Dressing Up: Home Alone Or Not

Do you try and look elegant and well put together even if you are staying at home? Do you make the extra effort to dress up even if you are home alone?

I probably come in at 50% of the time.

It’s probably not good enough and I need to get it together. I am not suggesting evening wear and tiaras to spend the night with Netflix or being buttoned up in suits to munch on Chinese take-out. More that we should make the best of ourselves, for ourselves at all times. Looking elegant doesn’t have to require extravagance; dressing up can be all about simplicity and comfort.

It comes down to taking the time for us. I am guilty of that; guilty of thinking behind closed doors means laziness and ignoring myself. What is the difference between wearing the old flannelette pyjamas in front of the TV or luxuriating in the new cashmere tracksuit or silk satin numbers? Everything is the answer.

All are comfortable, all are for behind the scenes and yet when I wear the silk satins or the cashmere I feel so much better in myself. Likewise goes with the old woollen socks versus a pair of cute mule slippers. The equivalent energy is expended, the same time is taken and yet I feel completely different.

This is front of mind because I have been lolling about at home with flu for days. I came to the conclusion I couldn’t hide my red nose, pasty face and persistent cough but I could feel more together if I made an effort with what I wore. The minute I delved in the wardrobe and put on my decent ware, I felt more attractive and less sorry for myself. Nothing shifted, simply my mentality.

Why don’t we feel the need to make the best of ourselves when nobody can see? Shouldn’t we be dressing for ourselves first and foremost? Are we still saving everything for best? I don’t wish that for myself anymore. I might not wear full make-up at home and have perfect hair but that doesn’t mean elegance should fall by the wayside.

What about an “at home” wardrobe?

An easy dressing collection that requires no thought other than to wear it. Whether you prefer tee style dresses, comfortable cashmere or the lux of lingerie, a few easy but lovely pieces at our fingertips seems a way to avoid this dilemma.

In this mid-season month where I am pretty much done with summer shopping and can’t wrap my mind around winter woollies I have decided to re-invigorate my “at home” wardrobe.

Hanging around and looking elegant might just be my new mantra. It can only help. xv