At some point, most of us have worn a too-tall shoe, skinny jeans we had to lie down to put on or a dress that disallowed any form of cake consumption while zipped up. Sometimes, gorgeous fashion comes with a cramped, ill-fitting price. However, I’m pretty anti-ouch when it comes to most clothing choices. For one thing, I literally get sick to my stomach if I wear something that’s tight around my torso but on the other hand, I just don’t think that there’s much of a point to wearing uncomfortable clothes if you’re off trying to have a good time. When I remember a concert, I’d like to think, “The band was amazing and I had fun dancing.” It would be unfortunate to just remember trying not to fall down or move around too much in order to preserve the appearance of my outfit. Anything that will tear my attention away from the pursuit of fun sounds counterproductive, regardless of how great it looks. 

That said, I think 5 inch heels can make a person’s legs look incredible and when I’ve worn them, albeit not recently, I get pretty excited when I look in the mirror. Although I’m 5’7″, I’ve always wanted to be taller so I enjoy the height addition as well as how tall shoes can compliment fancy dresses. However, I’ve had many experiences like Joanna Popper’s; I’ve purchased a gorgeous pair of shoes, loved how they looked, bought them and then halfway through wearing them, severely regretted my choice. It doesn’t matter how many Dr. Scholl’s I shove in there. My feet will cry for slippers. 

I mean seriously guyz.

Wild heels, unbreathable dresses, anti-dance jeans… are they worth it? I used to believe that for particularly in the case of a special occasion, they totally were. That when you want to look your absolute best, it’s okay to maybe where something a bit less roomy than the normal get up. For example, a Christmas party. I used to always wear something very tight and very tall. And then I realized I looked silly in photos because I couldn”t stand properly — due to both my excess of heel and my excess of eggnog — which made the party less fun. Verdict: Not worth it.

But what about the realm of the most traditionally formal of occasions, weddings? Considering the striking number of shoes dedicated to getting brides in shape for their oh-so-perfect dress, including Bridalplasty — which is more about wanting to look like a borderline different person, but I digress — I’ve sort of assumed for a while that the popular opinion is that you’re supposed to go through a certain amount of discomfort in order to look just right on your big day. But more and more brides seem to be opting for looser, less-tight gowns that allow them to move, walk, eat and breathe easier. Others have chosen removable skirts or a reception dress, one that is more conducive to dancing all night. I know pictures last a lifetime, but so do memories. And wouldn’t you want yours to involve a boatload of dancing and running up to hug people and happily grinning — not painfully grimacing — in all the candid photos?

Which would you choose?

But this is all a matter of personal choice. Some people love looking glamorous even when it hurts. I personally love that glamour too; I just can’t justify the “ouch” that comes with it once in a while. Plus, there are tons of choices for gowns, shoes and other clothing that are really comfortable that look incredible. And then there’s everything in between that is only mildly uncomfortable yet looks wonderful, too.

Of course, all this does not apply to people who are just naturally amazing at walking in sky high heels and simply don’t feel pain when it comes to tight clothes. I envy you people. I wish to absorb your powers.

Lovelies, do you regular choose comfort over style? Or does looking good trump feeling good (or are they one in the same)?

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