Our country is facing trying times, and while we're all sheltering in place [1], there are pieces we continue to reach for to keep the morale high. That includes accessories for some (think: visors and mini totes) — worn on long walks or for social distanced, backyard get-togethers — and feel-good loungewear [2] for others. These pieces sort of fell into our laps. We didn't know they'd become our best friends, but they totally did over the past four to five months.
This is a conversation we've been having as Fashion editors at POPSUGAR, but we wanted to reach out to our friends and creatives in the industry to confirm that we are not alone. As it turns out, we most certainly are not. Even though it seems we've all reached peak sweatpant fatigue [3], there are other stylish items that people are wearing for comfort reasons [4], or as simple reminders that fashion can often make us more cheerful [5] and optimistic. If you're looking to find some of these key pieces in your own wardrobe, perhaps the responses we've gathered will inspire you to pull out an old favourite slip or some earrings you haven't put on in years. Hopefully, that will put a smile on your face.
Janelle Marie Lloyd, Founder of Wait, You Need This
"I love midi skirts and crop tops, so to find both in such comfortable fabrics is a dream! I've been styling the Lou & Grey cropped sweater tank [7] and signaturesoft midi skirt [8] together, and also love the top paired with equally comfy pieces like flowy skirts and mom jeans."
Lou & Grey Cropped Sweater Tank
Lou & Grey Cropped Sweater Tank [9] ($50)
Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Midi Skirt
Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Midi Skirt [10] ($60)
Chrissy Rutherford, Harper's Bazaar Contributor and Brand Consultant
"Vintage-style silk dresses have been my go-to lately, especially this one by Rouje [11], which just feels so ladylike and polished with very little effort. These kinds of dresses are just always comfortable to throw on whether I'm working from my bedroom, the kitchen, or my backyard under an umbrella."
Rouje Robe Linette Dress
Rouje Robe Linette Dress [12] ($368)
Rachael Wang, Stylist and Creative Consultant
"Most days I wear a pair of vintage Levi's. They had always been a favourite part of my wardrobe but are getting daily use now that I find wearing trousers or dresses too fussy for home. Wearing something nostalgic also provides a form of emotional comfort which is becoming increasingly valuable to me."
Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Women's Jeans
Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Women's Jeans [13] ($50)
Nikki Ogunnaike, GQ Deputy Fashion Director
"Any time I step outside for a nice, long walk or socially-distanced garden hangout I've been wearing my Prada visor. When I bought it last summer, I knew I'd get a lot of wear out of it, but it feels like a particularly lovely alternative to foggy sunglasses that inevitably come about because of wearing a mask. I'm so happy this purchase worked out."
Prada Logo Plaque Visor
Prada Logo Plaque Visor [14] ($360)
Danielle Snyder, Creative Director and Co-Founder of DANNIJO and Founder of Boxerina
"I've been living in arm parties [15], neck parties [16], and slips [17], all of which are pregnancy friendly and versatile (I'm 19 weeks pregnant!). The vibrant colours lift my mood and remind me to smile and not take myself so seriously. The playfulness of camp-inspired jewels and the versatility of the slips (especially the tie-strap ones [18]) also remind me of being a kid and having fun with style."
Dannijo Blueberry Tie Strap Silk Slip Dress
Dannijo Blueberry Tie Strap Silk Slip Dress [19] ($315)
Sissy Sainte-Marie, Stylist and Consultant
"Lately I've been lounging in these petal shorts from OhSevenDays [20], a slow fashion brand based in Istanbul. Not only are they cute and comfy, they are mindfully made with surplus fabric and a transparent supply chain. They're great for around the house and have replaced my sweats now that the weather has warmed up."
OhSevenDays Petal Shorts
OhSevenDays Petal Shorts [21] ($100 )
Kerry Pieri, Harper's Bazaar Digital Fashion/Features Director
"While I've definitely been in comfort mode while working from home, this Sir the Label dress [22] has brought some much-welcome normalcy to a very strange time. I love how simple it is, but that the backless element makes it feel so special. I wore it on Mother's Day [23] for brunch at home even though it was cold outside, and then when I hosted cocktails by the pool with a couple of girlfriends a few weeks ago — the first time I'd seen anyone I'm not related to in months."
Sir. Aramis Maxi Dress
Sir. Aramis Maxi Dress [24] ($506)
Natasha Marsh, Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Writer
"Prior to COVID-19, I used to wear jewellery daily to work and brunch. Once in lockdown, I stopped. For awhile, it was liberating and I enjoyed the lack of effort it came with. But the other day I was hiking and put these Missoma [25] hoops on and it just changed my whole vibe. There's something about hoops. Since then, I've been wearing the choker and necklace alongside them for errands, workouts, and anything in between. It takes me back to this one blissful weekend I had where I experienced clarity, which took place in the midst of a big career change for me. When I wear these pieces, I feel the same magic and connection to myself that I did that weekend."
Missoma Gold Baya Hoops
Missoma Gold Baya Hoops [26] ($127)
Nicky Deam, Stylist, Writer, Creative Consultant, and Co-Founder of Barrineau
"Something about the monotony of quarantine has made me gravitate towards pieces with more colour. I've been wearing this mini Barrineau periwinkle canvas tote [27] on repeat because it's a convenient size, it's made from washable canvas, and it looks great with virtually every colour in my wardrobe."
Shoip Barrineau The Mulholland
Shoip Barrineau The Mulholland [28] ($98)
Dara Prant, Fashionista Market Editor
"I've been living in a striped oversize button-down that I got as a hand-me-down from my sister a few years back. I'm not even sure where it was originally purchased, but it's served as my sartorial security blanket these past few months and pretty much goes with everything from bike shorts to denim shorts — I even wore it as a cover-up at the beach. I love that I can wear it to lounge around my apartment or dress it up with jewellery for a social-distanced night out. I also love that it once lived in my sister's closet and has now made a home in mine."
Madewell Oversized Ex-Boyfriend Shirt in Mullins Stripe
Madewell Oversized Ex-Boyfriend Shirt in Mullins Stripe [29] ($55)