Over the last few months, everyone has developed different attitudes to social-distancing dressing. Whether you’ve become a comfy co-ord convert, a legging devotee or someone who is militant about staying smart to keep a routine in place, clothing has played an unexpectedly important role in the way we approach our working weeks.
As someone who loves to dress up for work, my approach has been to try and put on something that I feel good in every day, even if it’s just a super-simple ensemble. My general approach has been comfy minimalism with the odd splash of colour or playful detailing. This has meant I have rarely worn jeans (too constricting) and have enjoyed digging out some previously neglected dresses, alongside embracing neutral separates and championing the throw-on appeal of the jumpsuit.
Of course, the only person seeing these outfits is my husband—well, and now you—but I have found that fashion is a small yet significant way to be creative and lift my mood each morning. For you, that might be cooking or exercise, crafts or puzzles—you just gotta find what keeps you going. So if you’re interested, I’ve detailed the seven outfits that have brought a bit of fun to my working week. Scroll down to see what I chose.
Style Notes: I nabbed this Avavav mini in its online sample sale (it’s so good—check it out here), and thanks to its light fabric, it’s such a good option for a warm day. I just add my Topshop sandals for a pop of colour.
Style Notes: This has got to be one of my favourite jumpsuits. I bought it from Arket about two years ago, and I bring it out every summer, as it works for both weekend-casual and smarter occasions. (I wore it to my Who What Wear interview with heeled sandals mid-heatwave, just saying.)
Style Notes: I’ve been looking for a fun pair of trousers like this for years now (I love Sleeper’s versions, but they’ve always been out of my price range), and Uterqüe really has delivered with this comfy and cool ruffle-trim pair. I’ll wear now with a simple tank then swap in a white shirt and heeled boots come autumn.
Style Notes: I unearthed this ’90s maxi dress in my favourite charity shop in Blackheath and was instantly won over by its checked print and flowing fit, ideal for working at home on a hot day. I’ll just add hoop earrings a pair of colour-clash sandals to finish off the look.
Style Notes: I’ve been patiently waiting to wear this vintage top ever since I found it in a thrift store in New York last November. The square neckline looks so cute with my Aje high-waisted linen trousers and Birkenstocks.
Style Notes: When it comes to high-street dresses, fabric is everything, and I was super impressed at the premium texture of this Topshop style. Playing on this season’s puff-sleeve trend, it’s got all the throw-on-and-go appeal you could ever need.
Style Notes: Only COS could convince me to order a cargo midi skirt. There’s something about the clean lines and dark-navy hue that means it looks super grown-up and polished. It looks great with my Arket white tee or simple tank tops.
