Quarantine, But Make it Fashion
Over the past few months with the widespread effects of Covid-19, the normalcy of everyday life has significantly changed. For all of us, the impact this pandemic continues to have is affecting the operations of many industries, including Fashion, and the millions of people connected to it around the world. Stores have had to close their doors, either temporarily or permanently. While they are thankfully able to move most of their profits online, the impact this change has had on the fashion industry and many other industries is severe. Important events, like the many International Fashion Weeks, lined up to take place through spring and summer, had many brands back out for precautionary reasons and ultimately had to cancel a majority of their shows. Still, because of the internet and other technological advancements, and their role in fashion over the past decade, the industry is able to maintain accessibility throughout the lockdown. As Elle UK points out, “fashion is looking to other ways of keeping us connected, informed and inspired through our screens,” bringing much needed optimism for this industry during these unprecedented times. Fashion is important to so many people around the world. Especially during quarantine, fashion has the ability to provide us with the comfort and motivation that we all seem to be lacking. I’m not going to lie, I’m guilty of throwing on the same sweats and hoodies for multiple days during the week because of the ease and guaranteed comfort that they provide. However, while sweats are appreciated sometimes (like for lazy days on the couch), their ability to keeping us motivated, can be limited. Countless studies have shown how our mood, behaviour, personality, confidence and the way we interact with others can be linked to what we wear. Reflecting on pre-quarantine times the emphasis that was placed on feeling good on the outside and how this reflected on the inside, makes it clear how impactful fashion can be on us all right now. Staying indoors doesn’t mean our style has to or should be limited. As our mental health and our ability to stay motivated is being challenged, finding ways to feel good is so important. For those of us that are ready to break out a new look that allows us to feel good both inside and out, using these pieces as inspiration will hopefully create the motivation we so desperately need and won’t require us sacrificing the comfort that our hoodies and sweats provide for us.
SETS
Sets are the perfect way to elevate your outfits while still maximizing comfort. For a while now, they have become a current obsession of many celebrities and a trending product for many clothing brands (made clear by the variety of styles available). This set linked at the bottom from Lulu’s mixes a laid-back feel with a put-together look making it perfect for any activity in quarantine. PS. Getting your hands on some tie dye, a white crew neck, and sweats from Amazon gives you your very own DIY tie-dye set at home with the added bonus of a super fun way to fill your day.
DENIM
Yes. I said it. In recent years, due to the popularity of looser fitting jeans, denim has become so comfortable but it also easily makes a casual outfit feel more elevated. As a denim lover myself, wearing jeans in quarantine is a heavy part of my outfit rotation. However, if moving back into jeans feels a bit too soon, opting for denim joggers like the ones linked at the bottom from Aritzia will inevitably provide the same look with that extra assurance of comfort that we are all requiring right now.
SLIPPERS
Staying indoors doesn’t mean that footwear can’t be included either. Over the years, slipper designs have become so fashionable that wearing them outdoors just as much as inside has become socially accepted. These Zara slippers, paired with an oversized hoodie, bike shorts and some simple jewelry or any other outfit, provide the finishing touch to all your indoor attire.
MIDI SKIRTS
Midi skirts are a great item to take advantage of right now, especially when they are a stretchy knit or cotton fabric. Whether you already have one or are looking to buy one, they are the perfect quarantine fit. This knit midi skirt from Aritzia, paired with either a graphic tee for everyday wear or a blouse to dress it up like the model does, creates a versatile look for whatever you have coming up in your day. Either way, spicing up your style with something a little dressier once in a while will help with providing that extra push of motivation to make the most out of your day.
BODYSUITS
Bodysuits are essential in any wardrobe. Their versatility to be dressed up or down makes them a perfect piece to have in your normal outfit rotation and your quarantine one as well. This bustier bodysuit from Aritzia worn with a pair of sweats creates the perfect blend of feeling both fashionable and relaxed.
JUMPSUITS, ROMPERS & DRESSES
Similar to the ease of sets, with a dress or jumpsuit the outfit is created for you. As the weather gets warmer and we are able to take advantage of spending more time outdoors, throwing on pieces like this flowy jumpsuit from Aritzia is an easy and stylish staple for your quarantine closet. Jumpsuits and dresses are available in an assortment of lengths, styles and fabrics so the possibility of finding one you love is almost guaranteed.
Whether you were inspired by any of these (quarantine) fashion ideas, or are happy with your hoodies and sweats, dressing in a way that allows you to remain optimistic and motivated during this time is all that really matters in getting us through these days at home.
