What to Wear: When You’re Sick

From the über adorable Maria came an email:

Dear La C,

First off, I really want to say how much I appreciate what you do, and the time and love that you put into your blog to give us readers inspiration and really helpful tips beyond fashion. I enjoy reading your blog (as well as your twitter updates :P), and I’m sure I won’t be the last person to tell you that 🙂

The main reason for writing this email is because just recently I got a really bad cold, and well, needless to say, I really didn’t feel like putting in any effort into getting dressed lol. But in particular, not just what would be best to wear when one is sick, but being sick in really warm climate 😛 I live in Miami, so you can only imagine what that must have been like. And I guess that could go into sort of like the situation of where it’s really hot outside and cold inside a building, like, what’s the best way to transition what you’re wearing from those two climates in a jiffy 😛

I really hope this makes sense lol.

Thank you so much!

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I empathize wholly and fully with Maria’s situation. It’s quite unfortunate that we have both gotten nasty colds – my remedy? A heaping dosage of chocolates, hot tea, some Michael Bublé, and a few magazines. All done sprawled on my bed. I completely understand in not wanting to put any effort into dressing. Having the sniffles does one no good – I do feel like sleeping all day. And the transitioning of weather from indoors to outdoors is quite the hassle. We’re on the same page, darling.

And it is in such circumstance I try to achieve that effortless look – a look we all know as one that actually requires effort in order to look effortless, much like how it takes makeup to look natural. Why must the world be so difficult at times?

.   .   .

It almost goes without saying that you should dress with comfort in mind: if you could curl up on a sofa in that particular ensemble, that is your sick day outfit! Of course that excludes the likes of sweatshirts and sweatpants. But do welcome leggings, opaque tights, dresses, loose tunics/tops, etc.

My sick-day outfit has quite the conservative color palette: it usually consists of grays and blacks. They simply are the most sophisticated colors – but of course, coming from me, you know such statement is biased. Anywho. My staples? A loose, long-sleeved tunic top or a shorter dress paired with black, opaque tights/footed tights (emphasis on the opaque, since we would rather not have derrieres a-hangin’ for the world to view) makes for the most comfortable outfit. I can easily snuggle in bed in a half a second, or run errands without fear that the public is seeing me at my worst. A lacy camisole or bra peeking through the tip of the neckline does make you feel just a bit more fabulous, helping you forget your sickly state. Oxfords or some kind of bootie pull the entire look together, adding a level of class and elegance. And this is when I go crazy with my collection of obnoxious rings.

And what makes this outfit even more practical, besides its level of comfort, is its ability to transition easily from indoors to outdoors. A light, cotton, long-sleeved top and tights provide enough warmth in the air-conditioned rooms; at the same time, they allow you and the fabric to breathe in the warmer weather. Of course the long-sleeves can be substituted for three-quarter lengths or short-sleeves – just check the weather beforehand!

Outfit no. 2: A bit edgier and grungy-er, but I thought I should attempt at offering looks that would appeal to different styles. Whether or not this attempt was a success or failure I shall overlook – it’s the thought that counts, right, darlings? I believe this outfit might be more suitable for the warmer weather, like in Maria’s state. A loose tank thrown over cuffed denim shorts (destroyed always looks so cute) is the base of the outfit. Add a light cardigan and/or (once again) black opaque tights depending on the current weather and voila! An ensemble that is quite chic whilst being comfortable. Flat boots or booties with heels can be chosen at your disposal!

Feel better, love!

.   .   .

Hot chocolate & les bises,

La C.