You’re Stuck in a Style Rut Post-COVID: Now What?
The COVID-19 pandemic altered our lives in many ways. The shutdown forced us to dramatically alter our daily routines, many of us either gained or lost weight over the past two years, changed our work environment or job altogether, quit a job, leaned into wearing athleisure 100% of the time, or something else. Our lives have changed, and so has much of our style.
So where do we begin?
After considering some of our most recent conversations, we’ve distilled a few recommendations that we hope will help you learn how to dress for going back to the office and out of the house in general in the post-Covid world.
Know and Understand your Body Type
Knowing and understanding what your body type is and how to dress for it is essential to getting out of any style rut. Many of us associate a deep sense of esteem and confidence (or lack thereof) with our body so it’s important to be objective when analyzing your body shape. It is possible to stand in front of a mirror and say, “I don’t like this part of me, but I do like this part of me. Either way, they are both parts of me for now.” Recognizing our body type is important because of sizing, how fabrics will lay, how patterns attract or detract from an area, and what types of clothes will enhance our shape. For women especially, there is no one-shape-fits-all approach, and many of us can be a mix of two different body shapes.
Create a Digital Collage or Vision Board of Brands, Images, and Influencers That Inspire You
By far, the easiest ways to do this are through Pinterest, Instagram, or Canva. All resources are free, and most readers are probably familiar with the platforms. Consider why the images you chose stand out to you. What about the celebrities’ or influencers’ looks do you like? What is your current image versus your ideal image? Are there certain looks, colors, or patterns that you are attracted to? Do the brands or images reflect some of your own personality and characteristics?
Remove Pieces From Your Closet That Don’t Work
Every one of us has pieces that deserve to be removed from our closet. These pieces no longer reflect our current state of life but most likely we have held onto them for a variety of reasons including sentimental value, desire to fit into them “one day,” and the list goes on. An easy rubric to remember when staring at your clothes and wondering what to get rid of is this:
Is this piece worn out?
Is this piece outdated (too outdated that it can’t be considered “in” for the foreseeable future)?
Does this piece fit me?
Does this piece bring me confidence and joy when I wear it?
If the answer was “yes” to the first two questions or no to the last two questions, then those items should be donated, sold, or thrown out. Either way, they don't belong in your closet!
Another question to ask is, have I worn this piece during the season for which it is appropriate? If the answer is no, then you most likely won’t wear it again when that season comes around. Time to remove it!
Based on the pieces that remain in your closet, determine the essential items you need to purchase based on your body type and lifestyle
Arguably, this is the hardest step. You’ve analyzed your body shape, you’ve created your style vision, and you’ve pruned old clothes from your closet. Now is the time to evaluate what you need based on your body type and lifestyle.
Are you missing absolute essentials (good pair of jeans, layering pieces, certain jewelry, sport coat, etc.) that are non-negotiables when it comes to completing a wardrobe that works for your lifestyle and career?
Are there pieces that you can add to your wardrobe that will enhance your shape and make you feel really great about your body?
Determine how you spend the majority of your time (in-person meetings, playing with kids, working from home on a computer, etc). Are there pieces that you need because your work environment or lifestyle has changed?
Are there pieces you can add that will enhance your personality through color, texture, pattern, or shine?
Where do you usually shop? Are you looking to diversify your brand preferences in this process? (ie: shopping more locally or sustainably)
Answering these questions will help you refine what’s needed versus what’s wanted, and where to start.
Workwear Since COVID: Casual, Business Casual, Business Professional
For many of us, workwear has evolved over the past few years. Many who were previously expected to wear business professional clothes have now gone casual or business casual. Some have gone back to professional style but their styles or bodies have changed. Still, more are working remotely and don’t know what is appropriate to wear for Zoom calls, but comfortable enough to work at the kitchen table.
While this particular topic will be dedicated to a separate episode, here are a few things to consider for your post-COVID work environment.
Men
Casual: includes dark wash jeans or chinos, casual t-shirts (generally not graphic tees) or button-down shirts, and shoes like sneakers or loafers.
Business Casual: includes chinos or trousers (possibly dressier jeans), button-down shirts, blazer or sports coat, and dress shoes or loafers. No tie is required.
Business Professional: includes full suit or trousers, button-down shirt, sports coat, tie, and dress shoes and belt.
Tips:
While joggers or elastic waistbands are trendy, be cognizant about what types of casual pants are allowed in-office or with clients.
Street casual, like a suit with sneakers, generally falls under the casual category.
Women
Casual: includes dark wash jeans, chinos, or cigarette pants, skirt or dress, casual top or blouse (usually not graphic tee), sneakers, boots, flats, or heels.
Business Casual: includes chinos, trousers, cigarette pants, skirt or dress, blouse or button-down top, nice flats or heels
Business Professional: professional, tailor dress or suit, blouse or button-down top, nice flats or heels, nylons (optional)
Tips:
For business casual or professional, find pieces that are tailored and have professional cuts, but come in colors and patterns that you love.
Generally, open-toed sandals aren’t appropriate for work in a business casual or professional setting
Work with a stylist to cultivate a better understanding of your style vision and needs
Hiring a stylist is like hiring a trainer, a nutritionist, a financial advisor, or life coach. You have a goal, and this person will help you get there. There are many types of stylists ranging from apps on your phone, to curated accounts like Stitch Fix, to stylists at department stores like Nordstrom, to individual certified stylists that work with you individually in-person or virtually. No matter the route you take, ensure that the stylist you choose will cater to your individual needs and meet the style goals you are ultimately after.
After two years of wild changes in the world or work, style, and everything else in our lives, it’s definitely time to reevaluate your wardrobe and break the habit of ignoring style (we’re guilty of it too, don’t worry). Comfort doesn’t have to leave, but it’s absolutely important to regain, improve, or acquire a notable personal style and make a big splash back into integrated society. Through the traffic, the interpersonal politics, and the general chaos of life, we’re glad to be back and able to showcase ourselves as stylish and confident individuals.
We hope this has helped you toward doing the same.
Stylishly yours,
Leah Nalepa and Anthony Bolognese
