Would you sacrifice your comfort for your image?????

United States
October 11, 2008 4:58pm CST
When it comes down to shopping for clothes and shoes, is it a choice between look or comfort? Are you vain? Do you really believe people care that much about your appearance that you would sacrifice your comfort and buy something that didn't make you comftable. Or do you care so much about your appearance you would sacrifice an entire days comfort and risk pain after the fact? Reently, I purchased a really expensive pair of shoes that matched a dress, just because I didn't think anything else would match. Those shoes hurt my feet so much and I couldn't walk right. They still sit in the bottom of my closet gathering dust. It wasn't worth the hassle. What do you think? With the economy the way it is it worth it? Is you comfort or your image more important?
9 people like this
28 responses
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
12 Oct 08
To me comfort is more important. I agree with you though. I have bought shoes and clothes in the past when I use to work or go off with friends to go parting. Nope not anymore. I were shoes and clothes for comforant not to impress anyone.
• United States
12 Oct 08
I think about those days when I got all dressed up for four hours of dancing in shoes that were taller than me. Ouch. By the time I got home at night I was in real pain. I was never a big pertier, but we used to have. Yeah, If I put a 4 inch pair of heels on now I would probably fall over sideways. Last year, I broke my hip and walking in those types of shoes is not even an option. Thank You Shaun !!
1 person likes this
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
12 Oct 08
No not anymore. Even before I knew I had ms I was never comfortable walking in them. I thought that I was just really culmsy before I found out what was wrong.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Oct 08
hi deesfamily values I dress for comfort as I think if you are not comfortable in what you wear you will not look attractive no matter how chic your clothes may be. Someone wearing clothes that make her look like a sausage stuffed into a tight tube looks really uncomfortable,and another who is large but wants to hide her bigness then dresses in a tent dress looks really uncomfortable. I dress to look neat and attractive without being a slave to the latest styles.So I guess I will stick with comfort and people will just have to suffer with whatever image I portray. lol lol lol
• United States
13 Oct 08
What a great response. I think that was nicely put and funny. I have seen so many people stuffed in their pants that it isn't funny. What about the ladies that are hippy that wear the low rise pants with belly revealing shirts. Ickkk. I try to teach my daughter some modesty. It is tough with the styles of today. Thank you so much for youe post.
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
12 Oct 08
I do like to look nice. Comfort matters a lot to me and so does quality. I never buy the first thing I see for this reason. Comfort and quality are highest on the list, but if they don't look nice, I will keep looking.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Oct 08
Good for you. I have to look nice for my home business, but I can't sacrifice the comfort anymore. I have found a couple really good sales of things that fit all of my qualifications. Too b designs don't think about the *real* people before creating their designs. Thank you makingpots. Have a great day.
@MH4444 (2161)
• United States
12 Oct 08
I am not vain at all. I take care of myself well; but I do not spend extra money or rather excessive money on my appearance. I prefer to spend my money on entertainment and electronic fun stuff. I would never, ever make myself uncomfotable to "look" better than I do right now. No plastic surgery here for me thank-you.
• United States
12 Oct 08
Wow, I would rather spend money on fun things instead of surgery too. Good Point. Actually, I think it is better to spend the things that you get joy from then things you don't need or that will hurt you. Thank you MH4444
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Oct 08
I am pretty much a casual girl. I am comfortable in casual clothes! I am not a fancy dresser! I do not think that I have to dress to impress anyone. My image is casual and yes it is important to me! LOL When I feel like getting dressed up I do!
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Oct 08
Casual is A-OK in my book. I think you can look nice in business casual as well. I have lost the desire to hobble around in clothing I can't wait to strip off. In truth I am a Pajama girl. I could shop for PJ's until the end of time. I love to find cute comfy PJ's. Not slinky nighties...but fun lounging around PJ's. In fact if you showed up at my door step I would be answering it in flannels right now. How unsexy. :-) My poor hubby.
1 person likes this
@Tobikins (12)
• United States
12 Oct 08
You should dress in what looks best on you and what is comfortable. You should never have to dress to please others. If you like to wear a comfortable hoodie and jeans, then wear it! But if you want to dress in something that fits you and you believe that you look great then wear it, dont rely on others opinions.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Oct 08
That is alittle spooky...Are you looking at my right now. **peering out the window, nobody there*** I am wearing a black Old Navy hoodie and jeans. I am going for casual and completely unimpressive. :-) Thanks
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Oct 08
In my younger days I definately chose looks over comfort. Nowadays I still try to look nice but comfort comes first. I am glad I have enough clothes to last me a long, long time. As money is now so tight clothes is the last thing I shall buy.
• United States
12 Oct 08
Trans you remembered!! I am still happy with mine I'm hope you will be just as pleased!
• United States
11 Oct 08
You are a spring chicken. (meaning you are still young!!)I am glad that you choose comfort over imagine though. There are so many alternative styles and stores you can go to that it doesn't seem worth ruining your feet or being uncomfortable all day. Just not worth it. And you are right the price of clothing is ridiculous. Ceratinly not high on my adgenda. Thank you for posting.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
11 Oct 08
nope. i couldnt or wouldnt wear high heels because i have very bad knees. i wear pretty much what is comfortable, but i still do try to look good. i have gone to about 12 shops in a row to get the right shoes for a dress. maybe you should sell your shoes on ebay!! :-)
• United States
11 Oct 08
Hey, that is a great idea. They are pretty, but I will never wear them again. I almost begged the bellhop/ concierge to carry me to my room. I hope your knees get better. I know what that is like Ihave had two knee surgeries and three screws put inmy left hip. It sticks doesn't it. I have decided comfort is the best option! Thank you for posting.
• China
12 Oct 08
at school, i may choose the beautiful one, i think almost every girl want to make themselves look better. but is lucky that i dont need to wear high heels, thats not my style, wearing skateshoes is my favorite. but i always buy the things both in good appearance and feels comfortable, maybe next time when you go shopping,you should take it into account.
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
12 Oct 08
Comfort is my one, and my only concern. I don't care at all whats in fashion, or what anyone else is wearing. I guess I'm just too much of a tomboy. I don't own a pair of uncomfortable shoes, and my clothing is shorts, tshirts and jeans. And expensive shoes? Waste of money unless they are comfortable. I DO spend good money on good fitting shoes, but they will only be ones that have no heel and are comfortable for my feet. If I want to wear a crazy tshirt with bugs bunny on it, I will. If I want to wear two different earrings just for the heck of it, I do that too. Matter of fact one of my favorite things is to wear a diamond stud in one year, and long dangles in the other. Strange huh? Yup, thats me. I guess I'm the odd one - but I really don't pay much attention to what anyone is wearing, and don't really care. I also don't care what they think of what I wear. LOL I guess you can say I don't have a vain bone in my body. And anyone who is only concerned with my image is missing out on the REAL me.
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
13 Oct 08
:) Thanks, but I'm not that young. I'm older than you. LOL But, I've always been quirky - it runs in my family.
• United States
12 Oct 08
ABSOLUTELY!!! You have it right. Be who you are and don't care what anyone else thinks. You have a great handle on life Tess. I wish more young people like you could have that attitude. Great Job!
@LadyMarissa (12148)
• United States
12 Oct 08
When I was young, I went for how I looked. The female mentality then was Pride knows NO pain So the more they hurt, the better I felt about myself. Also, I NEVER looked good for somebody else. I ALWAYS looked good for ME!!! As I've gotten older, I tend to go for comfort. I guess I now feel good about ME if I'm NOT in pain!!!
• United States
12 Oct 08
That is great. I think our mentality changes after we reach a certain age. I know when I was younger also, I wanted that svelte look and wanted to impress. I felt good and did it FOR me but I wanted to make a great impression. I agree, now comfort is the best route. I broke my hip last year tumbling down a flight of stairs. I can't do the high, high heels for a long period of time anymore. I just look for a more comfortable look that I think is cute. That is the beauty of knocking on 40's door. :-) Thank you LadyMarissa!!
@Metalchick (1391)
12 Oct 08
When it comes to buying clothes I alway purchase something which is of value for money and is both physically attractive and comfortable...however shoes is a very different matter. The amount of times i've fallen in love with a pair of shoes and just had to buy them only to get them home and after about half an hour i'm in extreme pain wearing them. This is perhaps one of my guilty pleasures afteral we all need something to make us feel good in life. Sometimes i'm lucky enough to find a pair of shoes that are gorgeous to look at and are comfortable too.
• United States
13 Oct 08
Ok so your vice is shoes. Mine is handbags. I could for go the shoes as long as I can buy the handbag. I think most people are going to what is economical these days. Thank you Metalchick.
@arthi_88 (1516)
• India
12 Oct 08
For me comfort is must and the way economy is becoming more and more unstable I would not sacrificemy comfort for any image no matter what people say..I buy clothes keeping two thibgs in mind apart from budget- one is comfort and second is dress code.. Have a nice day!
@arthi_88 (1516)
• India
13 Oct 08
Dress code in the sense like I can't wear jeans to a temple even if I am comfrtable in it.. Have a nice day!
• United States
12 Oct 08
Arti_88, what kind of dresscode so you have? That is the first response that talks about a dress code. But that makes sense. Comfort has to be first. It is great that you are grounded in who you are. Thank you for posting!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
14 Oct 08
Hi lotters good day! It is important to choose your comfort when it comes to wearing your clothes.if your not at ease when wearing your favorite clothes but your not uncomftable yes you are right..your just being paranoid and your appearance doesnt make sense.You should wear something that you will feel your comfort and atleast your confident is there to look great.when you go shop,make sure the clothes you are buying is the one that fits your personality and everyone do have it called "COMFORT" please add some comment.. Thanks :)
@myhllim (272)
• Malaysia
13 Oct 08
Mostly no, I rather to be comfortable than to get praise of my image. As long as I'm neat and clean and the clothes are OK, mean not too old or too young for me, I'm done and ready to go. However, there is situation where I need to torture myself, especially my feet due to the high heel shoes. Such as going for a dinner where I need to wear a evening gaun and definitely need a pair of high heel to match it. Luckily that are only 3 or 4 times in a year!
1 person likes this
@trixyteddy (1070)
• India
12 Oct 08
No way. I would rather be comfortable. Imagine going through a whole day, feeling terrible. And especially where feet are concerned, I would not be able to tolerate aching feet.
• United States
13 Oct 08
me either. I hate it when me feet hurt. Truthfully I would rather be wearing flip flops and lounging. thank you trixyeddy
@unuzzz (1273)
• Indonesia
12 Oct 08
hi deeesfamilyvalues i'm lucky that the way i dress is not torturing me my style is jeans paired with sneakers and tshirts very comfortable and also cheap .. hehee i have some friends who always choose knitwear as tops, like knit-jackets or sweaters .. the total cost is almost four times more expensive than my outfits hehee.. well, it should be better to choose comfort first, but i think it's all back to us again imagine if the image [ although it's a torture ] has become a form of 'comfort' to us ? well, we can't say anything to that.. hehee thanks deeesfamilyvalues !!
• United States
13 Oct 08
That is cute. My friend only buys name brand jeans and clothes. She spends 300.00 on jeans. I think that is nuts.I cannot imagine spending that much on a pair of pants. I would rather wear less expensive clothes and then go to Disneyland with the savings. :-) Thank you unuzzz
@sharra1 (6340)
• Australia
12 Oct 08
No. I did that when I was young and it is not worth the pain. Comfort is all I care about now and I try and wear the nicest looking comfort clothes and shoes that I can find. I know that when I was working my boss wanted me to be more fashionable, although I could not figure out why as our customers were students and teachers who were not that concerned about dress. I resisted all the time. I dressed in what is called smart casual and I refused to wear shoes or clothes that caused discomfort. I met the dress rules of the employer and that was all I cared about. I have seen people wear shoes like that but I cannot wear high heels as it is bad for my back and I have enough pain there already. Maybe from wearing bad shoes when young. Now I am reluctant to buy shoes because it is easy to get sucked into buying something in a shop and then you try to actually wear them and find they cause too much pain. I have lots of shoes I never wear.
• United States
12 Oct 08
I find that too. They look comfortable, but they hurt like Heck!! It may just be the seams on the inside or to narrow. It is hard to shopfor shoes unless you have a nice chunk of time to concentrate. I have a few pairs of shoes I never wear too.. Thanks for posting Sharra1.
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
12 Oct 08
I've always been able to reconcile both comfort and image. If I wear something uncomfortable for the sake of looking good then it will have to be the shoes. I never buy an outfit that looks good on me but makes me nervous. I tend to invest more in clothes than I do with shoes. There are many cheap shoes here that are great for matchy-matchy outfits. But I'm trying to stay away from those now because I'd rather invest in a good pair of shoes. :)
• United States
12 Oct 08
PayLess has great shoes for cheap, just for the sake of buying shoes. I know that there are great sales out there. I think it is smart that you go with comfort. Hey-the food in your profile picture looks great. I am starving!! Thank you for posting!
• Philippines
12 Oct 08
hahaha ever since i graduated from highschool all i have ever worn are flip flops, shorts and loose shirts. so i guess you could say i like my clothes comfortable. although many of my friend and even some of my family judge me because of my choice of clothing i am still not bothered be em. FLIP FLOPS FTW
• United States
13 Oct 08
Flip Flops...THe best invention of mankind. hehe I live in Arizona, and we live by flip flops. I think comfort has to reign supreme. Thank you hotshoe5000
@Giox91 (38)
• Italy
12 Oct 08
In my town I always say a lot of people who wear clothes only for fashion Indeed many, in my opinion, sacrifice comfort while wearing a head signed. I usually wear comfortable clothes and sometimes I wear fashion clothes but I absolutely don't compromise the comfort. Bye!
• United States
13 Oct 08
That is great. It is great when we can find both qualities in one purchase. I think a lot of people sacrifice comfort. I know I have family that is so vain it scares me. Thank you Giox91