LESSON THREE: JEANS

   

                                                                                   Credit to photographer

People tend to overcomplicate jeans.  So I'll keep it simple.  Be conscious of where the jeans are hitting you.  That's the key.  If you like to be encased, try high-waisted.  Midrise if you want to tuck a tummy, or avoid that feeling of “digging in”.  Low rise if you prefer things to touch at your hips. Try different styles to find what words for you in both the comfort and fashionably fitted sense.  

ACCESSORIES CONTINUED

     As for additional accessories, wear as much or as little as you choose.  For some, the clank of a million bracelets is annoying, for others, it is calming and akin to white noise.  The same goes for earrings—if posts are comfortable for you, wear them.  If you like hoops, rock those.  Don’t worry about the should’s and trust your own inner fashion sense.  Every girl has one.  It’s true.  Swear.

LESSON TWO: ACCESSORIES

Image Credit

     Belts are your friend.  Now, I know what you’re thinking.  Belts.  So uncomfortable.  I’m here to tell you they don’t have to be.  A belt can allow you to wear looser clothing because it defines your waist and makes you look proportional where otherwise you’d appear frumpy.  Good, right?  This applies to tops, dresses, even jackets.  First of all, make sure your belt choice is correct for you: loose fabric, starched or structured fabric, leather, or mock-leather.  Touch or try on a few at the store to decide.  Make sure to have the belt around your true waist—on ladies that means the spot where your waist dips in the most.  And avoid the most common mistake highly sensitive people make: don’t wear the belt too tight because you think you should.  Wear what feels comfortable for you.  If its super loose, hey, call it Boho and work it!  

MATERIAL CONTINUED

     There are lots of other material options out there as well.  I’ve named two that most people find comfortable, but like all highly sensitive people know, what’s good for one person is not necessarily good for another.  So here I will give my most important advice. Be willing to try things on.  Like, a lot of things.  Touch fabrics with your fingers while you shop to help hone in on what might work for you.  Some people like silk.  Others like alpaca-wool (it’s a super-soft variety).  Others love the feel of denim on their legs.  You never know.  Just stay true to your own comforts but keep and open mind as well.     

     All you have to do is give it a try. 

     There are also some people who find tight fabrics calming.  But don’t go with the tired yoga pants and top combo.  It doesn’t look professional.  And you can get your proprioceptive fix another way.  Invest in tight shorts.  Bike shorts, yoga shorts, kick pants, whatever.  Try Spanx. Maybe even just a pair of control-top tights will do it for you.  Wear them under your clothes.  You’ll feel comfortable in your comfort zone and still look stylish.

LESSON ONE: MATERIAL

Jersey knit and cotton are your friends.  Both are cool fabrics that will breathe.  They’re also easy to take care of in the laundry room.  Basics in these fabrics are a much for the fabulously fashionable girl--with or without sensitivities.  A white tee and jeans or jeanshorts is a classic option.  It never goes out of style and is appropriate in all casual situations.   Think Grace Kelly—or Rachael from Friends.  You can style this look any way you want, from a small colored bag (sporty) to a pair of oversized sunglasses and nice sandals (high fashion).

Jennifer Aniston Elle shoot: Credit to photographer

Jersey-knit dresses are an easy way to look glam without a lot of work.  Its one piece so you can just throw it on.  You can experiement in which style looks best on your body type: A-line, wrap dress, belted with a fuller, more bell-shaped skirt…the options are endless.  As are the colors and patterns available.  Oh, and the “knit” part?  Has nothing to do with wool.  The material is a great-feeling blend that’s light, smooth to the touch, and not at all itchy.  And you can get your hands on one of these babies virtually anywhere, at any price point, from Target to Nordstrom’s.  

HOW TO DRESS WELL WHEN YOU’RE TACTILY DEFENSIVE:

Elle UK Cover: Credit to Photographer

It’s tough.  No lie.  Tags itch.  Collars chafe.  Belts are too tight.  Shoes pinch your toes.  The list goes on and on, and sometimes, it can feel like there’s no way to dress for success  without dressing for sensory distress.  But there are ways to work with your sensitivities instead of fighting against them.  There are alternatives to giant fleece pullovers and yoga pants.  You can look as professional, pretty, sexy, and in-charge as you really are—all in spite of your hypersensitivities.