10 things I've learned about my style after the pandemic
/In this strange period of our lives, when we didn’t get out much, what could you possibly learn about style? Well, it turns out it was a time where I learnt quite a lot! I’d love to know how your style has changed due to the pandemic.
Here’s what I found out…
Comfort is key
I’m saying goodbye to uncomfortable stilettos and tight waistbands for good. If 2020/21 taught us anything, it’s that our own waist can stretch a bit so we need accommodating clothes. I’m finally ok with the fact my weight and dress size fluctuates - and I’m ok with having two different sizes and options of jeans and trousers. I just want to be comfortable and there’s nothing worse than trousers that are too tight to make you feel awful - just buy a bigger pair!Accessories are everything
I knew this already but good accessories can quite literally transform an outfit. A sentimental ring (my Grandmother’s engagement ring) together with one of my best purchases - my Chambers & Beau necklace - and I was lucky enough to be gifted a watch from Danish watch brand Nordgreen which absolutely makes a statement and finishes any outfit in such an elegant way. You can customise your chosen watch design in your preferred metal (gold for warm-toned skin, silver for cool-toned skin and rose gold works for either) and you can even choose a white or black face depending on your colouring or preference. You can also choose from different sizes, so that you can make sure the watch works with the scale of your wrist. These pieces easily transform an outfit from ordinary to polished. I also find that perfume really helps to make me feel good and I like to change my perfume depending on my mood.I’m not a skirt person
My son said at aged 3 when I was trying to get him to wear shorts that he’s just not a shorts guy - he still isn’t. So I’ve followed his advice and ditched the skirts - I’m just not a skirt girl! I won’t say I’ll never go back to skirts or try them again (and in fact I did try one out recently just to check - it didn’t work out), but for me right now, we’re over.What I wear reflects my mood - but can also transform my mood.
I spent much of the first lockdown in scruffy jogging bottoms and pyjamas with unruly hair and no makeup. I just didn’t have the energy to get dressed. For the second lockdown in November (granted it was very different), I posted daily videos in my Facebook group to show my outfits and wear more of what I owned, whilst giving styling tips and tricks to the lovely ladies in the group. It was a revelation - regardless of my mood, I got up, I got dressed and I recorded my video. My head was in a much better place for it! If you’re not already in my Facebook group, join the other 350+ women who are - click here to join.I love trends
Reflecting your personality in your style is absolutely key, but to me having a current and fashionable silhouette has turned out to be pretty important too. Of course there are trends I dislike and I’m not a ‘slave’ to fashion but I do love to follow trends and wear the trends that I like. I’m not an early adopter of trends (for a while this made me feel like a not very good stylist, but I’m over that now) and I like to see if they stick before taking the plunge.I love autumn dressing
Give me spring, autumn and winter over summer, so many more options to play with.A tonal (monochromatic) outfit is easy and instantly “effortlessly” stylish
Wearing different shades of the same colour is such an easy look to put together and looks instantly and elegantly stylish. I’m a convert to a look that I thought was a bit boring in the past!I enjoy wearing neutrals
As a complete lover of colour, I have found myself turning to neutrals more and more. I think this is partly due to my style evolving, partly due to what’s in fashion and partly due to the need for soothing colours to calm me. Sometimes in periods of uncertainty, we crave calming surroundings and clothing. If we’re bored with life and the world is in a more certain place, we crave change and newness and possibly make bolder interiors or clothing choices. This is linked to the six psychological human needs (beyond Maslow’s hierarchy of needs), namely Certainty, Variety, Significance, Connection, Growth and Contribution. We can transition through which of these needs are a priority for us at any time.The right shoes are key
Having a good selection of shoes (my personal passions) is imperative - for me anyway. Shoes must be comfortable - this isn’t the case for all my shoes at all, but I like to be able to aim to walk 10,000 steps in most pairs of shoes! An outfit can be made or broken with the right (or wrong) pair of shoes (for me, it’s usually trainers, sandals or boots and the heel is usually flat)!I can’t resist a good coat
Having the right coat for the right outfit, occasion and weather is absolutely key. In the UK we need coats for all 4 seasons, rain and all sorts of other eventualities. We do different activities and so need practicality (muddy walks) as well as less messy occasions where we need to look smarter. A lot of the time, your coat is all anyone sees - so start building up a collection!
