Being a Fashionista in the Age of Corona
Boho Coachella ensembles? Rocker chic concert tees? Stagecoach cowboy boots? Due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, all of the above have most likely migrated to the back of your closet. Dozens of event cancellations have left millions worldwide quarantined in their homes, driven to lounge in comfortable clothing rather than dress up for a day or evening outside. But what of those sequin frocks and combat boots that instill you with boundless confidence year-round? Fashionistas, meet the new normal.
Learn to Love Loungewear
It may be tempting to hop out of bed in your pajamas and keep on the same outfit until evening rolls around again--as the world continues to process what’s going on, keeping cozy 24/7 is completely acceptable. “Use this time as an opportunity to pamper yourself and wear the pieces that are the most comfortable for you. If you need to stay in your sweatshirt all day, that's totally fine!” asserts celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. “Luckily, athleisure and sweatsuits have made a major style comeback in the past few years, so hopefully you have something cute to hang around in the house in.” However, try not to become a slave to an old pair of sweatpants; getting ‘dressed up’ in a t-shirt and leggings actually adds some dimension to your day. “You could opt for that special pair of sweats or your fave workout look in your drawer,” Brown suggests. “All my clients are guilty of hanging out in grubby old clothes and saving their cute athleisure for the right occasion. Well, the right time is now!” Looking to upgrade your casual ensemble? “Joggers are the new sweatpants,” says Sammy Watts, stylist and personal shopper for Alice + Olivia. “Alice + Olivia has this cool pair of hot pink joggers that are casual yet fashion-forward. Through them on with a cute, comfy hoodie, and you instantly look put together.” Watts also recommends sporting a kimono with a pair of jeans when running outside: “If you have to go to the grocery store, it's the easiest thing to take off and throw in the wash once you get back home.”
Don’t Cry, Organize Your Closet
Sort your clothing according to color, fabric, or silhouette—future you will be grateful when you try to quickly put together an outfit. “Create a color story, and organize your clothing from the heaviest pieces to the lightest,” suggests David Granados, model and head stylist at Intermix New York. “Also, put flashy and glittery items in the front, so when you open your closet, you feel excited and are reminded that once this chaos dissipates, party time is right around the corner.” With more time on your hands, you can also weed through your closet and dispose of any pieces that don’t bring you joy (shoutout to Marie Kondo). “Germs live on a lot of things, and with what's going on, it’s crucial to keep your closet very minimal and organized. I would start by making a ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ and ‘maybe’ pile,” Watts recommends. “In the ‘yes’ pile, put your most recent purchases or the vintage pieces that you really love and don’t want to get rid of. In the ‘maybe’ pile, place select items you’re unsure of that you can decide on later. In the ‘no’ pile, dump items you don’t really like--these can be pieces you haven’t worn in a few years or just aren’t your vibe anymore.” However, your ‘no’s’ should not simply be placed in the trash can; amid such a difficult financial period, you can donate clothing to those in need. “There are a lot of people who are unemployed right now that can’t go shopping,” asserts Watts. “Partnering with the Salvation Army will benefit you--since you’re making more space in your closet--as well as others.”
Start Styling in Advance
Rather than focusing on what to wear in the age of corona, turn your attention to styling outfits that you can sport outside in the future. “Take the piece from the back corner that you usually avoid, and come up with three fresh ways to wear it!” Brown exclaims. “Snap photos of your newly-styled looks and keep an album on your phone. You'll be so glad you did styling preparation when we're all freed from our homes again because you’ll have amazing new looks to try out. This will make you feel creative and productive while reducing the stress of what to wear when you're back out in the world.” In the meantime, try not to worry about dressing to impress. “Look within and focus on finding your connections and inspiration,” Brown asserts. “If there was ever a time not to stress about appearances, this is it.”
Want to learn about how to reduce your anxiety amid the coronavirus outbreak? Click here.