every article in clothing said “Made in China” on the tag. The sales girl told me the factory had once been in Canada, but they outsourced to China a few years back, where they contract a few hundred copies of their designs. The store owner checks in on the factory once a year (scheduled visit). That factory also makes other contracted goods for more stores. There is nothing ethical about Bridge and Burn. They hire cheap labor with lax human rights, low pay and miserable working conditions. For $118, I’d like to invest in something a little more positive. Just thought you should know!

    Reply
  34. liesbeth says

    July 7, 2016 at 7:35 am

    Amen to that! My own ‘comfort hacks’:
    – denim leggings, just thick enough to look like real pants but with an elasticated waistband – no more button digging into my tummy
    – silk shirts: roomy, breezy, keep you warm or cool depending on what you need :)
    – wedge or block heels, no stiletto’s for me, ever, thank you
    – the printed midi dress, just like you say (but a little more structured and less beachy for my office job ;)), made of an easy wash jersey or knit fabric, for instant put-togetherness while being super comfortable, and yes, definitely with pockets
    – the cotton blazer

    Bonus if you’re wearing glasses: a fashionable, statement frame makes you instantly look professional and might just eliminate the need for other accessories!

    Reply
  35. melody says

    July 8, 2016 at 3:59 am

    love the dress! I am from China,so nice to meet you here!

    Reply
  36. Wren says

    July 8, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    Caroline! I’m so glad you’re back! You have no idea who I am, haha. I found your blog a while back when you were taking a break and I decided to swing back by on a whim just now to research the capsule idea (have been brainstorming my own) and saw that you were writing again. I have some shoes that are the same style as these you’re wearing. Sadly, I highly doubt they were responsibly made as they came from Express. Also sadly, I should’ve gone with the 6 instead of the 6 1/2 because they’ve already gotten stretched out and slip up and down on my heel. Though, I do have heel inserts to help with–just need to install! Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and that I love your dress and to ask if you still shop thrift/consignment. Have a lovely weekend!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 12, 2016 at 9:32 am

      Hi Wren! I actually stopped thrifting for a little while because I was buying so many things that were inexpensive vs. things I would actually wear. But with sustainability in mind, I’m hoping to pick it up again, and give some love to secondhand clothes. I’ll keep you all posted! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply
  37. Armi Mariee says

    July 10, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    When I used to study in a fashion school, I always debate on whether I choose style over comfort. But because my school was very far from my place, I most of the time choose comfort over style. I think, at that time, I got blinded by the people around me, thinking that you look stylish if you wear trendy clothes or heels. Now, I am more aware of the fact that you can look stylish without sacrificing comfort. :)

    Armi Mariee
    http://armimariee.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  38. Sarah says

    July 26, 2016 at 5:27 am

    I love the thoughtful tone of your blog. So much of what you say really resonates with me – but particularly the realization that a piece of clothing isn’t for you if you never reach for it.

    I saw that I was still occasionally buying things that I thought I loved and suited my style but never wore them. When I thought about the reasons for that I could easily narrow it down to a handful of issues: I don’t want to wear a strapless bra (or no bra), the fabric is sheer and needs an extra layer underneath, it feels tight when I eat too much at dinner… and so on!

    Now I am honest with myself when I’m shopping about whether I’m actually ever going to wear that beautiful backless dress or thin white top. It’s not enough to just be stylish – it has to be comfortable also!

    Reply

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