If you’re anything like us and spent those strange few days between Christmas and New Year sporting the same tracksuit you wore for the majority of 2020, Boris Johnson’s January 4th announcement that we were being plunged immediately into another national lockdown likely scuppered – along with everything else – any plans for a ‘New Year New Me’-type wardrobe overhaul.
But just because we’re not allowed out of the house for much more than a breath of fresh air and brief exercise needn’t mean that those who garner such joy from experimenting with fashion and putting outfits together should stop altogether. After all, do you do it for yourself or in the hope of outside approval? It may sound frivolous but we’re entirely supportive of even the simplest thrills right now.
Of course, you’re unlikely to be in the mood to snap up a luxurious evening gown right now, much like you’re probably not hankering for a pair of agonisingly high heels or a figure-hugging corset. But regardless of your plans – or, rather, lack of – in 2021, there’s no need to feel guilty about desiring a little wardrobe refresh for the new year. Just make sure they’re wise buys; ones that you’ll get repeated use of (in and out of lockdown) and ones that’ll stand the test of time.
We’re talking cosy coats for those lunchtime walks, special tracksuits to make the weekends feel like an occasion and pyjamas so chic that no one will look twice should you oversleep and arrive on Zoom having barely brushed your hair.
Here are 10 pieces at the top of our Fashion Editor’s 2021 wish list…
1. The Luxe Tracksuit
“We’ve all lived in tracksuits for the best part of a year now, so upping your offering via favourite labels in luxurious fabrics is a great way to elevate your weekend outfits and make them feel more special than your regular 9-5 set.”
Buy The Sweatshirt Now, £230, JW Anderson
Buy The Sweatpants Now, £265, JW Anderson
2. The Longline Puffer
“Puffer jackets are having a real moment right now, and it’s not just because they’re the cosiest option for those permitted outdoor meetings between friends (just two of you, mind). A longline white one feels super fresh, and will take you right through to spring.”
3. The Seasonless Day Bag
“We’ve had little need for a handbag over recent months, with the brevity of our outdoor antics warranting little more than a phone and wallet shoved into a pocket. But whether you’re looking for something chicer (and more sustainable) than a plastic bag to carry your corner shop goods or you’re thinking more long-term, these mid-size totes are huge news right now and will be for seasons to come.”
4. The Special Stomper Boots
“Heavy biker boots have been everywhere this winter, but this pair eliminate all competition right now. Sturdy and similar in stompy attitude, these sparkling buckles are sure to bring a much-needed smile every time I look down.”
5. The High-Fashion Hoodie
“Having rarely worn a hoodie pre-2020 (I’ve always been more of a crew-neck sweater girl), my newfound love for tracksuits has broadened my horizons. So much so, that this designer number doesn’t seem such a ludicrous idea and has shot to the top of my wishlist. There’s little I know I’d wear more…”
6. The Flared-Leg Sweatpants
“As well as banana bread, I think we’ve all also rediscovered our love for an elasticated waistband over recent months. But unlike banana bread, I’m unlikely to ever tire of them. These flared-leg sweatpants are making their way into my rotation of loungewear pronto.”
7. The Cheeky Derrière Necklace
“I’m a sucker for anything that’ll cheer me up right now, and if the heart wants a butt-shaped pendant necklace then who am I to stand in its way? It’s also the perfect talking point during those awkward Zoom silences while you wait for the inevitable latecomers to join the virtual ‘room’.”
Buy It Now, £285, Anissa Kermiche
8. The Zoom-Worthy Pyjamas
“While I initially subscribed to the ‘pyjamas mustn’t be worn in the day’ logic at the beginning of this pandemic, the more I discover the world of luxury nightwear the faster I fall off that bandwagon. Who *doesn’t* want to arrive on zoom in a silk blue ‘shirt’? Nobody need know about the matching bottom half.”
9. The Gathered Maxi Dress
“Undoubtedly far chicer than the majority of my lockdown wardrobe, this maxi dress is as much a comfortable isolation option as it is an elegant daywear one once summer arrives and we’re (hopefully) allowed outside a little more. Blind optimism, perhaps.”
10. The Timeless Shoulder Bag
“Whether or not I find an occasion to wear this bag over the next few months, I’m forever falling for a good bag (as you know) and this will serve as the perfect keepsake to save for the celebratory eventual return of normality. It’s utterly timeless, and therefore will wait patiently for as long as is needed.”
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