Pandemic Fashion: How Staying Indoors Impacted Our Style

Black woman shopping in the pandemic

Do you know that a whole year ago, this was the last normal week we had before everything went to blazes? Yup that’s right. One moment we were dressing to the nines and partying it up, the next moment we are at home in sweatpants drinking dalgona coffee and making TikTok videos for the don’t rush challenge.

I personally never even bothered with a bra, except a sports bra for the days I got a little motivation to work out. I spent months in old sweatpants and did laundry once in two weeks. Life was good. And then of course, every good thing has to end. Not wearing bras was not going to be a forever thing, no matter how much I wished for it.

Life somewhat resumed however and zoom meetings and classes came to be. Now we can wear a button up tee while wearing sweatpants, since no one is seeing the bottom half of your bodies. This is still going on strong in 2021. If Tom Holland can do the interviews to promote his new Spiderman movie wearing a suit blazer with shorts, then I can have meetings like that too!

And now, these new normals like wearing masks and no contact have also inspired new style choices for many including me. Some of these being,

Slimmer glasses

Chunky shades used to be the thing. But now that we have to wear masks, wearing big shades will just be bulky and cover every part of your face. So, we are wearing slimmer shades with more delicate designs. Looking stylish while staying safe? My thoughts exactly.

False lashes and more eye makeup

Well, if we are talking about style then we might as well mention some makeup. Since half our faces are covered most of the time, we have found it important to accentuate the eyes with bolder tones and longer lashes. It really does give your face a lift. Even when not wearing makeup, a well-done pair of eyelash extensions can make a whole lot of difference.

Comfortable shoes

High heels and stiff dress shoes are definitely out the door for a lot of people. We haven’t worn them in a year, so chances are they don’t fit anymore, or they are uncomfortable. Now we are realizing more and more that we can do with high heels. Low heeled shoes and strappy sandals with edgy eye-catching designs like the square toe are taking the cake.

Casual clothing with a pinterest aesthetic

Flared jeans, mom jeans, large t shirts and tennis shoes from the nineties have been a huge presence in my wardrobe. I find it easier to put these articles together and make them look super aesthetic. Generally, many people are now more casual and less formal even with online meetings.

Saddle bags

These are the rave at the moment and for good reason. We are carrying extra masks and sanitizers around, so you need some more room for these things. Saddle bags are also stylish because they have the shapes of the small, cute purses with the functionality of bigger bags.

Monotones and neutrals

This is generally dependent on style and preference, but I tend to keep my colours neutral or wear one general colour. Masks come in different colours and you don’t want it clashing with your outfit. A hack to wearing colours tho is to always wear black masks that would not contrast with your outfit.

I have personally begun to go out more and I do miss the occasional dining and having brunch. Even as I work from home, I try to make time to put on a cute outfit now and then.

My style is a lot less exaggerated now and very much comfortable, and I love it.

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