I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t tempting to consider – and only consider – wearing loungewear on the daily. Seven weeks of lockdown in (or is it eight?), the end still seems far from sight.
outfit on left: wearing Moia shirt (10% off with “mademoiselle10”); Everlane jeans; Anderson’s belt; Vaneli two tone pumps
outfit on right: wearing Miere cardigan; H&M trousers; Sezane belt; Vaneli two tone pumps; Charles & Keith bag
There’s few simple things which give me motivation. A hot shower. Putting on a little bit of makeup. And actually getting dressed for the day. I find it so intrinsically linked to my productivity. Which I suppose has made sticking to my mantra – just wear the clothes – easy.
But it’s not just putting together an outfit. It’s avoiding saving things for best. Saving a “fancy-ish” top for when we’ll be able to catch up with friends again. Not wearing my beloved Vaneli two-tone pumps for a walk around the block because it’s *just* a quick trip out the house. It can start to feel quite limiting, the second you begin categorising all your belongings.
Part of this shift in sentiment, has had to do with becoming a mum. I struggled with self-identity, especially in the early months of postpartum, as I’d always tied so much of who I was with how I dressed. That outward expression of self. I feel like a lot of how I’m dressing today – not too dissimilar to before – has struck a balance. A balance of feeling put together, while wearing items that aren’t restrictive; easy to move about it. Shoes which don’t pinch my feet, even if they do have a low block heel. Showing more personality with jewellery; stacking rings, wearing dangly drop earrings.
More than ever, I’m feeling like I’m dressing for myself over dressing for others. The saying “dress to impress” no longer holds water (for me at least). It’s “dress to feel good”. It’s a small distinction, but an important one, particularly when on that personal style journey.
As winter starts to wind down, some of the things I’ve been enjoying wearing have included…
Stripes. And lots of them. A timeless classic and a wardrobe building block I’ll forever have on rotation.
Straight leg trousers. Embracing a bit more room through the leg, and especially love when they’re cropped at the ankle.
Denim. Always. Another forever staple in my closet. No explanation necessary. Perhaps most surprising is that I’ve found myself reaching for white jeans more often than not.
Ballet pumps. I bought a sweet little pair a few months back, and they’re already proving to be one of my best buys of 2021. Period.
Relaxed blazers. There’s no real need for tailoring at home, but I love a third piece, and the sophistication that it brings to an outfit. Even when you’ve put zero effort in.
Chunky shoes. A bit of a marmite one, but I like a bit of chunk on the soles. I’ve always said accessories are transformative; none more so than a shoe. This “new” silhouette has been a game changer in creating new outfit proportions, and I’m all here for it.
