What has been your go to lockdown style?

I have pretty much been dressing the way I did before we had to stay at home.  Although I haven’t needed to get particularly ‘dressed up’ for any reason.

However, I have enjoyed planning and wearing my day-to-day outfits just as much as ever.

I’ve been alternating between dresses, and jeans or trousers, depending on either the weather, or my mood.

Regardless of what I wore, I always accessorised with jewellery, had my nails painted, and applied my usual ‘no make-up’ look.

Now that we are approaching the end of this part of lockdown, I am excited about being able to wear some of the things I missed – mainly outdoor items like shoes or jackets.  I am also looking forward to the summer weather so that I can wear some of the things I bought for my holiday last year that never happened.  Living in Scotland the weather can be a bit unpredictable in summertime, and by July we had already seen the best of the warm days.

Over the past year I have continued to buy new things to keep my wardrobe up to date.  And, buying new bits and pieces felt like a treat, when we couldn’t go out and do anything else.

Lockdown Style for me has been my way of feeling good about myself, staying motivated, and expressing myself.

 

#mystyleletsmebeme

It is second nature for me to do this because I understand what I like and what suits me.  I know that the way I look impacts on the way I feel.  And I enjoy my clothes and jewellery and getting the most out of what I have.

Conversely, I have been hearing different things from friends and family.  And certainly, there has been a lot of talk on social media about zoom dressing:  just wearing a smart top with either pyjamas, joggers, or leggings on all day.

Some of the things I’ve heard people say are:

• “I haven’t bought any new clothes during lockdown”
• “I don’t like online shopping”
• “I’ve only been wearing casual clothes”

I also ran a little poll on Instagram a week or so ago which confirmed this.

Lockdown seems to have had an effect not only on how people dress, but also on the amount of clothes they buy.

Emerging from lockdown style   

We are now reaching the point though, where more workplaces are starting to plan for reopening.

What will you be wearing for your return to work?  Or your return to a more tangible social life?

For a start – will your clothes still fit you?  Many of us, myself included, have put on weight over the past year of working from home.  Others will have been following a new fitness regime during their spare time on furlough and might also find their work ‘uniform’ no longer fits properly.

How have you changed psychologically during the time we’ve had to stay at home?  Do you even want to dress the same way as you used to?

Maybe you have lost your job, or have completely changed your career?  Do you need to dress differently now?  And have you decided how that will look?

Many people will be fed up with their lockdown style and be desperate to pull out the glad rags and hit the town.

Although not everyone will find it easy to step out again with confidence.  It can be daunting, especially if you have changed your mindset, your job, or your lifestyle.  And if nothing seems to fit you anymore, or feel right on you, then you might be feeling apprehensive.

 

Here are a few of my suggestions for how to ease out of lockdown looking and feeling good about yourself: lockdown style

1. Don’t wait until the last minute – plan ahead for what you will wear. Whether that is for a job interview, your first day back at work, or meeting friends socially.
2. Try on a few different options, to see what still works for you from your wardrobe. Wear your outfit at home first to make sure it feels comfortable to move in, sit down in, etc.
3. Practice walking in whatever footwear you will be wearing. A year of slippers or trainers might mean your feet will need to get used to shoes again.
4. For extra confidence, pick out your favourite accessory or piece of jewellery, or something in your favourite colour. Build your outfit around this.
5. Use positive body language: a smile and good posture.  Act ‘as if’ you are super confident and you will appear confident.

As an introvert, I must admit I am a wee bit reluctant to leave the comfort zone that lockdown has become.  However, I am looking forward to gradually easing myself back into things.  And I am thankful that I have the armour I need to help me.  My personal style is my way of making sure I am confident stepping out.

Whatever you have planned for the coming weeks and months, I wish you all the best with it!  And I hope you enjoy opening your wardrobes and expressing your personality and style, in public once again.

 

Do you feel you want to be seen differently, and update your image to reflect new aspirations, or a change of lifestyle?  I may be able to help you on this journey.  You can find out more here.