Dressing for pleasure in a holiday outfit

I declare the best reason to get dressed is to experience pleasure. There are a couple of other things to think about when getting dressed, like is the outfit going to be warm enough (or cool enough), and will it be respectful of the setting you’re wearing it in? Once you’ve weighed those considerations, the focus shifts to having the most fun you can by wearing what gives you pleasure.

The anatomy of a holiday outfit from pieces I already own

This plaid A-line dress by Lisa Baynes from last year (how I wore it then) was my starting point. I’m so pleased to be wearing it again. Pleasure points are adding up from the moment I slip it over my head. There’s a pleasure point for plaid, as I love it so, and another point for crinkle fabric, which tickles my fancy. There are two points right there.

I associate this fabric with Christmas wrapping paper. I imagine a special something wrapped in this red and black plaid print, waiting patiently under the tree for a certain loved one to open. When something leads me into a fantasy or brings up a sentimental moment, that’s a pleasure. Put another point on the scoreboard. We’re up to three points.

Shifting the shape of the A-line dress by adding a belt

I’d just had fun with another holiday outfit I styled where I added a belt to a tunic. Remember this outfit from a couple of weeks ago? Here’s the link to the details.

With belts on my mind, I reached into my belt bin for another favorite. It’s mostly fur with patent leather. Adding a belt that I haven’t worn in years, a belt I LOVE, earns another pleasure point.

However, I think I should take into account the mere fact that I’m wearing a belt at all. That’s a deep pleasure, and I’ll tell you why.

I’d pretty much given up on the idea of wearing belts again because of my own body shift. Thicker waist and all that. It made me so sad. To now be wearing something I thought was no longer an option is definitely worth double points. I think that brings us to 6 points.

Adding the warm parts for a chilly night

If you peek at the image above, right by my wrist, you’ll see a sliver of black mesh. I decided I needed more warmth to the dress so I wore a black mesh long-sleeved t-shirt underneath. I tucked the mesh t-shirt into my tights so it wouldn’t slip up or down. It added just the right amount of warmth to this dress.

I needed it because experience taught me that the home I was going to was usually pretty chilly. I needed that functional piece to keep me comfortable.

I’m going to give myself a pleasure point for the hidden mesh layering piece. Yes, it’s functional, but that mesh top over my nude bra looked so darn sexy when I put it on. I couldn’t help noticing it in my full-length mirror as I was getting dressed.

You know how I’ve talked about those private details in an outfit that maybe only you know about? This is one of those private details. I got to feel sexy because of something no one saw. Score! That’s seven pleasure points and we’re still counting.

The red and black checked J.Jill scarf is a winner

Still thinking about warmth, I looked for a wrap that I could wear indoors if it was chilly. I really don’t like feeling cold as you’ve probably surmised.

This J.Jill warm scarf from a year or two back has been in constant rotation this month. It’s warm and cozy. At home, I’ll wear it around my neck in the morning and in the evening. Actually, I want to take it with me everywhere I go. If you think of a child’s association with a favorite blanky, you’re pretty close to how I feel about this scarf. Wearing it makes everything right in the world. Add a point for psyche pleasure.

Turning an everyday item into a special occasion accent

I know how I feel about that scarf, and now you know how I feel, but my friends don’t know that I wrap this scarf around my neck first thing in the morning over my pajamas. So I get to feel a little sneaky turning it into a lovely wrap over my holiday dress. I’m giving myself a pleasure point for that alone. Getting away with something is always pleasurable! 9 points.

Aside from that, I couldn’t have been more visually delighted about the layering of black and red in the dress and scarf. Points, right?

One of the men at the party who was loving my outfit asked, “Did the scarf come with the dress?” I think I won points from him for being clever when I told him no.

I know we’re getting to the end of the anatomy of this outfit but I bet you’d want me to add a point for wearing my fun red frames from Uber Optics, right? It brings more attention to the face as does the red lipstick, Sedition #422 from Pat McGrath.

Can you believe it? We’re at 12 pleasure points!

I didn’t mention my non-opaque tights that were sheerer than thick black tights would have been. Again, I felt sexier veiling my legs rather than covering them up completely. Or the comfort of my pointy-toed Aquatlia suede booties. But hey, I’m happy with 12 pleasure points. I can stop there.

Dear ones, how much pleasure are you receiving from your outfit details?

You may be looking at your outfit right now counting up the pleasure points you’re receiving from it. I hope so. Will you tell us about it?

It brings me much pleasure to hear you talk about the things you love in fashion and style. Do share!

Much love to you during this holiday season.

XO