I Overthink Every Outfit, So You Don't Have To | 10
Outfits vs. Forecasts: How Weather Hijacks My Mood, My Closet, and My Sleep Schedule—Plus the Spring Looks I Actually Wore Anyway
I have been thinking a lot about what a chokehold weather and temperature have on my wardrobe and my daily mood. I was reading a book (which I’ll discuss in one of my next posts) about the importance of getting outside.
Obviously, I’ve heard this since I was young—go outside! Get vitamin D! Fresh air will do you some good! But as I turned the pages in this book, I started to think about it even more.
So far the book is really good and interesting. As always, there are things I agree with and things I don’t. However, the idea of being outside and connecting it to our health really struck a chord with me.
I have a really hard time sleeping. Recently, I’ve been in a horrible sleep pattern—going to bed at 11:30 p.m. and waking up at 5:30 a.m.—spending my days exhausted, emotional, and unable to cope at times.
I started making a few small changes last week that made a massive difference. I began prioritizing going outside and feeling direct sunlight on my face. I moved my walks outdoors, started eating my lunch outside at work, and told my kids we were having mandatory outdoor time—which led to a fun game of frisbee. I tried to suggest that maybe we should make a concerted effort to try new foods and eat healthier, but I was immediately vetoed.
I also started dimming the lights at night and actually wearing my glasses (the ones with blue light-blocking technology). I still scroll a bit, but now I listen to podcasts or audiobooks as I do my nightly routine. Then something crazy started to happen… I actually caught myself feeling that feeling of being tired again!
Could it be? Has my circadian rhythm returned? I’ll keep you posted. I’m also notorious for hyperfixating on something that suddenly becomes the 'cure to my life' for a week—only to drop it after a few days.
As far as outfit planning—the first thing I always do the night before is look at the weather. I lay out my outfits each night, and a massive factor in that decision is the what my weather app tells me that evening.
Rain
Shoe choice: There are no cute shoes in wet weather. They just turn into sponges. A weird ick I have: I hate when my socks or shoes feel even a little wet. (This is coming from the girl who didn’t flinch when a bird pooped on her head mid-walk!)
White dresses are a no-go when it’s raining—for obvious reasons. No one wants to end up in a surprise wet T-shirt (or dress) contest.
Pack a raincoat with a hood unless you want your hair to look like Weird Al.
Possible slicked-back bun due to frizz concerns? TBD.
Temperature Cold
Pack multiple layers. Work is scorching hot while the outdoors are subarctic. It’s giving thermostat whiplash.
Do my legs need to be covered? Unclear. Always a gamble.
Will the forecast gaslight me and by 2:00 p.m. I’m sweating in a sherpa sweater? Must be considered.
Ballet flats: Will the tops of my feet icicle? Very possible.
If it’s snowing—do not attempt ballet flats. You will regret everything.
Temperature Hot
65 degrees and up = sandals are fair game. Let the toes see the sun.
What’s the closest thing to wearing a bathing suit while still looking work-appropriate? Asking for me.
AC betrayal. It’s 100 degrees outside, but the office AC is on full blast, and I’m shivering in a summer dress. Make it make sense.
Will my hair survive the humidity percentage? That number should be on the forecast next to the temperature.
How much setting spray is required to keep my face from melting off?
Dry shampoo strategy: Do I need a spray today to prevent an extra hair wash tomorrow?
Windy
Avoid flowy dresses for Marilyn Monroe reasons. I’m not trying to recreate that moment on my lunch break.
Hair tied back to prevent eating it while walking. Not a fan of the accidental hair snack.
Weather is complicated. As am I. On one hand, it helps me sleep better, feel rich in vitamin D, and generally happier. On the other, it can cause absolute mayhem when it comes to wardrobe decisions.
How’s that for overthinking for ya?
Sunday
Still loving these Old Navy shorts. I wore the red ones last week and the navy ones this week. Summer staple for sure. I paired them with a white tee and a grey sweatshirt.
Loving these Nike sneakers. At first, I thought they’d be the kind of fancy sneakers that can’t get dirty, but now I’ve realized they have great athletic potential for my longevity walks in the sun.
Monday
Obsessed with button-downs these days. The fact that I’m wearing it untucked makes me feel so vulnerable. However, I’m here to say that I like wearing it this way! As a serial shirt tucker, this is very exciting news. You’ll see I did it multiple times this week, gasp!
If you missed my post on Saturday, check out my love letter to the Gap Big Shirt that I’m wearing here.
Tuesday
If the Anthropologie Somerset is the electric drill of dresses, then this one is the power drill of dresses? Maybe? I don’t know tools. Sorry, Dad-gang. I love how versatile it is and how many different colors it comes in! A lot of reviews mentioned that it runs small, so I sized up and feel good in it. The other MVP item of my week was these adorable J.Crew strappy sandals I snagged during their most recent sale.
Wednesday
Untucked and unbothered yet again. I tossed this oversized striped shirt on top of a black slip dress, paired it with my favorite strappy black sandals, and added a chunky gold earring.
Thursday
I felt so cool in this look. I am loving pairing a cropped white tee with a maxi skirt this spring! Toss on a chunky silver earring and black strappy sandals and call it a day! Plus it was beautiful sunny day which made the whole look come together without any concerns.
Friday
Love a good patterned peasant top. I’ve realized that my favorite necklines are either a square or a deep U—no idea why, but I just gravitate toward them.
I read a Substack post recently where the author listed all the fashion trends they can’t stand. At first, I felt a little insecure because I happen to love puff sleeves—probably just as much as Deb from Napoleon Dynamite.
But then I paused, didn’t spiral, and thought of my little one. “I like what I like.”
And in this case? It’s puffy sleeves.
Making my own rules when it comes to fashion has been a labor of love. But I think it’s truly the first step in moving beyond years of influence from everyone and their mother—and toward curating my own personal style that actually makes me feel good about myself.
Saturday
Back to my perseverating on the weather—it was freezing. Sherpa “coat” it is, paired with comfy leggings, calf socks, and sneakers! A great Mom-iform that actually makes me feel good.
Alright, that’s all for this week. I hope life and the weather cooperate for all of us—because I’m one disgusting, rainy day away from a messed-up circadian rhythm, vitamin D deficiency, and an overall gloomy, sad way of life.
But seriously — does the weather impact your mood? To what extent does it influence your wardrobe? And how do I find joy in rainy, disgusting days?
Love you guys! xo,
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Me: Don’t respond to everyone’s comments right away—wait until you have a few minutes to thoughtfully reply.
Also Me: [has a 5-minute break at the elementary school concert] This feels like a perfect time to respond!
Me again: Accidentally deletes a comment.
Kelly, I’m so sorry! Here’s what you wrote:
“At the risk of sounding like a real freak, I have been reading/listening/watching a lot of content on longevity, and being outside in sunlight first thing in the AM and while the sun is setting is great for your circadian rhythm! I think you have hacked your problem, but please do report back!”
Now I shall respond. 😉
Love the peasant blouse. So relaxed. And you look relaxed in it. Feeling good does partially come from what you are wearing just as your outfit can sometimes be dependent on your mood. Agreed.