According to Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle platform Goop, “discovering a few reliable outfit combinations can eliminate the stress of what to wear.” The article outlines four fashionable solutions to everyday wardrobe dilemmas, featuring items like lip balm and T-shirts that cost more than a luxury vacation. You can read more about it here.
Now, it’s clear that Gwyneth and I don’t run in the same circles. You might be questioning whether you belong to her elite club or mine. If you can rationalize spending $525 on a poncho made from a few dollars’ worth of yarn, you’re probably her target audience. But if you can barely justify a $525 repair for your car, then you’re in my camp.
For those of you who appreciate fashion, you might be interested in what Goop has to offer. I, however, believe that if you need to “master” a simple outfit, you’re overthinking it. Besides, each of these so-called wardrobe “formulas” costs more than my monthly mortgage payment. For me, “mastering” is just a fancy way of saying “what I ended up with.” So, I took a peek into my closet to see what looks I’ve “perfected” over the years, and here’s what I found:
1. Travel Ready
Goop suggests that essentials like a $150 cashmere scarf, comfy knits, and a chic tote can make air travel smoother. However, I believe not carrying a pocket knife is what actually makes flying easier. The passenger in seat 14B likely doesn’t care about your scarf unless it can somehow save the plane in a dire situation. Here’s my take on travel attire:
- A flannel shirt with a few buttons missing and an unfortunate pumpkin puree stain
- A messenger bag stuffed with diapers and toys (because who really wants to carry that?)
- Inexpensive sunglasses that constantly get crushed because I forget where I left them
- A basic V-neck T-shirt from Target, perfect for when a toddler decides to swing off my collar
- Jeans from eight years ago that require a rubber band to stay up comfortably
- Flip-flops from Old Navy that cost less than a coffee
- A free Burt’s Bees lip balm I found lurking in the bag
2. Workout Gear
Workout attire has never been about style for me; it’s purely functional. If I do manage to work out, I don’t have time to think about my outfit. I typically grab whatever neon workout gear Target has on sale. Honestly, neons are hardly a fashion statement—unless you’re wearing neon undergarments while doing squats.
- Apple headphones (which came with my phone)
- My husband’s oversized T-shirt from Walmart
- Deodorant—because social etiquette matters
- A Fitbit to convince myself I’m a fitness enthusiast
- A neon sports bra from Target that was on sale
- Old, stretched-out yoga pants that have survived three pregnancies
- My trusty Nike running shoes that are a decade old
3. Chic Cocktails
When it comes to cocktail attire, I believe in comfort. Who needs to worry about colors when you have snacks and drinks to keep you happy? After all, that’s all you need for a natural glow!
- Cozy pajamas that were a Mother’s Day gift
- Fuzzy socks, a freebie from my sister-in-law
- A mud mask to terrify my family (and maybe pamper myself)
- A good book that pairs perfectly with any outfit
- Leftover chocolates my grandma sent
- A delightful bottle of wine
- The fluffiest robe in the world, thanks to a discount code
4. Meetings (What Are Those?)
I don’t own any polished attire, and with two kids at home, I haven’t attended a formal meeting in over seven years. I’ve completely lost touch with what professional attire even looks like!
- A Crayola marker that doubles as emergency eyeliner
- A chewed lipstick that’s not even my shade
- An old maternity top because it’s the only thing that fits
- A purse I’ve never used because it doesn’t go with anything
- One lone sapphire earring from a pair I lost
- Dress pants so old I don’t remember wearing them
- Black shoes that aren’t Chuck Taylors, probably from a sale long ago
So there you have it! I’ve “perfected” my simple looks for a fraction of the cost of anything sold on Goop. If you happen to have $525 lying around, you could splurge on a knitted poncho. But a more sensible option might be to invest in quality clothes that fit your lifestyle or explore resources like this one for more about home insemination. If you’re curious about DIY options for home insemination, check out Cryobaby’s home insemination kit. If you’re interested in more tips, you can also read about our privacy policy here.
Summary: In this article, I explored four effortless looks that I’ve put together over the years, contrasting them with the high-end fashion promoted by Goop. From casual travel outfits to workout gear and even cocktail attire, my style is all about comfort and practicality.