Essentials: “Sweat Suit Alternative”

Another Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style ripoff, and probably one of the most valuable pieces of his “10 Essential Elements [of a Wardrobe]” list.

A “sweat suit alternative” is defined as this:

Sweat Suit Alternative – […] Women wear fewer skirts and dresses these days. But some women have taken casual to the extreme and spend days on end in sweat suits. It is possible to be casual and comfortable without looking like a slob. Find a comfortable material (that’s why this doesn’t say jeans again – denim is not as comfortable as a nice soft cotton) that you would want to wear every day. It could be khakis, cords, a cotton dress, or much more.

It’s CRUCIAL! I’m totally an offender, here, as I just really don’t see the need to get super dolled up to go hit the post office, or buy some groceries… But I have to agree that tossing on some sweatpants and a sweatshirt isn’t exactly great, either.

My favorite sweat suit alternative that Tim Gunn and Veronica Webb put together was on their very first episode with the New Jersey doll, Rebecca Pennino. On top of her just having the cutest little figure, she had this great personality that just fit in perfectly with what they chose for her! It was just a simple jersey dress, and a pair of flats. Two items! But it was so easy just to throw on, and it made her look like she took an hour just to get ready.

I always worry that I’ll run into an ex-lover or high school rival when I’m out, too, so that fuels my desire to create the perfect sweat suit alternative. There’s nothing worse than seeing someone you don’t want to see while in your pajamas with your hair in a messy bun, while wearing flip flops… mid day.

So I’ve put together an outfit below to kind of give you an idea of what I’m talking about. Super comfortable on the eye, body, and wallet…

Alloy’s Pleated Polka Dot Tunic is just a quick pullover that’ll fit over any bra you’ve got on. It’s got a tie in the back to help define your waist and slim you down, too! Extra bonus. $24-$26 in, literally, all sizes.

G by Guess’ Drew Denim jeans are perfect for just throwing on and going. Flared leg, machine wash… A good range of sizes are available for $44.50.

Delia*s Anne Flat is perfect (I prefer black, but they come in hot pink, too). It’s got a cute tromp l’oeil design on the toe, which goes well with the sophisticated pleat and lace on the top. If you go to the site, you can see a larger photo of the detail on the toe. Sizes 6-10 for $24.

That’s not all! I don’t want to run around in the wintertime with a freaking tank top. I think I’ve mentioned before how badly I want a funnel neck jacket/coat… They just look so comfortable and, because I have narrow shoulders, it balances out my top half in comparison to my super-curve bottom half by giving me a little more volume.

I could have sworn I found the Broke Girl’s funnel neck coat a few days ago, but I can’t remember where! We’ll have to settle this time… At least for this post. ;)

I love the idea of popping this black & white outfit with a beautiful red coat like this one from Forever 21 (Ashley Double Breasted Coat). Available in sizes small, medium, and large for only $39.80.

There. You finally have no excuse for dropping off the dry cleaning in your boyfriend’s sweat pants ever again!

xoxo.