With many of us currently spending a lot more time at home than we usually do, it would be all too easy to fall into the habit of not getting dressed in the morning. From living in gym gear to avoiding footwear, it’s easy to fall into the trap of simply wearing whatever is the most comfortable. Apart from figuring out how to stop yourself from sneaking snacks from the fridge all day long (guilty as charged!), knowing what to wear is one of the most common issues associated with staying indoors. I mean, why bother to get dressed at all when nobody is going to see you? Just because you might be spending more time at home it doesn’t mean you should stop putting on the outfits that make you feel your best.
There’s no denying that tracksuit bottoms have become the height of lockdown fashion, with online retailers reporting huge surges in sales. And whilst tracksuit bottoms or sweat pants are most definitely a comfy option, the relationship between what we wear and how we feel is well-trodden psychological ground, with evidence suggesting that making just a little bit more effort each day positively affects your mental health and improves cognitive performance. For those of us who are working from home, getting dressed can be one of the best ways to boost your mood and keep productivity levels high.
So if lockdown loungewear isn’t for you, the solution is to dress in clothes that hit the sweet spot between workwear and PJs. Here is my round up of some of my favourite lockdown looks to elevate your WFH style game, all available to order online and some with great discounts too. Everything I have chosen will see you way past lockdown and working from home, giving you more bang for your buck!
This sweater dress offers the comfort of tracksuit bottoms but with its cute puffed sleeve it’ll keep you riding high in the style stakes. Pair with trainers or sandals and throw on your favourite denim jacket once lockdown is over.
Hush Salma Puffed Sleeve Sweater Dress £65.00, Birkenstock Arizona White £60.00, Whistles Koki Trainers £74.25
There’s no denying that the skinny jean is being knocked off its perch by much more relaxed styles. These balloon leg trousers from New Look offer a stylish alternative to jeans. With endless styling options they are guaranteed to see you way beyond the lockdown.
New Look Balloon Leg Trousers £25.99, New Look Sketch Face Tee (also available in Curve collection) £8.99, Hush V-Neck Jersey Vest Top £25.00
With the run of warm, sunny weather we have had recently I had to include a pair of shorts. These H&M paperbbag shorts are part of their conscious collection, containing at least 50% sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.
Sézane Elea Tee £50.00, H&M Paper Bag Shorts £19.99, Birkenstock Arizona White £60.00
OK, so I have included a pair of tracksuit bottoms! I just couldn’t resist the sunshine yellow of these beauties from Hush. Research has shown that the colour yellow is associated with joy, so wearing it can boost your mood. The diamanté button detail on this BA&SH hoodie adds a little detail and would look cute with the denim paperbag shorts (above).
Hush Washed Joggers £49.00, BA&SH Didi Sweat £180.00, John Lewis Elma Trainers £79.00
I love a jumpsuit (or boilersuit) – relaxed, super comfortable and oh-so-effortless, the casual jumpsuit is the perfect item to get you out of your jeans and T-shirt rut. This denim one from Hush is available in sizes 6-16 and will keep working hard for you season after season. The red leather slides offer the perfect pop of colour, whilst the chunky trainers are the perfect McQueen dupe,
Hush Denim Jumpsuit £110.00, Arket Red Slides £115.00, John Lewis Emina Trainers £89.00
Many of the pieces I’ve already listed are available up to size 16 and, due to their generous sizing, may also fit up to a size 20. However, I am passionate about style for all women, no matter their size, that I had to include this cute ditsy print floral jumpsuit from ASOS CURVE. Outside of lockdown you could pair it with a cute pair of heels for a look that takes you from day to night.
ASOS Design Curve Jumpsuit £38.00, Birkenstock Mayari Sandals £60.00, Converse Chuck Taylor £40.00
For all you cool cats and kittens (when you know, you know!) here’s a gorgeous animal print number from Hush. For cooler days you could also pair this dress with a round neck tee and trainers for a different look.
Hush Albee Dress £65.00, & Other Stories Cropped Boxy Denim Jacket £75.00, Whistles Leather Sliders £119.25
Need more inspiration in the footwear department? My Lockdown Footwear Blog will provide endless options, whatever your style.
A final note… during these times I only want to put out content that keeps everyone inspired, connected and offers a little light relief and distraction during these strange times. I want to ensure that I am delivering content that you want to read so please get in touch by at hello@clarewatkins.com to let me know what you’d like more of, or just to chat – thanks to those of you that got in touch last week letting me know what they love and what they’d like to see more of.
Better days are coming, I am sure of that. Every day is a step closer.
Take care and stay well,
Clare xox
