Post-Pandemic Styling 101
At the end of two pregnancies I was BEYOND ready to (metaphorically) burn the clothes I’d lived in exclusively for months on end. (Don’t actually do that, it’s bad for the environment. Swap/ Sell/Donate!) Similarly, most of us have been wearing the same tight rotation of garments for the last year. Whether it’s tie dye sweats or some other unofficial uniform that reminds you of Covid-19, the time has come to reconsider OUTFITS! OPTIONS! Dare I say, PANTS WITH A WAIST?
Since we are all a little rusty, here are some styling tips to get the creative juices flowing for your inevitable transition back to the world beyond the home and/or zoom, to activities as simple as the school run, in-person shopping and doctor’s appointments, al fresco dinner out and more.
Focus on your spring/summer clothes, bringing them to the forefront of your closet/drawers.
Mix and match what you already have on hand before buying new. (Yep, I’m a broken record.)
Don’t be afraid to try on what might seem like a ‘weird’ combination in your head. Trying on is THE test to see how you like something together, and frankly…weird is often more fun in my book. Things can look very different on.
Consider a clothing rental service. This is a great way to try out different, trendier styles and designer pieces, and most companies offer the option to buy if you can’t bear to part with something.
Prioritize proportion. Generally, one balances an outfit with roomier silhouettes on the upper or lower part of the body, not both. If you choose a flowing skirt, pair with a more fitted top. The inverse holds true, too. Oversized top? Fitted bottom.
Layers make an outfit and help transition through tricky springtime weather. (See ‘weird’ combinations above.)
Consider how shoes and other accessories change up the same outfit to fit a dressier or more casual need. e.g. boots and flats vs sandals and sneakers, scarves vs bandana neckerchiefs, delicate vs chunky jewelry. They offer personality that alter the tone of an outfit.
Belts. Did you gain the Covid 15? (I did.) If dressing this you is confounding territory, use belts to accentuate your waistline, different though it may be. (Obscuring your body with oversized clothing tends to make one look even bigger than we are.)
Specific Outfits I’ll Be Wearing:
a crisp white button-down with denim and edgy flats (paired with a sweater vest on cooler days)
blazers over T shirts/tanks tucked in denim with high tops
blazers over spring/summer weight dresses with low boots or sandals
wide leg pants with fitted turtleneck/crewneck sweaters and a denim jacket with fashion (vs athletic) sneakers and oxfords
puff sleeves – I have always loved this Victorian look and appreciate the many offerings out there today. It’s a great way to dress up something as pedestrian as a sweatshirt for an immediate style boost.
And even if you are still awaiting your vaccine and a return to the outside world, I encourage you to nurture your mental health by putting these tips into action now. It’s never too early to dress for yourself.
- Stephanie Gisondi-Little AKA “Styling Mama”
