Whether or not we’re set to spend another several months in varying degrees of social isolation – perhaps in all manner ofdifferent tiers– we’re taking it upon ourselves to declare 2021’s sartorial forecast a lot brighter than its predecessor.
If for no other reason than we sodesperatelywant it to be.
This year may not have begun in the way we’d all hoped and imagined it might (our third lockdown contributing in large part to the return of the tracksuit rotation) but that’s not to say that our 2021 wardrobes are to be made entirely redundant.
But how do you update your wardrobe for such an uncertain year ahead? Here are my eleven tips for refreshing your wardrobe in preparation for whatever 2021 may bring…
1. BUY SOMETHING YELLOW
Not only is it one of spring’s hottest colours, but yellow is also an instant mood-booster the minute you put it on. Who doesn’t need one of those right now?
2. SPECIAL SANDALS DON’T REQUIRE A HOLIDAY
It seems we may be facing another summer where at least the more exotic holidays remain firmly off the table, but – due to the plethora of excellent sandals around right now – consider this your official permission to splash out on a special pair to wear to the corner shop and back.
3. RENT RENT RENT
Now is the perfect time to experiment with the resurgence of rental fashion brands. Got a Zoom wedding/birthday/date you want to dress up for but can’t justify the expenditure on a virtual occasion? Affordable rental pieces are the answer.
4. DAYTIME NIGHTWEAR IS A THING
If spending all day in your pyjamas is becoming an increasingly tempting option right now, why not buy yourself a ‘nightwear’ item but reserve it solely for the daytime? You’ll have all the comfort you desire but avoid that lazy, sluggish mindset associated with your regular PJs.
5. INVEST IN A GOOD TRACKSUIT (or ten)
It wouldn’t be a lockdown wardrobe without a nod to the tracksuit, but rather than relying on the same ones you did in March last year it’s a good idea to refresh your repertoire, even with just one new set, to distinguish this time period in your mind and avoid feeling stagnant.
6. GET TO KNOW ‘LOEWE’
If you’re looking to discover a new brand this year, may I suggest you look no further than Loewe (pronounced: lo-weh-ve). A firm favourite amongst the fashion crowd, those with a penchant for luxurious, statement, instantly-recognisable accessories (made from only the very best leathers) and fun, flattering clothing in relaxed silhouettes are in for a treat.
7. FRENCH-TUCK EVERYTHING
If you’re not looking to add to your wardrobe but rather refresh what you’ve already got, the French tuck – aka the ‘half tuck’ – is a super easy way to sharpen up any look that feels a little sack-like whilst retaining a sense of ease and nonchalance (see, French).
8. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
Right now the fashion world has its eye on the details, with delicate broaches, cleverly-cinched wrists and waists, patterned tights and logo embroidery all sure-fire ways to attack the trend successfully.
9. EXPERIMENT WITH NEW SHAPES
Spending the foreseeable future in lockdown may not sound like the perfect opportunity to try out a slightly slinkier silhouette than you’re used to, but the safety provided by your four walls means you can road test it without any commitment or the pressure of the public gaze.
10. TRUST ACCESSORY BRANDS
So many of us head to our favourite, familiar high street stores when on the hunt for a new pair of shoes or a handbag purely by habit, but with so many excellent brands out there dedicated solely to accessories – Manu Atelier, for example – you’d be wise to consider their focussed expertise for your next accessory purchase.
11. GO BIG ON JEWELLERY
If all else fails, nothing brings a sense of occasion to a Zoom call quite like a generous smattering of jewellery. Think layered necklaces, earrings in as many piercings as you’ve got (and maybe some ear cuffs for good measure), stacks of rings… ‘less is more’ doesn’t count right now. We need all the joy we can get.
