We’ve accumulated A LOT of loungewear over this last couple of months; what has lockdown done to us? So what now? Do we put our purchases down to isolation necessities or do we try to incorporate these new items into our normal wear?
For some, this will be easy. In fact Natural Style Personalities will have lots of easy-wear comfortable pieces in their wardrobe already. For others such as Romantics, elasticated waist bands, hoodies and relaxed t-shirts, will no doubt be as alien as a flip flop in Antartica.
But don’t reach for the charity bag in the near future; indeed we’re sure charity shops will be inundated with cast-offs for a few months to come. Let’s try to be a bit more sustainable and work these pieces into our wardrobes.
City Chics and Dramatics could try wearing a hoodie underneath a smart blazer for an effortlessly chic, preppy outfit. Try freshly washed jogging bottoms with a smart blouse and heels or box-fresh white trainers aka ME&EM style.
A sweatshirt can work really well over a summer floral maxi dress, giving the illusion of a skirt, and providing an extra layer on cooler days, something Creatives no doubt already do, but may appeal to Romantics too (think Alexa Chung styling).
Try a t-shirt with a skirt, tucked in, semi-tucked or un-tucked. The choice really depends on your body shape and the most flattering way to wear this combination. This Phase Eight skirt would at first glance appear to be more akin to their occasionwear, but works really well with the white t-shirt and trainers. Do you have anything similar in your ‘saving for best’ wardrobe?
You can play around with accessories to create different looks. Add a scarf to a sweatshirt in one of your best colours. Don’t be afraid to team casual items with your favourite necklaces, and bracelet stacks. Ditch the trainers (or slippers!) and instead wear flat mules or strappy sandals with your loungewear.
If you’re really struggling to incorporate some pieces into your wardrobe, why not set up a WhatsApp group with your friends and do a few swaps or giveaways. Sell more expensive pieces on Ebay or Depop.
But for now, you will no doubt need to keep the elasticated waist bands, sweatshirts and slippers at the front of your wardrobe. Next time you go in there though, why not start to think about post-lockdown?