What Do I Wear There? Gettin’ Dirty
This week’s “What Do I Wear There?” was definitely one of the most challenging for me yet! In the past couple weeks, I was asked two questions in which I saw a similar theme.
First came Priscilla’s comment, in which she asked:
“I work at an herb nursery. This means I get messy, dirty, and parts of me get some water throughout the day. I still want to look cute, but what would I wear!”
Then came Trista, who asked:
“In one of my classes, we go camping for a weekend in the woods in mid-November. Now I live in Florida, so its not unbearably cold, but to us who are used to warmth, it’s a huge change. I was wondering what to wear at night, when its the coldest, to keep warm, but not look like I’m drowning in hoodies.”
Now while all of us may not be working with plants or camping, many college students volunteer and may find themselves in similar situations in which they have to get a little dirty! So for this week’s article, I decide to try to tackle the question of how to look fashion-forward while in an outdoorsy, dirty environment!
Some quick notes for this piece:
First, Trista did request clothes for a certain climate. Of course, not all of us are currently enjoying Floridian weather. Therefore, I made sure to choose outfits that could be easily layered with a warmer coat on top (or worn with pieces removed if you’re lucky enough to still be enjoying warm weather).
Also, I understand that the degrees of dirty-ness for Priscilla’s job, Trista’s camping trip, and student volunteer work are of a pretty wide range. I tried to create outfits for that would fit a variety of these similar situations, but remember that these are simply base outfits for inspiration that you can change up to fit your specific needs!
Look One: Cute for Camping
Product Information: Acid Wash Tank: Forever 21, Boot Cut Jeans: Charlotte Russe, Cardigan: TopShop, Skinny Black Headband: Old Navy, Sneakers: Urban Outfitters, Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel: Bath and Body Works
This is a great outfit for someone like Trista who is going to be outside but not digging around too much in the dirt or getting wet. The acid wash tank is a really hot look to layer right now and the simple gray cardigan will keep you warm. Both of these tops (as well as the jeans) are made of blended colors, which will help keep dirt from showing.
Stay comfortable and stylish with sneakers in a fun print–these are great because the pattern will also help hide any dirt! However, if it has been raining or may rain, opt for more durable shoes.
I personally would not want to add too many accessories to an outdoor outfit since they will probably get in the way of any outside activities, but do opt for a headband to keep your hair off your face and guard against any annoying atmospheric conditions (outdoor hair + humidity is not a fun match)!
Also, in an environment such as camping you will likely be very close to a lot of people. Since bathrooms are limited on campgrounds and you will not be able to wash your hands much, bring along some anti-bacterial hand gel. A scented one will kill germs and keep you smelling good throughout the day!
Look Two: Gorgeous While Grungy
Product Information: Tank: Refinery29shops.com, Granite-Washed Jeans: Charlotte Russe, Checked Flannel: TopShop, Boots: Target, Headband: Forever 21, Cleansing Wipes: Sephora
For this look, I drew inspiration from the ultimate example of dirty-but-fashionable style: the ’90’s!
A simple tank top with a flannel was a staple for many 90’s teens and will serve any outdoorsy girl well now. This outfit is not meant to look perfect at all–in fact, it looks better a bit mussed up, which is great for the situations you guys are in! I chose a plain gray tank with an off-white flannel (the off-white already has a brownish tinge, which is ideal if it’s going to get a bit dirty), but you can really choose any colors you would like for the top.
When you pick out jeans, find a pair with elasticity to allow you freedom of movement. Also, look for a darker wash that will not show as many stains. If you are going to be kneeling down in dirt and mud, choose boots that go pretty far up your shins–these ones are great since they rise higher in the front but are lower in the back for extra comfort.
To keep you from getting any dreaded dirt smears on your skin or clothes, bring along some cleansing wipes that you can easily use to clean off. Like the anti-bacterial gel, these ones have a light scent that will also keep you smelling fresh!
For a final touch to update your look from 90’s grunge to 2009 grungy-gorgeous, add a chain-link headband to pull back stray hairs. This will instantly transform your look into a more rocker-chic style!
Look Three: Fashionably Filthy
Product Information: Tank Top: Brownsfasion.com, Striped Cardigan: TopShop, Lace-Up Boots: Target, Butterfly Ponytail Holder: Yesstyle.com, Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick: Sephora
While this look is still cute enough for camping, it’s also great for when you have to really get down and dirty! The tank top is a dark navy color that shouldn’t show much dirt at all, while the cardigan’s strips should distract from any mess that gets on it. The dark colors are also great since they will not become see-through if they get wet!
The jeans are a totally relaxed, faded fit that should hold up to any kind of activity and would look good tucked into or worn over boots. Lace-up boots are really trendy for fall/winter, and this durable pair with a rubber sole are the perfect mix of fashionable and functional.
As for your hair and makeup, go for a totally natural look. If you’re really doing a lot of outdoor work for a significant period of time, your makeup will probably end up more of a mess than your clothes, so put on the least amount possible!
Bring along a moisturizer to prevent your skin from becoming scaly and cracked in cooler weather. This moisturizer-in-a-stick is perfect for throwing in your purse and can be used on your body, face, lips, and even on skin mildly irritated from bug bites or sunburn. It also can help tame hair flyaways, which are an almost-certain byproduct of outdoor work. Prevent that unruly hair the best you can by pulling hair back in a bun or ponytail–that will keep your hair from falling in your face. Stay stylish by investing in a couple hair ties with fun details on them, like this bejeweled butterfly one.
What Do You Think?
What do you wear when you’re going to be working outside and messing up your clothes a bit?
Are there any great jeans,shoes, etc. you have that really stand up to the outdoors in any weather? Do you have any tricks for keeping clothes clean or for cleaning them after they get a bit messy? Let us know in the comments!
As always, don’t forget to share any “What Do I Wear There” questions you may have. Your question may make next week’s article!
Posted on on October 23, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Boots, Cardigans, Headbands, Inspiration, Jeans, Outdoors, Sneakers, What Do I Wear There?
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bridget
cute i love them all.
Jess
these outfits are totally cute and functional for outdoorsy activites… only comment i have is that while in the woods/camping it’s best not to have scented products since they attract bugs.
josie
hi, love the article its very informative…keep up the good work!:) i have a question: what do you wear to church and how much skin is too much skin?
crystal
totally agree with Jess. For camping, you’re better off with unscented wet wipes. Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer will just rub the dirt around.
Good article! :)
anna
Great post! However, jeans is a bad idea for camping as if you get them wet, it will take forever for them to dry. A better idea is a pair of special moisture wicking leggings paired with longer tops.
Luinae
Clever post, not one usually done with fashion blogs.
jojo
Awesome ideas, but I would probably replace all the jeans for tights or yoga pants.
These days, with the awesome brands of yoga pants and tights, they are great quality for outdoors-y stuff, but they still look good! TNA, Lululemon, etc! I swear by those yoga pants!
lalalina
I love your outfits! I think they are good options for the girl who works in the nursery, but not ideal for the girl who is going camping. I understand that she wants to look cute while camping, but when you are camping, your clothes are more about functionality. Now I know that is not what she wants to hear, but its not a fashion show when your out in nature. Northface, Columbia, and Mountain Hardwear are a few brands that offer functional clothing in fun colors and styles. I just think that yoga pants have a place and it is not in the woods!
Clare
I really like the outfits you put up. Funny thing, I actually have an Environmental Science class field trip tomorrow and I was wondering what to wear. This has definitely given me some good ideas. Thanks!
Cara
Haha! Love the titles you gave your outfits actually…very witty. These are lovely; will remember them for my next church camping retreat, so I don’t spend it drowning in some other girl’s windbreaker in front of the cutest guy in the group…ugh. Not an enviable position.
Alana @ The Comm Ave Strut
I’m not one to dress up to do something dirty. I’d probably wear some old stuff so as not to ruin it, instead of wearing everyday pieces from my wardrobe…even if they are outdoorsy looking.
Why not focus on making your hair look nice? I’d rather look slightly unfashionable than ruin clothes that I love.
Leira
Great post, the outfits really are supercute! I especially like the third one.
Liz
Great outfit ideas! I’m going on a trip to Greece soon and i’m not sure what kind of clothes I should wear. The weather at this time is normally chilly but sunny. How can I dress to look cute but comfortable walking around and also respectable of the cultlure?
Suzi
There are different pros and cons for using jeans as camping gear. One commenter was definitely right in that they’re not the warmest, and stay damp for a while. On the other hand, they’re not a bad option if you need something with tougher material while cutting through a trail, climbing up a tree to put up a clothesline, etc. I prefer not to wear yoga pants for rougher activities since they can get torn more easily and don’t protect my skin, if say, I’m kneeling on the ground trying to start a campfire. As long as I have a warm, dry pair of pants to change into if I get my jeans wet, then I’m fine.
There are, of course, specialty clothing items that are more practical and advisable than jeans for the advanced camper, but I don’t go camping frequently enough to spend a ton of money on stuff I can’t wear day to day.
As long as I’m not camping in the dead of winter, I’d rather save money by just buying a pair of comfortable secondhand jeans that can stand some wear and tear rather than spend big bucks on fancy gear. That way, I can save my clothing budget for looking cute when I’m NOT out in the woods.
Reneé
wow I like it ! I usually wear denim and converse when I’m going to a picnic or somewhere I’ll get dirty :) these outft ideas are really useful for other options
Thanks !
zee
Thanks for the great ideas,they are cute and simple yet stylish
Colleen - NYU
Hey guys!
First of all, I want to thank everyone who added their tips in here–I have to admit that it has been awhile since the last time I went camping, so your pointers (like not wearing scented products) are so great to have!
As for the yoga pants/jeans idea, I think a lot of it depends on personal preference and what you know you are most comfortable in. Suzi’s idea of wearing second hand jeans that are already worn in seems perfect to me!
Like Alana @ The Comm Ave Strut said, I do agree that in situations like this, function does have to preside over fashion. However, I think by using simpler looks like these and tweaking them to fit your specific event, I think you can keep your look cute and comfortable.
Thanks again for all of your feedback and I hope my ideas helped!
Jenny
There is a theme park near where I live, and I go there a lot with my friends. I was wondering if you had any ideas of what to wear for a day out at a theme park or carnival- it’s difficult to know because I’m running round all day and any jewellery I wear is very irritating because I have to keep taking it off on a rollercoaster. If you have any ideas I’d be so grateful. Thanks! :)
Priscilla
Thanks so much! I haven’t visited the site in a bit and was just looking through all I missed to find my ” What do I wear there?” had been chosen. Thanks so much for all the ideas and pointers! This really has helped a lot. i don’t know why i never though of these ideas like the 90’s grunge look and using second hand jeans. The combination with the camping questions worked out well as I know not many work with plants full time. Awesome, I really appreciate it, Thanks!
FUN & FACT
You always come up with great stuff I just love your site you are very talented I’ll recommend your site to my friends and family members great job very appreciated..keep it up..
Erin
I was just noticing that Josie had asked what’s appropriate to wear to church. I know it’s a kind of boring topic, and probably doesn’t merit a What to Wear There, but I’d just like to try to address the question for anyone else that’s interested.
Tops should cover the shoulders and definitely the midriff. Cap sleeves are okay, with no exposed bra straps of course, and church is not the time to pull off the sheer shirt over bright-colored cami look — make sure your top is opaque. A good rule of thumb that I’ve found is that your neckline should be no lower than the width of your palm from your collarbone, but at least make sure you aren’t showing any hints of cleavage. If your shirt is a little low-cut, you can make it more modest by wearing a big, chunky necklace. If it’s a bit tight, wear a shrug or bolero jacket over it for contrast.
Jeans are okay at my church, but maybe not at yours. Best to look around and see what other people have on for that. If you want something cooler in the summer, your dress or skirt should come to just above the knee at the highest. Stockings are optional. Don’t wear shorts to church though, pants or skirts/dresses, please.
Finally, you need to wear enclosed shoes in a place of worship. (Yes, I know, Jesus wore sandals…) Peep-toed shoes are fine, and high heels too, but leave the strappy shoes that show off your nail polish at home.