why i still get dressed up
earlier this spring, i asked the question, “does fashion still matter?“. many of you responded and said that it does. given everything that’s happened and continues to happen this year, i think it’s still a reasonable question to ponder. in fact, it was just the other day someone asked me, “why i still get dressed up?”. given that we’re all spending a lot more time at home than we used to, it’s a totally reasonable question to ask. it’s so easy to spend the day in comfies or athleisure wear. is there really a point to getting dressed up anymore?
why i still get dressed up
as you might have guessed, i think there is still a point. and today, we’re going to show you three of my favorite “dressy” outfits from this summer. but before that, i just want to give you two simple reasons why i still get dressed up:
dress up for yourself
looking our best can and does lift our own spirits. taking care of ourselves, irrespective of our circumstances—good, bad, or in-between—goes a long way to keeping our own spirits high. taking care of ourselves encompasses a lot no doubt, and dressing up is just one aspect. however, it’s an important one. taking some time in the morning to pick out a well put-together outfit, get ready, and then get dressed goes a long way to setting the spirit and pace for the rest of the day. don’t believe me? try it. you might be surprised.
dress up for others
looking our best serves as an inspiration to others. seems odd, right? it’s not, really. putting some time and effort into how we look can show people that we care. and it’s important to show people that we care—about ourselves and the world around us. back in the spring, we committed to you, our readers, to continue to provide you a fashion distraction. we hope that it has and will continue to serve as an inspiration to you. and we hope that you will continue to serve as an inspiration to others, because boy do we need to spread some of that energy around at this moment in time.
the maxi dress
i’m loving this new satin ruched maxi dress from Banana Republic. the fabric is divine. and i chose the muted olive green because of my skin tone, but the dress is also carried in a golden yellow which is quite striking. add some metallics for some subtle class; or add a patterned scarf for visual interest. there are so many interesting ways to elevate a summer dress.
dress | clutch | clutch 2 | sandals | sandals 2 | sandals 3 | belt | bracelet | earrings
the jumpsuit
but how cute is this polka dot jumpsuit? recently, i shared a post on summer wardrobe-essentials. the mighty jumpsuit made the list. recently, i ordered this polka dot jumpsuit from Talbots, but there was a considerable shipping delay, and guess what? the jumpsuit is no longer available. but i did source several other polka dot jumpsuits that i think you’ll like just as well here and here.
jumpsuit (similar here and here) | handbag (similar here and here) | c/o sandals
summer jacket and shorts
today, i’m pulling in this puff sleeve open yellow jacket from Ann Taylor over this lightweight cotton pullover. to beat the heat, i’m pairing the jacket with these absolutely fun paper bag shorts. anyone who has been following me any length of time knows i don’t shy away from a good pair of shorts. this pair, also from Ann Taylor, is comfortable and airy—a perfect pairing with the jacket.
open jacket | paper bag short | cotton pullover | wrap espadrille | slingback flat | ballet flat | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar bag 3
It does feel good to get dressed in a put together way to face the day. And it is one thing we can control and it feels good. Thanks for your inspiration.
Beth I couldn’t agree with you more! Putting yourself together does get us off to a good start. I can’t thank you enough for all the inspiration especially in these trying times. Look forward to your blog everyday!
I am not interested in spending money right now for dressy clothes I might not wear. I am very interested in comfortable clothes that look great and put together. I have always been interested in this type of clothing and think that it has always been lacking in fashion. I like the yellow short outfit but would probably want a less dressy jacket. LOVED the embroidery tank and light weight pants in yesterday’s post. I loved last year pink checked shorts with the black top. I never would have thought of that and looked for those shorts unsuccessfully. THAT is what I love. I like the metallic shoes dressing up the casual. MORE of this!
I am a retired lady who normally gets dressed up twice a week, for bowling and for church. Church has resumed but we’re still watching on tv as my hubby has health issues. I have returned to bowling as it is a league of senior ladies and is my only social outlet. My wardrobe was always traditional in style despite adding a current item every season to bring it “up to date”. I agree with you reasoning in this article and I’ve found myself dressing more on a daily basis now just to perk me up during these depressing times. Thanks for your insights. I agree whole heartedly!
Beth, I agree with you and appreciate today’s post about still taking the time to putting thought into dressing up again as if we were back to normal. I’ve started doing this now, I’ve been battling terrible depression with this stay at home and wearing masks. I wanted to jump off our bridge when this stay at home started, this wasn’t normal. I was lucky to be able to reach out for help.
Wearing a mask effects my breathing causing chest pain and headaches, I only wear one briefly to grocery shop. I’ve followed your blog for along time, you have inspired me with your sharing your story and daily uplifting posts.
You look adorable in the jumpsuit, and I love how you accessorize each outfit too.
I enjoy having my morning coffee and reading your daily posting, with new ideas for putting together cute outfits, along with the yummy recipes! Thank you, Debbie
Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration. It lifts my spirits to get “dressed” even if it is just for a trip to the grocery store. It is so easy to not care these days and I see many examples of that even before the pandemic.
I am glad to see you rockin shorts after your knee replacement! Hope it is doing well!
I totally agree with you Beth. I dress up every time I go out of the house just because I love fashion and have a big closet of clothes needing to be worn. People don’t seem to dress up any more. I see people in a restaurant or the mall wearing something I might wear gardening. Not only does dressing up inspire others but it is a sign of respect. Attending an event honoring someone wearing jeans and a tee shirt shows you didn’t care enough to dress appropriately. I guess I’m old fashioned but I think people are too casual in their dress and behavior which I think are connected
Love that jumpsuit!!
Agree with your Getting Dressed Up thoughts. So difficult to do tho during these limited times out of the house. To say nothing about makeup. Wearing lipstick just smears up under a mask !
BTW, I know you are trying a new hairstyle, but…just my opinion…short hair suits you so much better.!
Beth, You’re a ray of hope in these times. Keep dressing up, we need the encouragement
I completely agree! I expanded out my atheleisure wear when the quarantine first started and loved it for several weeks. However, I missed the feeling of being dressed up (not suits) but a pulled together outfit with real waistbands and shoes. I work from home, but dress up a bit more to head to the grocery store and any miscellaneous small errands. It makes me feel better and dare I say it?, normal.
I sure do miss your short, sassy haircut!!
Hi, Beth, it’s Sunday afternoon and am just getting around to some me time. Agree with you 100% on both dressing for ourselves and for others. Something about glancing in the mirror at home while doing chores (or nothing!) that perks you up at seeing what you look like for your efforts. Others note it, too, like clerks or grocery store workers who may remark that you always look so nice…just to come to the store! It’s wonderful that you encourage us to dress and go forth in the world–no matter what shape it’s in. If making the bed every morning launches our day off on a positive note, why, dressing ourselves with care is sure to propel our spirit higher and higher!~
Looking at pretty things always cheers us up and that can include other people as well as things. I do think wearing a little more color is uplifting to others too. I just bought pretty pink sandals and even some gold snakeskin ones. If I cause a smile even if it’s just myself, it helps chase the blues. I’ll bet people smile at your pretty, sunshine jacket.
I completely agree that dressing up can make you feel so much better about yourself. I’m 65 and retired now but I still get up, shower, put on makeup and style my hair everyday even if I’m not leaving my house because it motivates me to make the most of every day. I think you look fabulous and I thoroughly enjoy your posts, I wish I looked as chic and stylish as you do and had the confidence (and figure) to carry it off!
Hello dear Beth, I’m writing from Italy and we all are trying to return to normal. I work from home and only two days in a week in office. It’s very important to get dressed up for our spirit; I love your blog so much, it’s a great help and example!
Totally agree. It’s a definite pick me up and always improves my mood.
Dressing up can be fun and it improves your mood. Like all the options you showed, especially the breezy dress!
Love the polka dot jumpsuit
Lovely outfits–each one. That blue wall behind the yellow is excellent–perfect example of complementary colors there! And yes, I still think we should look nice whether we head off somewhere or not. I admit there are lots of pretty things in my closet I’m not wearing much this year, but thankfully, I like classics, and they’re not going anywhere! I’ll have them when it’s time again. Let’s hope that’s not too much longer and that everyone helps each other by keeping ourselves and others safe.
I guess I’m going to be the lone wolf here. I have a closet full of nice clothing, some purchased this summer, however with nowhere to go I’m mostly not wearing them. I do shower daily and put on mascara but that’s about it. I’m a very active person and to stay sane during this time I spend my days doing yard work, housework, and taking long walks. None of those go well with dressing up. And when I go to the grocery store my face is covered with a mask so I’m not motivated to put on too much makeup. I do look forward to a return to normalcy and my job teaching so I can wear my nice clothes, get my hair cut and wear all my makeup once again. Thanks for your fashion ideas.
Beth thank you for your inspiring put together Styles.
Yes I agree dressing for the day certainly gives a great vibe to set an amazing day ahead. I’m looking forward to utilizing a number of your styles. Very exciting.