When was the last time you left your comfort zone? For many of us, doing something scary isn’t just about really big life changes, it’s the smaller things that happen in between. At the risk of sounding like a (bad) Richard Curtis film, it’s the first dates, the parties, starting a new job. It’s seeing your ex for the first time since they broke your heart and putting yourself somewhere that you know might not be entirely (read: at all) comfortable.
There’s a reason some women call their makeup 'warpaint'. And the right outfit, like our favourite lipstick, can help us feel powerful and sexy and whatever else we need to enjoy and make the most of the slightly trickier moments. That trusty lucky jacket you wear for every job interview, those shoes that make you feel on top of the world, the lucky pink pants, the bra that never lets you down. Everything we wear on the big small days matters, from our underwear to our self-belief. Feeling comfortable is a state of mind, after all.
Here we’ve looked at five different scenarios and built up an outfit from scratch – starting with the right underwear. We’ve used the new Wow Comfort bra from Sloggi, which may well be the world’s most comfortable bra (we’re going to be using the word 'comfortable' a lot here, but you know what, comfort is queen in our eyes). And to top it all off, we’ve enlisted the help of life coach Katie Abbot to give us some inner inspiration at the same time.
First Date
Nothing breeds awkwardness quite like the crashing feeling of expectation before a first date. “It’s the expectation that they have to be perfect,” reflects Katie. “When all that is required is to be yourself. People are beautiful when they’re themselves.”
This is a huge sartorial challenge as much as a mental one. Being yourself (but not so yourself that you’re wearing a stained, week-old T-shirt) requires at least a small amount of consideration.
Ultimately, easy, familiar jeans that fit in all the right places and a bold bit of colour will make you feel great. But if you want a quick pre-date ego boost, you can’t go wrong with a sexy and snug-fitting bra. You may be the only one who knows it’s there but confidence comes from within, and all that.
Model wears Sloggi Wow Comfort Padded Bra in Rose Baroque, £20; Frame Jeans, £146; Arket Merino Roll-Neck Jumper in Red, £59; Topshop Shearling Coat, £79; Tibi Boots, £545.78.
Work Dinner
Ah, the work dinner. In a time when the lines between socialising and working are so very blurred, this is less sartorially challenging than in years gone by (luckily we don’t have prescribed dress codes for every single social event) but it can be a tricky one to prep for nonetheless.
Simple shapes and non-fussy dressing are often useful here – after all, when your clothes are understated you can relax and focus on the task at hand. If you’re one of those people who likes to have fun with colours – and feel like this isn’t the occasion for your biggest, brightest statement top – why not fit the vibrancy into your look by going for midnight-blue underwear?
And talking of big bright statement tops, Katie says it’s important to remember not to over-perform. “Let go of the pressure to have to say anything witty, clever, intelligent – let go of the pressure to say anything at all.” This way, she explains, you leave room to start properly communicating with the people around you. “Develop an openness and curiosity,” she continues. “Experiment with being comfortable with more pauses, more silence.”
Model wears Sloggi Wow Comfort Padded Bra in Ultramarine, £20; Claudie Pierlot Black Flared Trousers, £199; Mandkhai Beige Polo Neck; Whistles Leopard Print Jacket; Russell and Bromley Pointed Court Shoes, £175; CF Concept Gold Earrings, £70.
Public Speaking Engagement
Once you’ve spent months getting ready for a big public speaking engagement, how do you make sure you don’t bottle it last-minute? And most importantly, how do you deliver your hard work in a way that people will remember positively?
This is the occasion when first impressions matter the most. And while we don’t recommend '80s-style power dressing, picking a strong, self-assured look will give people the impression you are just that. Wear something smart and bold, like a modern take on the classic shirt with some kickass underwear (this is not the time for see-through clothes, on that note). Make them feel impressed by you and you’re halfway there.
“People remember how you make them feel, not what you say,” offers Kate. “Again, it’s not about having to say the right thing. It’s about how people are going to feel watching you and listening to you.”
Model wears Sloggi Wow Comfort Padded Bra in Black, £20; Bella Freud Blouse; Reiss Trousers; Bella Freud Palmer Coat, £1250; Maje Shoes, £269.
Dinner With The Ex
Similar to a first date, there’s a huge amount of expectation – just for very different reasons. But differences aside, similar styling suggestions apply: bright bold colours are great if you’re not feeling too sure of yourself.
That may be your lipstick or your underwear (we’re loving this shade of pink). And leather trousers send the same message as Taylor Swift writing a song about her ex: loud, proud and not looking back.
And, we ask Katie, why can this sort of social interaction be quite so…terrifying? “It’s the unknown,” she answers resoundingly. “We don’t know what’s going to happen. So let go of your assumptions.”
Model wears Sloggi Wow Comfort Padded Bra in Rose Baroque, £20; Tods Leather Trousers, £1,650; Paul and Joe Red Jumper; Tibi White Boots, £540; Topshop Red Bag, £22.
Job Interview
And finally, the job interview. People respond to authenticity, and your outfit should reflect who you are. The universal rule, no matter what sort of job you’re in, is that your clothes need to fit well, and sit well. That means wearing underwear that doesn’t give you any visible lines.
And if you work in a more creative industry, there’s no harm in being a bit playful. This blue suit is a fun take on the power suit. Ultimately, if you’re enjoying yourself, you’re going to show your best side. “If it’s meant to be, it will be,” says Katie. “So be as relaxed as you can, be honest, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself.”
Model wears Sloggi Wow Comfort Padded Bra in Ultramarine, £20; Tibi Blue Blazer, £825; Tibi Slim Leg Trousers, £470; Tibi Crushed Velvet Top, £315; Tibi Black Slingback Shoes, £480; Tods Black Bag.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Drake Finally Explains Wearing Blackface & That Jim Crow Shirt
Serena Williams Is Unstoppable, & Her New Clothing Line Proves It
Amal Wore Him To The Met, Now You Can Buy His Dresses At Debenhams