“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Fannie Lou Hamer
I really can’t say that I blame you. In fact, I’m sure I would feel the same way if I found myself in your current situation. It is completely understandable that when you’re feeling under the weather you want nothing more than to collapse into a heap in your rattiest pair of pajamas, tuck yourself under a fluffy comforter for optimal warmth, and surround yourself with boxes of tissues, colorful macarons, and a stack of glossy fashion magazines that will see you through the sniffles in true sickly style.
Unfortunately, harsh and hectic schedules do not always allow for such luxuries.
One cannot hide away from the world catering to a minute cold by spending the day in hibernation; at the same time you do not want to frighten random passersby with garish garb or red-rimmed eyes courtesy of a pesky ailment that has deemed it appropriate to plague you. It is at this particular time that you must
embrace effortlessness.
Attempting to fool the world by trying to conceal your feverish condition via blazingly colored clothing and ravishing red lips is often the quickest way to signify that you are, in fact, unwell. By retaining an understated, natural, effortless glamour about your person, your look screams bright-eyed and bushy-tailed –
exactly what you want.
As with everything, however, creating an uncomplicated presence is not as simple as slithering out of bed and scampering out the door. It takes time and planning to get that offhand appearance; whilst staying true to the number one style rule of being sick:
maintaining comfort. To put it bluntly, if you are unable to cozy up in your clothes, be it on your BFF’s couch or in your own private boudoir, then your frail form is accoutered incorrectly. As long as you keep this maxim in mind, of course, you are well on your way to looking stylish when sick!
{the slouch effect} Fitted frocks and tops are one of the most magnificent ways to highlight your curves and show off your figure; but when the flu bug bites the absolute last thing you want is to feel confined in your clothing. At times like this
drapey duds become a classy comrade which ensure that you maintain complete blissful elegance
without forsaking your trademark sassy style.
Tunics, short dresses, and billowy blouses are essentials for your
I-don’t-want-to-get-out-of-bed wardrobe. The loose fit makes getting from here to there more comfortable in your suffering state; while retaining a bohemian-inspired ambiance that makes your appearance very nonchalant and indifferent –
two temperaments that only work to make you more irresistible to cute boys!
“‘Tis healthy to be sick sometimes.”
Henry David Thoreau
Search for styles with slight embellishments like a knotted bust line {
a la Velvet's
Tempest Cowl Neck Top}; empire waists which flutter and flow about your form in a haphazard yet heavenly fashion {
Free People's
Willow Glen Top} is
decadent; or cuts with versatility which make it simple to switch up your look in seconds {I'm partial to Victoria's Secret's
Multi-Way Tunic Sweater}. Pieces like this stand the test of time and never fail in making one look
chic –
regardless of how miserable you may currently feel!
{the tight stuff} We spend
countless hours per week striving to tone our thighs and gluteus maximus muscles in a fashion that will keep our bodies tight, fit, and capable of donning any type of legwear that piques our interest; therefore it is only fair that, as the fashionistas we are, we peruse
opaque tights, pretty patterns, and luscious leggings at a time when we need a bit of bottom half bliss. And that, dolls, is when we are feeling downright debilitated!
Denim is spectacular when we’re feeling energized, revitalized, and hotter than a firecracker sizzling in Times Square on New Year’s Eve; when you’re feeling unfabulous, however, they take on the role of the
devil. The
7 For All Mankind skinny jeans that once made us feel
fantastic now make us feel
frumpy; the
Joe's Jeans boot cut jeans that made you feel beautiful yesterday have turned beastly and now make you feel bloated; the
Rag & Bone/JEAN moto jeans that looked marvelous in the dressing room mirror just last week have become malicious by making you look massive. By all means,
do not toss these items into the garbage no matter how much your last dose of NyQuil tempts you to do so; simply set them aside for another day.
One needs resilience, buoyancy, and flexibility when they are weak;
thus, ditch the denim during this delicate time and embrace styles with stretch!
“If you treat a sick child like an adult and a sick adult like a child, everything usually works out pretty well.”
Ruth Carlisle
Slip a pair of
SPANX's Tight End Tights on under a tunic that covers your tush for a cozy effect that tantalizes; show a playful sliver of skin via
Only Hearts Geometric Lace Leggings – the perfect pairing for your feisty frock; or mimic the denim look with
DL1961's Emma Legging Jeans. Keeping your legs covered when you’re tormented by the chills is a complete necessity in your quest to
get well soon; yet harbors the ability to take your
look du jour to new heights -
ergo, let your bubbly, effervescent personality shine through and have fun with your legwear!
{shoe snob} Slippers may be
whispering sweet nothings in your ear at this very moment; but please do not make the mistake of traipsing out of doors with nothing but these accoutering your feverish feet! Around the house slippers are absolutely fantastic at ensuring your toes stay toasty; but their scant fibers do not hold the same power once worn out of the confines of your cozy abode and onto the chilly concrete that is omnipresent in the big, bad outside world.
Not to mention, they also make one feel completely
dumpy at a time when what you truly need is a kick of
desirability. For this reason alone, slide those shabby slippers underneath your bed and stuff your tootsies into something a little more stunning!
Levende Waters once said
“Funny that a pair of really nice shoes makes us feel good in our heads – at the extreme opposite end of our bodies.” Such words are
completely true. Fabulous footwear has the ability to transform one from the inside out. They add that special
je ne sais quoi to your look; whilst boosting your confidence at the very same moment. Of course, when sick, it is your mission to keep your feet
looking chic yet
feeling contented all at once. Blissful booties and
out-of-this-world Oxfords satisfy both of these prerequisites.
“It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick.”
Dave Barry
Oxfords and booties possess a type of
hoity-toity class that makes it possible for you to induce stares with your style, despite the fact that you are sick as a dog. The aesthetic of both is very
highfalutin and fun; yet proffers an air of elegance that streamlines your silhouette, and pulls your entire appearance together with a
seductive smirk to the world.
You may adore stilettos; but now is not the time to don such killer shoes. When one is feeling under the weather, their balance is not at its best; therefore, stick to oxford flats like
3.1 Phillip Lim's
Nancy Flat Oxfords. The old-fashioned styling contributes a touch of
retro glamour to your dress, while adding a
snazzy shape to your overall look. If you absolutely
must have an extra hint of height, look for
well-shaped wedges {I love the ferocity of Messeca New York's Studded Suede Wedge Booties} or chunky heels {like Rachel Zoe's London Platform Booties}. These two designs will give you the lift that you’re looking for without surrendering satisfaction!
{a jumble of jewels} Anyone who told you that accessories were unnecessary at a time when you are unhealthy was
sadly mistaken!
A splash of sparkle makes everything better, including a runny nose or aching bones. On that account, go wild!
Raid your grandmother’s jewelry box for vintage finds of the pearl variety;
beg your BFF for permission to play dress-up with her diamonds and rhinestones; and, most importantly, dig through your own bureau for baubles that will make you twinkle, shimmer, and glitter like the gorgeous creature you are!
“A healthy body is a guest chamber for the soul: a sick body is a prison.”
Francis Bacon Sr.
Bigger is most definitely better in terms of jewelry when you’re feeling less than fabulous. The bedazzling brightness of such pieces detracts attention from your pasty pallor; whilst shedding a bit of light upon your good taste in trinkets. Oversized cocktail rings like
Rebecca Minkoff's Pave ID Ring and
Made Her Think's Smashed Talong Ring are a must. Their design is
over-the-top and ostentatious allowing them to
flirt coquettishly and play a subtle game of hanky-panky with anyone who dares glance in their direction; while ornamenting your frail fingers in true high-fashion!
{looks for those feeling lousy} I realize that you are suffering at the moment. That your mind and body feels weak. Please do not let this get you down. I would
never leave the side of an ailing friend; therefore, I have put together full ensembles with you, my bedridden besties, in mind. Simply choose the style you want to rock for the day and slip it on for
optimal sassiness that will have you feeling better in no time!
Outfit no. 1 A slouchy, pale gray off-the-shoulder top layered over a lace camisole {allow it to peek out if you’d like}, black leggings, Oxford flats, a handful of your favorite chunky bangles, and a long necklace or two.
Outfit no. 2 A loose-fitting black mini dress that falls just below the derriere, patterned or lace tights to add texture to your lower half, wedge booties, and massive rings.
Outfit no. 3 An empire-waist top in a neutral tone, denim leggings, black or gray booties with a chunky heel, and an erratic assortment of rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
“I could have another moan but I’m sick to death of my own whining.”
Steve Bruce
xoxox
{pictures via}
Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter
