There’s no shortage of films that portray characters at the end of their wits while trying to choose the right set of clothes for leisure activities. Unfortunately, that’s also the reality for many people.
In theory, dressing up for leisure activities should be an easy task. After all, it’s pretty commonplace for people of all ages to have a wide selection of clothes that they can mix and match to suit the leisure activity they wish to attend. Also, it shouldn’t take a lot of effort to sift through one’s wardrobe and find clothes that look relatively okay when put together.
In reality, however, the task of choosing the right pair of clothes is more complicated than it seems. After all, there are plenty of factors that one should consider when selecting clothes. Then, there’s also the wearer’s personal taste, the style of the season, and the issue of having a lot of clothes to choose from.
Base Your Choice of Clothes on a Set of Standards
If you’re having trouble putting together clothes that suit your upcoming leisure activities, the first thing you need to do is determine your primary consideration for choosing the right ensemble. Before you can decide which clothes are the best options for your upcoming activity, you need to have a set of standards upon which to base this idea of ‘best’ first.
If your primary concerns are maintaining a wide range of movement and keeping yourself comfortable, for example, then it might be a smart option to go for athleisure clothes. If getting one’s attention is your primary objective, then you have to choose clothes that highlight qualities that you’re really happy about. Having a set of priorities will help you reduce the time and effort needed to select the most suitable outfit for the occasion.
With that in mind, here are some of the leisure events that you may need to dress up for and how you can put together an ensemble that suits the occasion and your objectives:
A Day Trip All on Your Own
Going on a day trip is a great way to get a bit of me-time and see yourself in a different light, even just for a short while. Since you’ll be spending a good portion of the day outside, it’s a must to shop socks that will support your feet no matter if you’re driving, walking, or riding a bike. Of course, plush socks need to be paired with stylish shoes, too.
If you’re planning to document your trip and post proof of it online, then it’s a great opportunity to wear clothes that you haven’t shown off to your followers and friends yet. If an IG-worthy picture is not a consideration for you, however, you can make the weather and activities in your destination your top priorities when dressing up.
In case you intend to visit a mild-weathered river in summer and go canoeing, for example, then it might be a smart idea to dress in breathable clothes that offer extensive coverage from the sun. Alternatively, you can also wear strappy tops and shorts if you plan on getting a tan. In that case, be sure that your footwear will stay comfy even if you need to wade in the water.
A Meet-Up with the Family
Family events can be a complicated affair. On one hand, your family may be wholly accepting of who you are, which gives you the freedom to fully express yourself when you’re in their company. On the other hand, some families may have strong beliefs about different things and can be quite opinionated about how others live their lives. Balancing your own voice and keeping the peace–if that is one of your priorities–are practical concerns when attending such events.
If you’re attending an event that’s centered on a child, such as a birthday party or baby shower, feel free to unleash your inner child and perhaps don something that will contribute to the festive atmosphere of the activity. If you’re going to a parent’s retirement party, though, you might want to choose a more neutral color and design. This will keep the attention on the person whose career and achievements you’re celebrating.
An Afternoon at a Nearby Park
Some leisure hours are best spent in a state of inactivity. Perhaps you like watching the day go by surrounded by greenery and other people in a nearby park. This is a great time to let your mind wander and think about nothing in particular. To achieve this state of calm and freedom from care, it’s best if you dress comfortably, just so you won’t be distracted by ill-fitting clothes and shoes.
Again, athleisure is a great option for such times, especially if you’re aiming to exercise a little bit in between your people-watching sessions. On top of the typical athleisure getup, bring a jacket. This can be quite useful in ensuring you won’t get sunburnt on your rest day or get cold as the day turns into night.
A Night Out with Friends
Your choice of clothes when spending a night out with friends can depend heavily on your destination and planned activities. If you’re heading to the pub to watch a live telecast of a game with others, for instance, then it’s a great moment to wear your team’s colors or show off the official merchandise that you have. If you’re going clubbing and meeting other people, then it’s high time to put your best foot forward and put the spotlight on your favorite features.
In addition to wearing clothes and shoes that compliment your figure, you can also spend a bit of time getting glammed up and adding finer details to your hair and makeup. Be mindful of the lighting in the clubs that you plan to head to when choosing clothes and colors. You can even let the light work to your advantage by putting on clothes and accessories that shine in the dark or react in a fun manner to changing lights.
Choosing the most appropriate clothes for leisurely activities doesn’t have to be time- or energy-intensive. Knowing your considerations for dressing up and listing them according to the level of priority can significantly help you improve this process and enable you to make better personal styling decisions. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a much easier time getting dressed for your next casual event.