As we continue on in this new way of life (aka: four full months of leggings and joggers), the thought of putting on my no-stretch jeans or a blouse that makes it hard to reach above my head sounds pretty unbearable.
Like so many of us, I’ve spent quite a lot of time reflecting and thinking about the impact this pandemic will have not only on our society and our way of living, but also on the simple rituals of our daily lives, like fashion and beauty.
I know some people are itching to get back to their dressed-up ways, and as someone fashion and beauty-obsessed, you might just be thinking I’m one of them. In some ways, I sure am! I NEED to stop changing from one pajama set to the next. But I can safely say: quarantine has completely changed how I look at my wardrobe.
So, as dreams of normality become essential as we get through the strangest time of our lives, I really do wonder how fashion and beauty will be altered by this moment in time.
As for me and how my sense of style will change in the near future, here’s how the pandemic has changed my view on fashion and beauty and how I think it might make an impact on our style industries:
Outfit Details: Little White Dress (romper version) | Rattan Headband | Cross-Band Wicker Slides | Coin Necklace
Focus on comfort. (Duh.)
Okay, let’s get this one out of the way, because I know we all are thinking the same thing. I really can’t imagine putting on tight, itchy, uncomfortable pieces after months and months of comfy loungewear and pajamas. So once we’re able to get back out there, I can’t wait to look a bit more elevated, but still feel comfortable. Enter: paperbag shorts, midi dresses, flowy skirts and tops, and anything that lets me breathe and move.
Loose and flowy tops and bottoms.
On that note, I definitely see myself shying away from more form-fitting pieces for a while, unless its activewear, leggings or biker shorts.
Quite honestly, a flowy dress that lets you breathe and move can be even more comfortable than pajamas! As we make our way through summer months and early fall, I see myself nixing the tighter denim shorts, restrictive tanks, and grabbing all of the flowy dresses, high-waisted linen shorts and boyfriend tanks. (See my summer lookbook here for my flowy inspiration!)
Accessories, accessories, accessories.
I can safely say I’ve touched my accessories maybe twice over the course of the last few months. Once we’re able to get back out and about, I know I’m going to want to be grabbing away at the little accessories I’ve missed so much. Quarantine taught me that a simple necklace or some earrings really can complete an entire look. (Just, not my pajama set. Hence the abandonment of my accessories.)
Embracing natural hair styles.
My hair has never been healthier than it is now, and I can safely say that’s in part to zero heat on my hair. While I will say I miss some curls in my hair every now and then, I have also learned to embrace my natural hair even more, especially when that leads to healthier locks. But to give my natural hair a little boost, I love to add in hair accessories and know this will be a go-to for me post-quarantine as I try to carry on with healthier hair habits.
Creating your own version of simplicity.
Never have I ever been so excited about loungewear, but when it’s all you wear, you start to really invest your energy into finding loungewear that isn’t just your at-home-no-one-can-see pieces or basic black leggings, but instead an outfit that becomes something you feel good in and that showcases your style. I’ve found so much love for the simplicity of loungewear, finding the perfect pair of joggers or layering my t-shirts and bralettes just right, and I know this habit for finding the perfect essential pieces will carry with me.
Quarantine reminded me simplicity in style can be such a wonderful thing — but that doesn’t mean wearing boring white t-shirts or plain black leggings. Simplicity can be finding the embroidered tank top you love and ruffle-hem paperbag shorts that speak to your style and buying them in every color (hint: that’s what I plan to do).
So post-quarantine for me will not be just t-shirts and shorts; it will be comfy, yet on-trend t-shirts and fun, casual shorts. All comfortable, all simple, but all perfectly me.
It’s the little things that make your outfit you: it can be simple, but still perfect for your style.
Skincare first, makeup second.
Quarantine has been all about skincare for me. Lots of masks, diligent routines, countless days of letting my skin breathe, and it has made a difference. While I love playing with makeup, it was a nice reminder that your skin is your canvas, and a nice canvas can make all the difference, so take care of your skin first, and then use makeup to elevate your features.
Quick and natural makeup looks.
Remember when you were a teenager and you just started using makeup for the first time? You didn’t go 0 to 100 right away; little by little you started to add on more to your makeup routine until you finally got to the spot where the jump from natural to all-done-up didn’t feel as dramatic.
After months of minimal to no makeup, I kind of feel we are all back to being teenagers when it comes to our makeup routine! I am so used to seeing my bare face that I’m actually excited to scale back my makeup routine and create an even more natural everyday look.
At-home beauty treatments.
We were forced to learn how to deal with nails that desperately needed a manicure, hair that really needed a trim, and eyebrows that were begging for some attention. While I can’t wait to get back to letting the professionals help me out a bit, I’ve also learned a lot with creating my own at-home remedies that can help cut down on my salon visits and save some money. Here’s to healthier nails and hair, more manicured eyebrows, longer lashes and glowing skin post-quarantine!
How has quarantine made you look differently at style and beauty choices? Are you ready to hop back into more put-together looks, or will you be missing your loungewear and pajamas?
Here’s to hoping for positive news in the coming months and a bit more normality in our near future. Sending love!