Snow Day Essentials – How to Look Good & Feel Productive When You Stay In

By Brian Maynor
January 31, 2014

We don’t have very many snow days here in the South, so when they happen they are extra special.  Wednesday was one of those days.

Spending the day lounging by a fire and watching the snow slowly melt is great, but at the end of that day it is still nice to have that sense of accomplishment.   The first step is getting ‘dressed’.   I’m not saying you need to put on formal, structured clothes, but changing out of your pajamas is the bare-bone minimum.  Here are my thoughts and ideas on how to be comfortable while enjoying a lazy day that ends with a feeling of satisfaction:

1.    Freshen-up.  We all know how rejuvenating and invigorating it feels when we get cleaned up.  Even to stay inside, you shouldn’t just roll out of bed and move to the sofa.  After a few cups of coffee, shower, brush your teeth and put on clean clothes.  Then head to the sofa.  Chances are you will have more energy than you expect and will find ways of being productive.  If you stay in your pajamas with bedhead the day feels wasted, not restorative.

2.    Elastic waistbands.  When you spend the day in the comfort of your home it is perfectly acceptable to bend the rules of fashion a little.  Generally for bottoms to qualify as a pair of pants they should have a closure and zipper, not simply elastic, but even I can make an exception.  While I do not consider leggings pants they do make great loungewear.  Just make sure they are at least mid-rise unless you want to keep pulling them up all day.

3.    Sweater weather.  Seeing snow on the ground means it’s cold outside and nothing feels as warm and cozy as being wrapped in an oversized sweater.  Whether it is a crewneck or cardigan this is the perfect time to grab your favorite wool, fleece or cashmere.  Plus an oversized top is the ideal complement for skinny bottoms.  Just remember if it’s boxy and short add a longer t-shirt underneath.

4.    Activity.  Let’s face it, after a few hours of lounging chances are you’re going to get board.  Turn off the television and computer and grab a book or board game.   We all need to recharge, but vegging out is not the best way to do it.  Activity doesn’t always have to be physical.  Spending quality time with your family or meditating are great ways to keep your mind engaged on a restorative level to have that sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

It is so rare that we have an unplanned free day during the week.  Whether it is due to snow or not, make the most of the opportunity and prevent that guilty feeling of a wasted day by getting ‘dressed’ and being productive. 

Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com. 

Sign up here to receive MidlandsLife weekly email magazine.