Do we have to sacrifice style for comfort and practicality? Can we create a wardrobe that not only makes us feel confident but also works for the life we’re living right now?
Over the years, working with women rediscovering their style, I’ve learned that comfort isn’t just about fabric (though that’s certainly important). True comfort is deeper, can we match physical comfort with clothes that actually make us feel confident? It’s about finding clothes that feel good on your body and reflect who you are today. Does the bulk of what is in your wardrobe actually work with your lifestyle? And more importantly, can you have both comfort and style without compromise?
This really hit me when I started working from home. I previously had my ‘going to the office’ clothes and any amount of ‘going out clothes’ (which, let’s be honest, does not happen that often any more). But for the school run or side of the football pitch or a day working at home? Not a chance. My “at-home” wardrobe was an uninspiring mix of pajamas, mismatched tracksuits, and whatever else I could grab in a hurry.
I found myself changing outfits multiple times a day—something cozy for sitting at my desk, something slightly more “put together” for errands, and yet another outfit for Zoom calls or studio meetings. It felt exhausting and annoying, and more often than not, when I did run errands feeling a little less put together than I would like, I would meet everyone I knew 🙂 - You know the feeling, right?
That’s when I decided to build a wardrobe that truly worked for the life I had right now. I started paying attention to the clothes I loved to grab: pieces made from soft, comfortable fabrics, sweaters in colors that suited me, and jeans with just the right amount of stretch. Slowly but intentionally, I built a collection of items I felt comfortable in all day but also felt happy to be seen wearing.
Thankfully there have been great strides in fashion which makes this a little easier. With the accessibility of athleisure, relaxed tailoring, and elevated basics, it’s absolutely possible to look chic without sacrificing comfort.
But it does require a conscious effort to make your wardrobe work for you. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Audit Your Wardrobe for Your Reality
Take a hard look at your wardrobe. How many of your clothes actually suit your daily life? Do you have a wardrobe full of occasion dresses but nothing for your day-to-day? Identify what’s missing and where you need to invest. - Choose Fabrics That Feel Good
Pay attention to the materials you’re wearing, what do you reach for everyday as your ‘go-to’. Ask yourself what is it about that item that you love? Are they soft and breathable? Do they move with you, do they have elasticated waists? When you identify that, then replicate it , but in a conscious and elevated way.
I love the comfort of tracksuit bottoms? Who doesn't right?, but now there are some beautiful high waisted wide legged trousers, soft breathable material but just make me feel a little more stylish wearing than tracksuit bottoms, but I promise 100% as comfortable. - Incorporate Elevated Basics
Build a foundation of versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down—think a great pair of jeans, with the perfect amount of stretch, sweaters in your colour season, or a co-ord tracksuit. These become your go-to staples for almost any occasion. - Add a Pop of “You”
Even the simplest outfit can feel stylish with the right details. I love a winter scarf in a beautiful colour, or invest in a warm coat, that you actually love putting on, but it looks stylish (and can cover what's underneath if you are in a rush). Choose colors that make you glow and a few accessories you love.
The truth is, comfort and style don’t have to live in separate wardrobes.
By taking small, intentional steps to align your clothing choices with your lifestyle and your personality, you can create a wardrobe that works with you, not against you.
It’s not about tossing everything you own but about thoughtfully building a collection that reflects who you are and how you want to feel—whether that’s running errands, working from home, or heading to the school gates.
Comfort isn’t just about soft fabrics or stretchy waistbands; it’s about feeling at ease in clothes that truly feel like you. So, start small. Choose pieces that bring a smile to your face, support the life you actually live, and remind you that style doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort. Because, honestly, you deserve both.
Nichola xx