Go-To Outfits Are Everything.

When I was dating, I had a go-to first date outfit. A dark pink ribbed Vanessa Bruno knit henley, black cami, Citizens of Humanity trouser flare jeans and pointy toe Gucci stilettos that I wish I had never given away. This made going on first dates much less painful- since given the choice, nine times out of ten I would have rather stayed home in my pajamas watching Dawson's Creek. (Hey, it was 2003- Friday Night Lights wasn't around yet.) But with the whole "what the F am I going to wear" part taken out of it, dating became much less stressful and I became much more open to meeting new people as a result.

While my first date days are long gone, the lesson learned from having that go-to outfit has stuck with me- and it really is invaluable. So, I have inaugurated a go-to "Saturday night double date" outfit.  See, Saturday night plans are rough lately- a full day with Alexa knocks me out. But in the interest of maintaining a life and staying sane (not to mention ordering in pizza from Vezzo two nights in a row would be embarrassing), Brian and I have made an effort to be good about making plans. But inevitably when 7pm rolls around, I throw a tantrum similar to the ones I used to throw before going out on a first date, begging Brian to let me cancel so we can watch TV and be in bed by 10.  Part of the anxiety definitely has to do with getting dressed- so now I have taken that out of the equation.

What is this outfit, you ask? It is comprised of favorite pieces from my closet that I always feel good in- and it is basic enough that when I want to switch it up a bit, all it takes is a few twirls of the curling iron, a makeup change-up and a little creative accessorizing.

Oh- and in case you are wondering- without fail, every time I motivate out oon a Saturday night, I end up being really thrilled I did. So any friends reading this who we have had dinner with recently- you can rest assured, we had a blast.

Hunter Dixon Ava Top, 7 For All Mankind Rachel Bell Bottom Jeans (blogged about here), Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps (blogged about here) and a big ol' Dannijo cuff.

What is your a go-to outfit that makes a recurring occasion in your life less stressful? Do tell. I am always looking to add to my repertoire...