THE JOY OF DRESSING UP
It’s hard not to have occasions to look forward to or even occasions to dress up for. Firstly we all just considered it as a shallow reaction to the new pandemic lifestyle that should be ignore (because many others are having a way worse time) but now we’re not so sure!
The cancelled parties, the lack of social gatherings and the time spent working from home, on your own, are all for a good cause. Once you get into the routine of it, you make it work. But not being able to do all these things we normally take for granted is taking its toll on many.
There’s no right or wrong way to get dressed in lockdown. There never was. The act of putting clothes on your back is an individual choice and no one is any less an adult, for privileging comfort over style.
Getting dressed in the morning, choosing an outfit that makes you feel hot / powerful / cool / beautiful / happy is an important part of the day for many to give one self a purpose, a mission for the day or just a kick to get up and go. We’re missing the simple joy of getting dressed up in the morning.. Not having this as a routine for months on end does have an impact on motivation as well as mental health.
Zara
What should change?
Finding ways of living through this pandemic, that can help us last longer, stay socially and physically distant, keep people safe, but also keep ourselves sane, is important. *
The late, great Karl Lagerfeld once quipped that “sweatpants are a sign of defeat.” He was joking about the hegemony of athleisure at the time, but he also captured a timeless truth:
“Getting dressed—not just putting on clothes but really getting dressed, with thought, with the purpose of looking your best—is an act of power, control, and, yes, uplifting joy.”
Sezane
Now more than ever we should appreciate the daily ritual of choosing an outfit to match our appointment book, moods, goals. Pride ourselves on assembling our wardrobe like the cast of a show, every piece getting a starring role. The opportunity to wear something beautiful, whenever you can. This pandemic should make you think about all you have and what you really need.
So, what’s the plan? Try making more of an effort when we do leave our home and also to use it as an opportunity to work through your wardrobe as part of the challenge or maybe do a style challenge or a capsule wardrobe challenge? Or make a conscious effort of wearing everything once to also potentially clear some stuff out at the end of the year that you’ve realised you no longer need.
Zara
Personally, I loathe looking at my wardrobe and seeing things that don’t get worn anymore. I feel sorry for them, the way I did, as a child, for the stuffed animals I didn’t play with as much as I used to. In many ways my clothes, shoes, bags, and jewellery, like my old toys, are my friends. They help me, protect me, make me feel strong, confident, powerful, serious, sexy, beautiful, or comfortable. They make me feel like me.
That’s the thing about getting dressed. Part of it is about personal choice and pleasure, but projection and reflection are just as crucial. Whatever you wear is part of your conversation with the world. It’s how you tell your story. Soon enough we’ll pick up the thread again.
We’ll shop, too, this time carefully, buying things designed to last. For now, don’t leave your friends hanging. Take them out for a spin, even if it’s just to go around the block.
What are you currently wearing and what’s your pandemic wardrobe strategy?
Zara