In It Together #6: What to Wear While You are in Quarantine

My son and I discovered a collection of these on the ground on one of our recent walks.

As a personal stylist for women, this is a very weird time. I want to provide my community with the support you need while also not pretending that we live in a vacuum. I’ve been laying low on clothing suggestions, but I’ve had SO many questions about what to wear now. As your resource for how to wear pieces that make you feel like your authentic self by embracing your personal style, I’m hearing from many folks that you need me now more than ever.

So, let’s solve this problem of what to wear each day, shall we? And, as always, thanks for letting me know what content you need right now.

By the way, today’s recommendations are all from Nordstrom. After all, shopping local right now is VERY important and Nordstrom is our hometown hero. The company’s HQ is here including thousands of incredible folks who have my life and likely yours much better over the last several years. So, let’s help make sure this company is with us on the other side. If you are shopping, start with local shops, brands and makers, if you can.

How to Choose Your Outfit of the Day During the COVID-19 Crisis

Oh, this one is in my cart, for sure.

A dress that's also a t-shirt? Yes, please.

Classic. Timeless. Functional.

You aren't wearing a bra, anyway.

Cozy and cool. A long sleeve black cotton dress is just right for working from home.

Forgiving around your belly to feel good while you look good.

Feminine and functional. A floral maxi is all the things.

Available in black or blush, this universally flattering dress is also eco friendly. Bam!

Big shoulders or sleeves minimize your stomach and make you feel powerful. Think Dynasty.

You could wear this everyday and you'd still feel beautiful.

A Dress

I said it. Spring is in full swing in Seattle. I spent the better part of yesterday on my front lawn reading with my son. I was wearing a maxi dress. The number of people who started chatting with us was remarkable. We’ve done this before. But, there was something different yesterday. It’s possible they were trying to think of the last time they saw someone wearing a dress IRL. I’m guessing it’s been a while.

If you are the dress wearing type, here’s what you are going for. You want something you can move in, ideally it is long enough so that you forget about it during the day. It should be casual. Let’s be real, we don’t want you to feel like you belong in a mental institution. It should make sense for the current climate. Relaxed, effortless, feminine, functional, expressive as in it should communicate your personal style.

Tencel is a dream. It is wrinkle resistant, soft to the touch and holds up well. Thanks, Eileen Fisher.

Happy Pants

Two words: Cashmere Joggers

Vince Wool and Cashmere Wide Leg Pants. Move Freely. Repeat.

Crazy comfortable pants for less than $20. Done and done.

Look for words like, "drapey" "track pants" "joggers" to find your sweet spot.

Linen Joggers. Just right for spring and summer.

Satin Floral Pants. They are like pajamas sanctioned for the day time.

Structure without sacrificing comfort.

Wrinkle resistant animal print pants are your new everyday favs

Camo!

Pants- Sorta Kinda

Okay, I’ve got a whole strategy on pants. Let’s discuss.

Leggings- In pre-pandemic days, I’ve been anti leggings unless they are leather, suede or the vegan versions of either. Obviously, I’m more flexible now. But, not as flexible as you might think. Yes, you can wear leggings. BUT only wear them if you exercise (more than from your computer to the bathroom and back) that day. No, you don’t need to create a Crossfit Gym in your house. Just let the thrill of wearing leggings be a big enough incentive to do some version of a workout or walk.

Drawstring or Elastic Waist Pants- These are naturally the dream. My favorites have been cropped culottes, joggers, draped pants or vegan leather versions of any of these. They make you feel elevated and still totally capable of falling asleep in them without realizing that you, in fact, have not changed your pants in a day or two.

Jeans or some sort of structured pant- Make sure that you have a structured pant or jean in your routine to wear at least once a week. Why? That baby step will make you feel more put together than your go-to draped pants or leggings. Pants with a waistband will also help you stay on top of what’s happening with your body.

To Answer your question: yes, you do need these earrings.

Sophisticated and unusual, these geometric gold earrings work everyday

Looking for a fashion conversation despite being on Zoom? These earrings will initiate one.

Floral hoops are a gateway to spring.

Silver All Saints Earrings on sale?! Oh, my.

Edgy earrings complete your look whether you are wearing jeans and a tee or your pajamas.

Mix and Match Bar Sets are the ideal earrings when the days all blend together.

It's impossible to be depressed when you are wearing bold hoops that cost under $10. Try it. You'll see.

Available in a zillion colors, these earrings will stay in your collection for the duration.

Shout out to my client, Amy, who is a BIG Kendra Scott fan. Go abalone! Go!

Express Yourself with Neutral Madewell Hoops that are anything but boring.

Jewelry and/or some form of makeup

As you well know, I’m a lipstick girl. This is because I haven’t had my natural hair color in decades so some lipstick is a game changer for me. To be clear, I haven’t worn any other makeup or a bra in months. So, there’s that. But lipstick and earrings make me feel much better, so I wear both pretty much every day. Go with what speaks to you. But, you’ll be surprised how much a pair of earrings or a necklace amp up your presence during your zoom call.

THIS is how you look cool in a sweatshirt.

Yes, a sweatshirt can be sexy. Here's how.

A Crop hoodie pulls your outfit together without looking sloppy. Try it with a midi or maxi skirt while working at home.

There's never enough Comme des Garcons for me.

This water resistant crop sweatshirt is just right for Pacific Northwest Spring.

I've been wearing my floral bomber jacket quite a bit. Try it. You'll see.

Everything is better when you are wearing a cashmere hoodie.

A puffy sleeve sweatshirt is feminine and cozy.

If you are a Moncler person, you'll be elated to find this hoodie 50% off right now.

Something soft

I’ve discovered that some of my cardigans have started to irritate my skin. Sure, it’s possible that I’ve developed some sort of allergy. But, I think it’s just an allergy to restrictive clothing. Opt for pieces that make you feel pretty and are as cozy as a sweatshirt. I also love a fitted sweatshirt, some draped pants, earrings and lipstick topped off with my Adidas when I head out for a walk. Sometimes, a jacket gets layered on top, too. I know! I’m crazy like that.

Love the Adidas slide but think it is too sporty for you? OluKai offers a sophisticated alternative.

I've been talking about these for years. The ideal shoe for right now. A rubber Birk can be thrown in the washer, worn in the yard or in the house. It's all the things. And, it's affordable.

Skip your socks with sandals and go for a furry slide. Full disclosure: this could make your feet sweaty, but you can think of that as the first sign of spring or is it summer....

You can count on black to go with everything. Why not make it feel more like spring with patent leather?

Nothing beats Birkenstocks for the ideal Quarantine shoe. I'm a big fan of the Big Buckle style for a modern twist.

I love those houses with baskets of house shoes for visitors. Havaianas are the go to in that situation. Why not branch out from the standard flip flop to channel your someday vacation?

Pining for something special? It could be the time for you to get that special designer piece you've been dreaming of. This time, it's a house shoe instead of a heel.

Kork Ease never disappoints. These slides are just right for in and out of the house, offering support and style. For reals.

If you like the idea of Birkenstocks but don't think they are comfortable, you need to try the Soft Footbed. It's a game changer.

You know how much I adore Jeffrey Campbell and this slide continues to fill my heart with joy every year.

Your favorite house shoes

I’m starting to think that 60% of the people I interact with are wearing Birkenstocks with socks during our conversation. It’s not wrong, folks. The rules are different now. Ideally, the weather will continue to warm up and you’ll lose the socks for some hip foot action. Whether you go with Birks, Adidas slides or some other delightful sandal, make sure you have something comfortable and supportive while you are at home. To take it to the next level, might I suggest a super cute shoe (slides, sandals, clogs) rather than an old slipper? You’ll feel the difference.

And there you have it. This will get you started.

Have fun! As always, LMK how it goes.

My husband snapped this shot of me out in the front of the house. No makeup (except that lipstick!) And that’s a vegan leather tunic/ mini dress.