All Dressed Up With Nowhere To Go

Source: Vogue

When I researched 2020 fashion trends in January, the trend forecasting agency WGSN declared that “above the keyboard dressing” would be prominent. Who knew that would be so true today? Oh, I guess the forecasters did.

As we self-isolate and continue corresponding digitally, Zoom calls are daily events that regularly induce stress. I find myself setting alarms twenty minutes prior to these meetings to make sure my face is washed, hair is combed, and shirt is, well, not my middle school spirit shirt. If I didn’t feel comfortable wearing sweats to class, why would I now? You may be thinking, Victoria, it’s because you’re in the comfort of your house! Nope! There’s still no chance. But as much as I dress up to look more presentable to others, I really do do it for myself.

Since quarantining, we’ve all given up our normal routines. One of the simplest tasks, which needn’t be sacrificed, is getting dressed. For one, it’s a daily practice that doesn’t put us in harm’s way. Secondly, completely halting something as instinctual as getting dressed is a shock to the system.

Source: @soojmooj

Choosing what to wear is one of the lighter and brighter decisions of the day. It doesn’t require much energy and is an effective mood booster. You may not have the motivation to get dressed in the first place, but this small step is one that will produce a domino effect of motivation. You’ll wind up feeling more awake and more productive.

If melancholy days are blurring by in the “comfort” of your pajamas, it’s time to create a structure. If you’re craving some normalcy, it’s time to maintain a routine, and a solid one that doesn’t include sweats. Because let’s be honest, you’re not going to feel particularly great in over-worn sweatpants. Three-day old bread: great for croutons! Three-day old sweats: great for laundry!

Am I a psychopath, as a friend suggested, for getting pumped about wearing jeans around the house? You may think so, but I don’t. I’ve learned that I need to change out of my pajamas sooner than later if I want to accomplish anything. The small feat of still fitting into my jeans makes me feel invincible enough to complete my to-do list.

Even if your primary concern isn’t a lack of motivation (in that case, I envy you), then maybe creativity is a struggle. Dressing up is expressive and liberating. Your clothes are not doing you any good in your closet. Take your favorite pieces and find joy in making yourself happy. No, you don’t need to put on a fashion show—switching from baggy joggers to flowy pants will do the job. Full blown happiness is hard to come by right now, but these are the little things that can make our days brighter.

Sources: @simplyaudreekate, @halleberry, @ciaradoherty, @courtneybindel

While I find dressing with intention to be a positive and cheerful process that more people should take part in right now, I understand how even that alone can seem overwhelming. If a daily styling sesh seems time-consuming or unnecessary, consider participating in “Formal Fridays.” Quite the turn from Casual Friday workdays, the time spent in our pajamas has sparked a desire to dress up at least once a week.

And if that’s still too much, play along with Instagram’s #PillowChallenge or #DuvetChallenge! It’s all about breaking from the new, dull norm. Even if it’s not a daily routine, the infrequent dress up will bring some elation.

We’ve started participating in extensive skincare routines and excessive baking, so why not leave room for dressing up too? It’s another segment of self-care that’s just as nourishing and good for the soul.