“What should I wear to attend my children’s baseball games? This time of year I spend many hours at the Pony Field watching games, socializing with other parents and sometimes sneaking in a workout. What is the right balance between looking pulled together, being comfortable and dressing for functionality?” — Game Day Dilemma Dear Game Day Dilemma, What a great question! I think many moms struggle with this year round when it comes to kids and sports. The key is to keep things simple and not over think it. You need to look casual but not like you don’t care about your apperance. Even during the toughest workout you can still have style. I have a rule about three pieces making most any outfit: a bottom, tank top or T-shirt and outer piece like a sweater, jacket, cardigan, etc. So just as easily as you could throw on a sweatsuit, you could put together jeans, a T-shirt and a sweater. Both outfits consist of three pieces and both are comfortable, but only one looks polished and pulled together. I have taken a few pictures to help illustrate my point. In the first picture (above), Kim Pavel and I are at Pony Field on game day. She is wearing a denim legging, striped shirt and a jacket (three basic pieces). She has accessorized with a scarf and casual sneaker. She looks pulled together, without being overly dressed. She could easily go to the grocery store, have lunch, sit on the bleachers to watch a game, chat with other parents, etc. She didn’t necessarily dress only for the game, but for her whole day, which included a game. My outfit has the basic three pieces as well, but the feel is a bit more casual than Kim’s (her jacket gives that extra polish). I’m wearing denim shorts, a striped tank top and a cardigan. My accessories include bangles and a flat sandal. Kim and I could easily change out our bottoms to a boyfriend or skinny jean and a ballet flat. Speaking of ballet flats, Puma has several amazing ballet sneakers (Rhythm Shine, Zandy Flat, Winning Diva and Kitara run $69.95-95) that would also go perfectly with what we are wearing. I love this alternative because it pairs the comfort and function of a sneaker with the refinement of a ballet flat (it is also a great alternative for a vacation that involves lots of walking). Speaking of function and refinement, there are numerous choices in workout attire these days. Lucy, The Gap and Lululemon quickly come to mind as major trend setters in this field. They are really blurring the line between workout and casual clothing, so there is no excuse to look sloppy here, either. Lea Garnero and Ciara Burton of Lululemon modeled some of the store’s spring looks to demonstrate how you can look good while experiencing maximum comfort (thanks ladies!). Lea’s outfit is not only high function and stylish but her jacket could easily go back and forth between workout and casual clothing (Ride On Blazer, $168). It has amazing tuxedo detailing in the back, is cut to fit and look like a blazer, has an inside removable collar for extra warmth and looks like denim. This jacket is so versatile all you have to do is throw on a T-shirt, skinny jean and ballet sneaker and you are ready for a Chargers/Padres game. Ciara’s look is workout only, but still has that eye-catching quality. She modeled leggings (that also look like denim), a tank top (we went with white, but you could do orange, green or pink for a splash of color) and an adorable nautical hoodie. She could easily go for a brisk walk or serious workout at the YMCA. Her functionality is not compromised and she still looks great. She could accessorize with a tinted moisturizer, blush and lip gloss. I’m not advocating full makeup for your workout, but just a splash will help you really look your best, and who doesn’t want that? Clothes and accessories say a lot about us and that message should always be a positive one. Especially when you only see some of your friends and aquaintances on weekends at games or the gym, it’s never a bad idea to put your best foot forward. I hope this helps and I look forward to seeing you “on the field” this season! For help with all your fashion doubts, write to me at [email protected]. — Sabrina Heft has been a fashion consultant in San Diego for several years. Along with consulting, she is the creative director and lead stylist for The Gap at UTC.