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The Fashionable Housewife

The Fashionable Housewife

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How to Be Effortlessly Fashionable With Just a Few Wardrobe Essentials

Modified on December 2, 2022 at 1:41 AM

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No matter how much you love fashion, life gets in the way. Right? Well, it doesn’t have to. True, things crop up that make it more difficult to keep up with current trends. Starting a family is a big one. When you’re running after kids, time and money become a little harder to come by. But that doesn’t mean that you have to abandon fashion entirely. 

You can still be effortlessly stylish with the right wardrobe essentials. These few items should be easy to put together for different fashionable looks. Usually, it all comes down to knowing how to style your pieces together.

 Besides clever styling, effortless fashion might mean choosing timeless silhouettes, going for neutral tones, or getting a statement piece. For instance, you can achieve a polished look by pairing a statement piece such as a fur coat with neutral trousers and a top. Once you learn how to wear a fur cape with other outfit items, you will have learned how easy it is to stay fashionable despite your limited resources.

So, here are some tips to help you to stay elegant, even with just a few wardrobe-essentials. Whether you’re building your wardrobe from scratch or working with what you have, you’re sure to find some helpful advice here. 

Form and Function

Today's Outfit: HYLETE Circuit II Cross-Training Shoe

There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable all day. Admittedly, there are always sacrifices that may come with certain looks. For example, if you’re attending a formal event, then you can’t expect your outfit to be as comfortable as the clothes you wear when you’re slumming it around the house. Even if you’re an old hand (or foot) when it comes to wearing heels, they aren’t the same as wearing slippers. 

However, this doesn’t mean that you have to be uncomfortable to be fashionable. If you’re planning to wear something throughout a busy day, then even if it looks fantastic, you need to consider how practical it is. You can’t look elegant when you’re clearly in pain, or if you’re sweating through a fabulous fur coat on a summer day. 

You have to remember, however, that too much comfort may spiral you down to a low sense of fashion. For instance, you may be tempted to wear loungewear on certain days when the weather is too cozy. So, to ensure that comfort doesn’t make you forget style, always try on your clothes beforehand to ensure that it fits your aesthetic needs without being restricted by the materials or form of the clothes. 

Being comfortable also applies to being happy with what you’re wearing. Rather than feeling pressured to follow every trend going, find a style that you like and stick to it. Timeless, classic clothing never really goes out of style. 

Well-Fitting Clothes

Speaking of comfortable clothing, one painfully common mistake that many people make is to wear clothes that don’t fit properly. If something is too small, you run the risk of not being able to put it on in the first place. If you manage to get it on, then it will likely be unflattering, not to mention uncomfortable. Clothes that are too small dig in at all the wrong places.

It’s easier to get away with clothes that are too big for you, as long as you wear them with bagginess in mind. However, it’s often best to wear clothes that are much too big and this is a decidedly casual look. Baggy sweaters and t-shirts work best. If your pants or jeans are too big for you, then they’ll spend their time succumbing to gravity. Dresses might stay on, but they often look wrong, especially if they should be a fitted style. 

However, perfectly fitting clothes tend to look stylish with very little effort. Even a simple get-up can look very nice if it fits well. The best way to manage this is to have your clothes made to fit. This is expensive and time-consuming, so most people have to make do with the sizes on the rail.

Before you go clothes shopping, take your measurements with a measuring tape. It’s the most reliable way to get your current size, and some clothes include their measurements on the label. You should also try on clothes before wearing them.

Trying on clothes not only allows you to find the perfect size but also helps you to check if the shape of the clothing looks good on you. By doing this, you can ensure that the clothes are neither tight nor loose. When trying on your clothes, remember to turn or lift your hands and legs, so you get to ensure that your clothes aren’t restrictive. If you notice that your clothes squeeze your back and leave an unappealing roll of fresh, that won’t be the right size. 

As you’re probably aware, the size on the label sometimes doesn’t mean a great deal. You might be a size 4 in one garment, then a size 8 in the next. Different styles tend to sit differently on one build than they do on another. Taking your measurements will also help you to determine your body shape. When you have your body shape, you can determine what styles work best or what styles might need to be purchased in a different size.

Another option is to adjust your clothing. This is a great way to practice your sewing skills and revitalize older clothing that doesn’t fit properly anymore. As you’d expect, it’s easier to bring a larger size in to fit you better, but you can sometimes buy out a dress size or two from smaller clothes. If you aren’t sure of your abilities, don’t be afraid to seek out a local seamstress or tailor who can help.

Seasonal Clothes

No matter where you live, your clothes will have to match the season. The good news is that your wardrobe doesn’t have to grow too much. You can still wear the essentials all year round, you just need to add a few nods to the temperature.

True, you probably won’t be wearing most of the same clothes in summer as in winter, but layering and clever use of clothing can be your friend. Let’s break it down. 

Year-Round Essentials

No matter what your style is or what time of year it is, you’ll want to keep some essentials handy all year round. 

To start with, you have your foundation clothes. The simple white t-shirt can work with so many casual looks. It can be worn underneath warmer clothes in winter or used to tie a summer outfit together. Vest tops have a similar function, but you can’t go wrong with a t-shirt.

Layering clothes are also useful throughout the year. These include a classy button-up shirt that can be used in casual, smart-casual, and business attire alike. You can also add a cardigan or jacket to this list, as they go with pretty much everything. 

You should also keep some dresses or skirts in your basic wardrobe. These can be paired with your layering clothes to create different outfits depending on the situation. The little black dress is a classic option, but a wrap dress or a knee-length skirt can also make versatile additions to your wardrobe.

As for pants, you can’t go wrong with dark wash denim or a simple black pair of pants. You should also keep some shoes around that will work around the year. Simple flats, ankle boots, sneakers, and pumps cover most scenarios. 

Finally, you have accessories. Some accessories are dependent on the weather, but jewelry works no matter what. Pick out your favorites and include some workhorse pieces that can be worn to most events. Consider keeping a light cotton scarf around, which you can wear in different ways, ranging from a headscarf to a light shawl, to a scarf.

Spring

Some people go crazy when the sun first comes out in spring, but it usually isn’t too warm yet. Keep your jackets and cardigans around, but consider pairing them with dresses on the sunnier days. 

Spring fashion usually welcomes floral patterns and a burst of brightness to celebrate the coming warmth. Other than that, your basic wardrobe should work fairly well.

Summer

Some people love it and some people hate it, but summer brings the heat. Usually, this means showing off a bit of skin. Long pants give way to shorts and sundresses. These STAUD minis are a gorgeous way to celebrate the warmth of the sun, cute and classic all at once.

If you’re a hat person, then wear something that protects your face and eyes from the sun. Big floppy hats are always good, but some prefer the more sporty baseball cap instead.

Fall

It’s time for warm tones and sweaters to come out of the closet, but you don’t need to break out the winter coats and gloves yet. Boots and scarves are more than welcome, as are cozy beanies and similar hats. 

Winter

Again, winter isn’t for everyone, but fashion doesn’t have to retreat with the sun. Embrace your winter coats, gloves, and tall boots. You can go modern with puffy coats or choose more classic styles like the ever-stylish tweed jackets, fur coats, or greatcoats. 

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Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on March 30, 2022 at 11:52 PM
Filed Under: Affordable Fashion, Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, Spring Fashion, Summer Fashion, Winter Fashion
Tagged With: Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, Fashion Tips, Fashion trends, Spring Fashion, Summer Fashion, Winter Fashion

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

Disclaimer

The Fashionable Housewife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for blogs and websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission on purchases made through our links. There is no extra cost to you! For more info, please see our Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

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I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

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Today was my due date for Dylan. Considering he w Today was my due date for Dylan.

Considering he was my 6th child, it's possible he would have been here by now. It’s been extra hard for me this week. 

Despite my best efforts to be strong and stay positive, I am completely brokenhearted. I’m just being honest. I could pretend I’m fine, but that doesn't do me or anyone else any good to be dishonest about the pain of miscarriage or the grief that comes with losing a child. 

My heart is completely shattered from having an empty womb and an empty nursery. An empty bassinet in the corner and unused tiny newborn outfits, all washed, folded, and ready… for nothing. 

It makes me physically sick to my stomach when I think about it all and I can't even fathom how I got here. How did I get here? 

This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be holding a newborn right now! It’s so unfair. 

In an instant, my baby was gone and there was nothing I could do to change that. 

It doesn't matter how much time passes or what else happens in life, I will always miss him. My heart with always long for my baby. 

Those who haven't experienced loss tell you that "Don’t worry! Things will get better, just focus on the positive!" but people who actually know this grief and what it actually feels like to lose a baby, won’t tell you that. They know this hard road. They understand that unfortunately you don't just “get over it.” 

The grief doesn't just go away, even if you try to ignore it, it's still there. Like the sun. You don’t have to look at it to know it’s there. You can turn your back on it but it will still warm your skin. 

The grief from losing a child is unbearable. 
It is unpredictable.
It is unforgiving.
It is relentless.
It is all-consuming.
And it completely shatters you when you don’t expect it. 

You don’t get over it. You don’t forget. You simply learn to live with it. And I’m learning to live with it every day. 

It’s been 137 days I’ve had to live without my baby. 

Lord Jesus, please… hold me extra tight tonight. 

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
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