Fashion And Function: How To Have Both

Whether you use fashion to express yourself, look put-together for work, or simply be comfy on the weekend, balancing it with function is always a plus.

But, finding outfits that painlessly combine fashion and functionality can be hard. So how do you effectively blend the two of these together?

Here are some questions you should ask yourself when trying to have both fashion and function. 

1. What’s the weather like?

Weather is probably the most important factor you should consider when trying to blend fashion with function. This is especially true if you spend most of your time outdoors. 

If you live in an area that typically has mild temperatures, then sleeveless or short-sleeved shirts may work (even during the winter).

But if your region has an extremely cold climate, finding items with long sleeves will be more suitable.

You can leverage Maple store’s focus on outdoor fashion to find suitable pieces according to the weather. 

2. Where are you going?

Part of deciding what you will wear is knowing where you are going. If you are going out for a night at the club, then tight and short outfits will allow you to steal everybody’s attention.

However, if you’re going to a family dinner or professional event, it’s best to stick with looser clothing that isn’t too revealing. This is especially important if you’re going to give a presentation or speech in front of an audience. It’s important you don’t become too conscious about your outfit and remain comfortable during a public interaction. 

For men, having a blazer or sportcoat is a great way to ensure your outfit stays stylish without being too flashy. Wearing dress shoes with slacks will also go a long way in giving you an upscale ensemble.

3. What’s your body type?

This is important because not every outfit looks good on every body type. If you’re heavier or taller than average, vertical stripes or dark colors may be the best choice. They create a slimming effect and help you stay confident in your skin.

On the other hand, if you’re smaller in stature, light colors, horizontal stripes, or vertical patterns can make you appear larger.

4. What are your plans?

It’s important to consider the activities you have planned for the day before deciding on an outfit. If you plan to go out with friends during the day and hit the town at night, make sure you have a versatile outfit that works for both.

Similarly, if you plan to go for an evening run after work, using athletic wear as formal or semi-formal attire can be useful. 

If you know you’ll be spending all day at home, comfort becomes key and loungewear is your best bet.

5. How’s your mood?

Lastly, you might want to figure out your mood for the day before choosing an outfit. 

If you’re feeling more tired than usual, you should wear something comfortable. Dark colors are also a good idea when feeling tired. 

If you’re feeling cheerful, self-expression is a good idea and bright colors can be used. Throwing on a colorful outfit can also boost your confidence and get you into a better mindset.

So, if you can answer these questions well, you will most likely succeed in blending fashion with function. Here are a few more tips to make this even easier for you.

Some more tips

Choose versatile pieces

Choosing versatile clothes is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the maximum functionality without compromising on fashion. Plus, versatile clothes are more likely to last longer in your wardrobe, providing good value for money. 

Some versatile, fashionable, and functional clothing examples are:

• Dress pants that can be dressed up or down
• A pencil skirt that can be worn to work and for a night out
• A maxi that’s comfortable enough for everyday wear and fashionable enough for a special occasion
• An oversized sweater that can be layered over a work outfit or with jeans on the weekend

Invest in quality pieces

High-quality clothes are made with better materials and hold up well against wear and tear. When you invest in quality pieces, you’re more likely to use them longer and get the most out of their fashion and functional elements. 

Plus, since they’re made with better materials, high-quality clothes tend to be more comfortable and functional. 

Shop around

Remember, you don’t have to shop at only costly brands (and that high quality doesn’t necessarily mean a hefty price tag). 

Instead, look for deals and better options at places like Target. And don’t forget about your local thrift store — a quality item that somebody else didn’t want might be perfect for your needs.

If you have a more sustainable approach towards shopping, follow these eco-friendly fashion tips to make your fashion “green”.

Mix and Match

Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match clothing from different places. For example, if you buy a top from a famous brand but also want to wear a jacket that comes from a local store with a matching eternity ring as jewelry, don’t be afraid to mix them together!

While it’s easy to get caught up in trends and fads, doing so may limit your styling options. Remember, if you want both fashion and functionality, you should work towards maximizing your outfit choices.