Style Secrets: Stylish When Sick

“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, Bon Bons, and 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 best friend’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!

♥A Drapey Dream 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 the knotted bust line of mark’s Knot Just a Tee-Shirt; empire waists which flutter and flow about your form in a haphazard yet heavenly fashion like the Stay Tuned Tunic; or cuts with versatility which make it simple to switch up your look in seconds like the Wear With All Mini Dress. 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 My loves, 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, darlings, 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 J Brand 10” Ankle Skinny Jeans that once made us feel fantastic now make us feel frumpy; the Citizens of Humanity Morrison Slim Boot Cut Jeans that made you feel beautiful yesterday have turned beastly and now make you feel bloated; the Joe’s Jeans’ Chelsea Ultra Slim 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 Commando’s Matte Opaque Tights on under a tunic that covers your tush for a cozy effect that tantalizes; show a playful sliver of skin via Only Hearts’ Lace Tights – the perfect pairing for your feisty frock; or mimic the denim look with mark’s Blue Jean Denim Leggings. 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!

♥Happy Feet 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. As an aside, 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 flats like Steven’s Melin Pinked Perforated Oxfords or Frye’s Erin Oxford Flats. 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 like Jeffrey Campbell’s Tick Wedge Booties or chunky heels like Ash’s Easy Long Cuff 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 Alexis Bittar’s Onyx Oval Klimt Ring and Noir Jewelry’s Midnight Ice Double Knuckle 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 Kittens, 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!

♥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.
♥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.
♥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


Fashionably yours!


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