Your Post-Lockdown Style Evolution

With the recent Government announcement that lockdown restrictions are set to gradually ease over the coming weeks and months, many of us are now turning to our wardrobe and assessing it with a fresh perspective.

It’s safe to say the past year has been challenging for most of us. It has impacted us all in different ways and in every area of our lives - our wardrobes and personal style included.

Our collective experience of being at home so much more over the last year has had a huge effect on how we dress so it’s only natural that this will continue to influence our sartorial choices in the coming months.

Personally I have always prioritised comfort over everything else and this has become even more important for me in recent months, but so has my desire to still look and feel put-together and stylish - the two things don’t need to be mutually exclusive and I think this is where a lot of us are now struggling.

We want to maintain that level of comfort and ease, but still feel like we’re presenting the best version of ourselves to the outside world.

So how an earth do we style our way into post-lockdown life?

First things first… decide on your priorities

What have you LOVED about the way you’ve dressed during lockdown?

Perhaps it was the speed and ease of getting dressed each day, or the comfort and warmth of your hoodie and leggings. Maybe you relished the fact you haven’t need to wear heels for the last 12 months.

Jot them all down and then whittle it down to the top three things that you don’t want to let go of in your post-lockdown wardrobe.

Assess what you already have

I’ve had SO many clients message me saying they want to get rid of everything they own and start again.

Not only is this pretty radical, it’s rarely necessary however, I do advise having a good wardrobe detox and being brutally honest with yourself about where your style priorities and tastes lie.

I would also recommend trying anything on that you haven’t worn in the last 6-12 months. Some of us will have changed shape and possibly size during lockdown and our clothes will fit differently. If something you love no longer fits look into having it altered or replacing it with something that flatters you now - trust me, wearing something that doesn’t fit well is not only uncomfortable but also has a huge impact on our body confidence. If it doesn’t make you feel fabulous as you are RIGHT NOW, do not keep it.

Be clear on your style aesthetic

I love glossy magazines and social media for style inspiration but there are times when it can all feel very overwhelming. The temptation to click ‘buy now’ when you see someone you follow on Instagram wearing something fabulous can often be too much to resist and as a result we end up with a wardrobe bulging with clothes but nothing that makes an outfit.

The key to filtering through what works for you and what doesn’t is having a clear style aesthetic in mind. Do you love bold patterns or prefer muted neutrals, do you like to pile on the accessories or actually is a minimal approach best?

I love mood boards for getting a real idea of the overall signature style that appeals to you (Pinterest is great for this) - simply pinning images that you love will soon show common themes/colours/styles and give you a clearer sense of what your style preferences are (so you don’t get distracted by anyone else’s).

Plan ahead

With life slowly starting to gather momentum again many of us won’t have the luxury of a leisurely morning to select an outfit and get ready for the day.

I like to select my outfits for at least 2-3 days in advance, right down to footwear and outerwear options. It might sound a bit excessive, but spending 15 minutes on a Sunday evening earmarking outfits for the next few days quite simply sets me up for success in so many ways.

I feel like such a boss when I get up in the morning and my outfit choice has already been made; I know where my shoes are, I know which coat I’m going to wear (and more importantly where it is) - basically, the whole process is effortless and ensures what whatever the day ahead throws at me, I’m at least in a fabulous outfit to deal with it all.

Ultimately, post lockdown life is going to be an adjustment for us all.

It may well cause some anxiety and trepidation as restrictions start to ease and I’m a firm believer in our personal style being a form of self care that can combine with other aspects to help with this.

Grant yourself the time and space to think about what really makes you feel like the best version of yourself when you get dressed and embrace this fully.

Until next time,

AM xo

Anna is now taking bookings for face-to-face clients from 12th April onwards. You can find a full list of her styling services here (both in-person and online) and you can find her over on Instagram @annamewes

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