How to Add Comfort to Style!

Nigel just showed me this video of Tina Fey and David Letterman. It must have been when he was ending his late night show. She’s got on this gorgeous blue dress, and it is definitely body con! I’m guessing they had this all worked out because he’s all about how beautifully she dresses when she comes on the show. She then goes on to talk about what she has to wear in order to wear this gorgeous dress. Well, just watch this, and you’ll see what I mean.

Undergarments…

So, here’s the thing. I always wear some type of undergarment to prevent chub rub. It doesn’t matter how much I currently weigh, my thighs will chafe. I have two different pairs of shapewear. One is actually by Spanx©, and the other is just an inexpensive pair from WalMart or Target. I know, it’s easy to think being stylish means putting yourself in uncomfortable clothes that flatter your shape as much as possible. But, I’ve learned shapewear doesn’t really change my shape other than to make me resemble something you’d throw on the grill in the summertime! It just smooths out the bumps and lumps. Again, that’s not really why I wear it. Sometimes squeezing into things, or revealing more skin than you’d really like ends up putting a lot of people off of getting into fashion (wearing my WalMart shapewear here). 

Style vs comfort…

Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought something thinking, “Oh, I only need to lose a few pounds, and this will fit.” Feel that wind blowing…that’s both of my hands waving hard! I’ve finally learned my sense of style also needs to take my level of comfort into account. And, as those of you who have followed me for a while know, I experiment with what I wear and then see how I feel about the silhouette, style, or vibe. And, I know, now, I can mix and match clothes any way I want. I’ve said something similar before, but if we feel good in what we wear, it’s a pretty good sign we’ve got the right stuff on our bodies!

So, comfort…

I’ve mentioned before my inner thermostat is just plain broken. Nigel can be sitting in the living room in shorts and a short sleeved tee, and I’ll have on two sweaters, long pants, and be swaddled in a throw. I realize we are about to head into the scorching heat of summer, but it’s never too late to think about what’s coming! Layers, specifically, base layers may be a way to go. I’ve never tried base layers like thermals. They make a wonderful base layer because they can be put underneath the thinnest of clothing, and you’ll barely notice they’re there. Except for one thing…you’ll be warmer. Another important thing to think about are gloves. I’ll be honest…my favorite pair of gloves is decades old. I specifically learned how to darn so I could fix the holes in them! They’re from American Eagle back when they were more like a youthful take on Eddie Bauer! Anyone remember that? Just me…hmmmm…

Cold hands, warm heart…

I had never heard that saying until I met Nigel. He tells me my cold hands just mean I have an extra warm heart. This coming winter, I’ll probably buy a good pair of  thermal gloves for women. The more you feel warm and cozy, the easier it’s going to be to feel fashionable and comfortable at the same time. 

Legs, anyone…

As someone who’s known in her particular corner of the blogosphere for dresses, I have to admit to almost always wearing longer dresses and skirts. It all goes back to overhearing my aunt at my dad’s funeral when she remarked on the size of my legs. So, yeah, I’m self-conscious about my legs. Besides covering up my legs, longer dresses and skirts come with a plethora of advantages like the swirl factor. There is nothing like a dress or skirt that swirls as you twirl around like a little girl. I always loved the feeling of my dresses flowing wonderfully behind me as I went down the halls of school. And, when you teach younger kids, a full skirt is perfect for sitting on the floor! Just don’t ask me for advice on how to get up gracefully!

Tights or hosiery…

I know, I know. Sometimes, you just have to break out of your rut, right? I gave up on tanning my legs years ago. My thighs would always tan, but my lower legs would just tan a bit. Now, I don’t really care what color they are as they are strong, powerful legs that have taken me on many an adventure. But, if you are someone who isn’t quite ready to embrace your bare legs, you might consider skin colored or sheer tights. Not only will they help your legs glow in the sunlight, but they just might provide more tone and a bit of coverage in the areas you’re more self conscious about. 

Accessories…

Oh, do I love accessories! I go through spurts when I wear it all and times when I wear the smallest possible. I have to poke my diamond studs in my second holes at least once a week if I don’t want them to grow shut. And, that’s after three or four decades of being pierced there. Accessories are meant to be eye-catching and display something about the wearer. In the days of yore this probably meant showing off how rich you were. But today, it’s about being modern, styled, and drawing the eye to where you want it rather than to those areas about which you’re less confident.  For me, accessories are another way for me to show my personality (or maybe quiet it down a bit). I love scarves, all the jewelry, and fun footwear. I have several Brahmin purses in different shapes and colors, but I don’t switch them out as often as I should. I’m always on the look out for a cool print or unusual color when I buy a new one.

My favorites…

Well, there is nothing like a big statement necklace if you ask me! I know the trend is the more delicate layering of necklaces, but give me a statement necklace every time! OK, maybe not every time. I do have those delicate necklaces and wear them. But, something about a statement necklace makes me feel confident and kind of edgy. I love big earrings, too, but struggle with them as I grow my hair out. The thing is you should wear anything you like (within reason), anywhere you want, as long as you feel it completes your outfit and makes you happier. You know we all want to be that woman who walks into a restaurant, and there’s complete silence as you make your way to your table. Or, is that just me again? Hmmm….

Take a chance…

As I’ve gotten older and started this blog, I’ve realized a couple of things. It’s good to step out of your comfort zone like I did here. When I saw that strip of belly peeking out, I almost made Nigel redo the whole photoshoot! Then, I decided, it’s just a tiny strip of skin, and it’s not really that noticeable (though I bet all of you are going back to look, right). I’ve also become much bolder in my fashion choices…bolder prints, mixing prints, wearing colors together that were once forbidden. Life is too daggone short to be a wallflower, my friends! Being comfortable while you’re at it is not bad, either! So, ditch the heavy constricting shapewear if you feel like a sausage. If it makes you more confident, wear it. I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it again. You do you, boo!

The Lewk!

Just a few of my favorite pieces of jewelry, statement and delicate are shown here. And, then there’s my addiction collection of L’Artiste footwear as well as other retailers! I didn’t honestly realize how much of an impact these things make on the final styling of an outfit!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

I’ve been thinking about getting a couple more piercings…what do you think? Any suggestions? I’m not looking to cover my ear lobes with lots and lots of studs, but I’d like to do something. It would be another way to wear all the different earrings I have! You know, for a bit, I thought about a nose piercing. But, that sounds really painful, and then I think about my allergies…so that was a no-go! So, can we talk? What do you find more important…style or comfort? Have I convinced you you can have both? Are you always cold, or always warm? What do you think of skin colored or sheer tights? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.

Thank you!

Thank you so very much for reading today’s post. I hope you enjoyed it. I also very much appreciate those of you who comment, email and/or subscribe. It’s what keeps me going! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.

Affiliate links, discount codes, and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off any order over $100. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

First Name

Last Name

List choice Marsha’s Blog

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human: