In the original post on Tying It All Together I received comments from posters that they were “clueless”.

Carly at Chubby Chicks Run Too commented about her fleeces, jeans and Born clogs.

People have different styles. I like to think that I’m a version of Modern Preppy or Classic Chic with a bit of Bohemian flair thrown in at times. My style isn’t emo, punk, tom boy, rock, girly, 50’s, 60’s, 70s, 80s, vintage, country, athletic…the list goes on. Yet all of these styles can look great.

What Carly is wearing is what I categorize as Sportswear. Can basic comfortable Sportswear be fashionable?

The answer is simply, yes.

In my option America revolutionized Sportwear…taking it from Sports to Wear. In the past 10 years, its kind of gone down hill (nobody needs “Juicy” written cross their bum). However, everyone is in luck, according to to the New Yorks Times’ in the online article, Reinventing American Sportswear,

“The international summer 2010 season has opened in New York with a return to America’s fashion roots. That means streamlined, sporty clothes but with a modernist spin in shape, cut and fabric.”

Whats on the run runway will translate back to consumers in ready to wear retail stores. Hooray!

So getting back to Carly, how can she make denim, fleeces and clogs look stylish?

Lets start with the jeans. Get jeans that fit and have a nice finish. Denim is all the rage today; Denimblog blogs about who is wearing what jeans daily. If I were to recommend 3 jeans to have in your wardrobe I’d go with the following: medium to dark wash straight leg mid rise jeans; a pair of relaxed boyfriend jeans; a pair of black jeans. And, if you wear your jeans tucked into your boots your going to need a pair of skinny jeans

Elie Tahari ‘Nicola’ Straight Leg Stretch Jeans are a perfect example of a straigt leg medim wash mid rise jean. They a have dark enough finish to dress up or can be worn casually.

.
501® Boyfriend Cut Jeans – Cracked Blue are a perfect example of loose fitting jeans that look hip. Boyfriend jeans are loose and relaxed, they are sort of like sweatpants but denim.

And finally, Christopher Blue ‘Hannah’ Flare Leg Stretch Jeans in Black. Black jeans will make you look 5 pounds slimmer (thus a wardrobe essential).

#2- Fleeces aka “Warm and Cozy”. There is nothing wrong with wanting a warm, soft and comfortable top. I think the key is find warm and comfortable that fits well. Second, think about color; is your garment going to make the statement or are you going to liven up a neutral with jewelry or a scarf. I tend to gravitate toward solids, stripes and tweeds. I have a few prints that I do wear from time to time but I like to use jewelry and layering to make my look interesting. If your a print person keep the prints modern (no old foggie floral or neon prints). Finally, Cardigans are all the rage this year. They are warm and cozy and can be worn to work with a great pair of slacks or on a Saturday to the grocery store with denim or leggings and boots.

A couple of great warm and cozy choices:

Cabled Cardigans : you can pair a cardigan with virtually any solid color top, tank, tee, oxford or turtleneck. Two stylish options, BCBG MAX AZRIA Cabled Cardigan and Olivia Sky Inset Tie Waist Cardigan

The Basic Turtleneck: the key, pick a great color or add some great jewelry or find a turtleneck with some subtle detailing.

This Façonnable Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater has subtle detailing that enhances a basics gray turtle neck.

Add color!

These Halogen® Turtlenecks have so many great colors, instead of black, white or beige choose a great jewel tone. I might add that bell sleeve adds a subtle touch of style to the garment and for less than $20 you can’t go wrong.

Take any basic turtle neck and add a fabulous necklace. If your looking to pick up one necklace to transform several outfits pick up a multicolor piece or one striking piece in a neutral.

The a long stranded beaded necklace is a great choice. They are also long enough that you can double them up to wear with V-neck shirt or blouse. Also, beaded multi strand necklaces are very chic. Lastly, you can never go wrong with a long stranded back necklace, they go with everything.

Where is the fleece?

Columbia and North Face make some really great items, unfortunately they are for sports. Yes those fleeces are meant to be worn hiking, skiing and running. So can a piece of ATHLETIC WEAR we worn as every day Sportswear?

My answer yes!

…put down the powdered pink and light blue fleeces unless your wearing them for a SPORT. Pick a dark rich color or black.
…put down the BOX. Pick a fleece that has some shape
…go outside the North Face and Columbia. There are some very stylish fleece pieces out there, try them.

This North Face Fleece Jacket has some shape, put a t-shirt under neath it, keep it 1/2 zipped and add the a long stranded beaded necklace with a great fitting pair of jeans. Going beyond North Face, I think the Mike & Chris ‘Buckley’ Funnel Neck Lightweight Fleece Jacket is a great alternative.

#3 the shoes

Heels are not always practical . As a runner I know that sometimes you just want to wear your running shoes 24×7. Running shoes are just not stylish unless your somewhere between the start and finish line. Nordstroms has an entire comfort shop with great selections to choose from. So how can you make your feet look great yet not want to cut your toes off or aggravate your plantar fasciitis? Pick shoes with a round toe base, fit your foot but are NOT boxes with soles. Ditch the Frankenstein shoe look, and look for more refined tailored looks.

Ballet Flats:

Versatile Flat: Geox ‘Bilbao’ Low Pump

This flat has a round toe box but is not a box for a shoe. It has a bit of tailoring and details that makes it look stylish.