2020 Ended Fashion. Now what?
Do you remember what you wore those first few weeks of the pandemic? I sure do. I lived in sweats and my showering schedule got iffy. My two goals were to find toilet paper and transition my kids to online school. Everything else, including my love of fashion, took a back seat. I was not alone in my complete disregard for fashion and basic upkeep. Celebrities were embracing greasy hair and unwashed clothing, while influencers were quiet, not quite sure who or what they should be influencing. For many of us staying at home, the pressure to look good went out the window. For those of us who were still working, what we wore was low on the list of concerns.
So, what does this mean for the world of fashion? Brands that were struggling - JCrew, Gap, JCPenney, to name a few- before the pandemic are now closing doors. Fashion magazines seem desperate, trying to tempt us with clothing that transitions from quarantine to the day “you can finally leave your house.”It seems to me that 2020 Fashion is at best uninspiring, if not completely ended for the year. So now what? Feeling unkempt and unproductive in dirty leggings for the rest of the year?
No.
Although the world of Fashion is suffering, the resurgence of STYLE is STRONG.
Confused? Hear me out.
With the absence of the media and fashion industry shoving fashion in our faces, now is the time that we can actually start listening to ourselves. Personal style is a reflection of each and every one of us. We get to choose. And, what better time to play and learn (and make mistakes) with our personal style than in a time when we are spending less time in public.
Whether you are just starting your personal style journey or just need a little inspiration, here are….
5 ways to discover your personal style:
Do a closet edit: Many of us are doing a little reorganization during this extra time at home. Don’t ignore your wardrobe. Take everything out of your closet. Put back only the items that you love, fit you and are in the current season. Things that you are unsure about or are out of season should go in storage. Anything else should be donated.
Start an inspiration journal/board: Go old school and start clipping pictures from catalogs and magazines. Or, start a Pinterest board and pin styles that you would like to try. Follow me on Pinterest and I will follow you back!
Try daring, new combinations: Most of us spending more time at home. Events are cancelled and our daily lives have been a lot less public. Use this time in the comfort of our homes to wear what inspires you. What you love. Try mixing patterns and colors. Try those clothes that you love, but you just don’t think you can pull off. See how you feel in them after you have given them some time. And, when you find outfits you like, take pictures of yourself or write down the combo in your journal. Record what you learn.
Try clothing rental services or online second hand clothing: If you are not finding any inspiration in your closet, seek out low risk/high adventure shopping such as clothing rental services. I have not had a lot of personal experience with these services, but here is a great article that lists “The Best Clothing Subscription Boxes, According to Fashion Editors and Textile Experts.” (I recently signed up for Stitch Fix, just for the experience. I will let you know how it goes!) If rental services are not your thing, try a second hand shopping. If you are not comfortable going into stores, try popular second hand sites like ThredUp or Poshmark.
Seek out a professional. Locally owned small boutiques are a great resource for finding your style. Find a boutique that is a little out of your comfort zone and ask them to pick out an outfit for you. Our local businesses need you right now and they are filled with knowledge. Use them! And, last but not least, reach out to a Wardrobe Stylist. Stylists are not just for celebrities. Anyone can take advantage of the expertise of a Wardrobe Stylist. Good Wardrobe Stylists help you find your personal style based on your personality, lifestyle, shape and coloring and then help you translate that style into a wardrobe that saves you time and money.
So, get out of those raggedy clothes that are just bringing you down. Fashion may be on pause for the foreseeable future, but you and your personal style can start today.
Have you been working on your personal style? Did you try any of these steps above? I’d love to know about it. Comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook.
Feel like you need more guidance in your personal style and want a closet that reflects your true self? Email me today to set up a free phone consultation.
Love, Lisa