COVID FASHION TRENDS

COVID FASHION TRENDS APRIL GODDARD

As many would agree, 2020 has been a wild ride. Pre-pandemic, 2020 started out like any other year. There were New Year’s celebrations, social gatherings, nights out on the town. Back then, the biggest concern that you may have had when going out was what outfit to carefully construct together for date night, what to wear to that upcoming wedding, what sweater to buy for your family reunion. With so many places to be and people to see, there was always a need to be fashion-conscious; to keep up with the latest shoe, sweater, beauty trend. And comfort, practicality, and public health was really not something that often crossed our minds when getting dressed in the morning.

So very much has changed in the world as we know it. Besides the obvious health and safety adjustments that are being made, there has perhaps been no bigger change than the way that we think about consumerism and fashion. Gone are the days when many needed to get up, put a power suit on, and make the commute to the office. The living room is the office. Back to school clothes for many children seem almost unnecessary, as kitchen tables and playrooms are now being transformed into the classroom. People are just not moving around as much as they used to. So what does this all mean for fashion present and future?

2020 has been a time to reflect (fashion and otherwise) on what is really necessary; what is practical. So how exactly the pandemic changed what we, the consumer and the fashion enthusiast look for? For starters, the first thing that has become much more relaxed for many people is general work attire. Due to many remotely working and joining meetings over zoom, there has been a call for comfy-casual attire. A friend spoke about the increased flexibility and comfort that she feels in being able to throw on leggings and a work-appropriate sweater or top and go to work...10 steps down the hall to her kitchen. She regards this as being one of the benefits of spending less time out and about.

Matching sweat suit sets for children and adults alike were a summer 2020 staple, many coming in a variety of vibrant tye-dye colours great for lounging around the house, yard, or running to grab a coffee from the local shop. Loungewear in general has never been so popular. Big brands and smaller boutiques alike have risen to meet the occasion and saturated the market with comfortable pieces in a wide variety of colors, fabrics, sleeve length, trouser length-there is loungewear to meet your specific climate and needs whoever and wherever you are in the world. It also helps that many of these sets come in colors and patterns seemingly created to make one smile. The concept of athleisure was wildly popular pre-pandemic. Now that many are staying home more and going out less, athletic wear has all but totally exploded. It seems to be the go-to whether you are tidying the house, going for a socially distanced hike with a friend, or making a grocery store run. Athletic wear seems to have this magnificent quality about it that can both make you look and feel put together, while also remaining comfortable and practical. Many moms and dads who are balancing maintaining a household, homeschooling, and their own jobs in between running errands find that athleisure is the easiest attire for them. And on top of all that, should they want to go and do a workout, no need to change!

What goes better with athleisure than a pair of statement sneakers? Another trend that is not new, but that has been flourishing during these times. There is so little need to get dressed up and go out anywhere anymore that high heels, work loafers, and the like are practically becoming obsolete (if not somewhat out of fashion altogether). Sneakers, although often paired simply with athleisure, can be so versatile that they can be worn with many things- from dresses to jeans, and sweatpants too. There is such a wide range of styles and colors available that making a statement through footwear is something that is easily achieved while still staying comfortable and practical, making it a trending piece that will not be leaving us anytime soon.

In the age of COVID-19, masks are another trending piece that everyone is paying attention to. People are able to keep themselves and their loved ones safe by wearing one, and thanks to many companies coming out with their own lines, people are able to be both public health and fashion conscious in one accessory. One of the most popular ways to tie a mask into an outfit is to match it. Some brands even have exact matches for their most popular lounge and athleisure wear sets, allowing for the consumer to put together a casual, safe, and comfortable outfit with ease.

During this ever-changing time in our history, there is one thing for certain that people are holding on to in regards to fashion and trends: comfort. Through all of the changes and adjustments that are being made in communities everywhere, we can all take literal comfort in this more simplistic way of style.