The new lockdown trends
Our expert pick of the stay-home styles that will brighten your lockdown life
Hot-off-the-catwalk trends and fresh style rules to live by are notable mostly by their absence so far this year. And thank goodness. After all, imagine the torture of being told spring/summer 2021 is all about feather trimmed pencil skirts when the most exciting occasion pencilled into your calender is a Zoom quiz. But the lack of groundbreaking newness doesn’t mean you have to step off the fashion merry-go-round altogether, just that you have to approach it from a practical perspective. From the sweatshirt that’s set to breathe new life into the loungewear look you’ve been sporting since last spring to the hero house dress or the boots which are guaranteed to boost your mood – and your daily walk – here is our guide to the stay-home trends for 2021.
The zip-up sweater is the new hoodie
If there’s one thing we understand whole heartedly now, it is the joy of great sweats. It’s from this vista that we come to marvel at the zip-front sweatshirt, the hottest addition to your stay-home wardrobe since the posh hoodie. Echoing a shape synonymous with retro sportswear, the zip-front sweater is an update on a lockdown wardrobe essential poised to breathe new life into your lounge style. Get one in cream for an ultra-modern leisure look.
Let’s get this straight
On the topic of tracksuits, jogging bottoms have also had something of a revamp. For 2021 there is a buzz around straight-leg styles. A great option for those who find the classic jogger unflattering and awkward to wear, this straightforward shape works well with chunky trainers and even sturdy-soled sandals. Wear yours with a matching sweater and blanket coat for an off-duty look that screams A-lister at the airport.
Smarten up your waist-up work look
This year, as more and more of us find ourselves yearning for the reassuringly professional effects of a sharp shouldered or an office-friendly blouse, waist-up work dressing (as in PJ bottoms down below and a killer power look up top) is expected to shift up a gear. Add an air of efficiency to your work calls by opting for a slouch shoulder jacket (worn layered over a T-shirt) or better still plump for a statement blouse – something with a supersized collar is ideal. Your innate style prowess will be visible from afar, even if it has to be through a laptop screen.
Be practical
With the first signs of spring expected any day now, it is not the time to invest in heavy-duty thermals or a coat designed for Arctic excursions. However, a decent anorak is essential to see you through the months ahead. For rainy days, a lightweight parka can be layered over knitwear and teamed with sturdy boots while something more structured like a calf-grazing military coat will fend off the chill while allowing you that polished look you’ve been pining for.
Boots to stand firm in
With government-approved exercise as exciting as your social life gets right now, you’d better have some joy-inducing footwear to get out there in. The hiking boot owned 2020 and it’s got staying power with super stompy lace-ups remaining key to the lockdown look. Those looking for something different should check out zip-front rubberised styles which are a hit with fashion’s inner circle.
Meet the stay-home smock
The house dress emerged as an accidental style hero last year as soft and stretchy sweater dresses populated our loungewear wardrobes. This year, with tiered and smock-style dresses making a return to the fashion fold, the stay-home dress has an on point new look. Seek out long sleeved styles in soft cotton and team with box-fresh trainers and a chunky cardie.
Be a soft touch
When times are as tough as these are it’s the clothes that make us feel good that we return to. Which means we can expect to see more tactile treats than ever infiltrating our wardrobes with shearling-lined Birkenstock clogs and super-soft cashmere hoodies the most wanted items on our collective wish lists. Boost your self-care routine with high-quality fabrics and luxury where you wouldn’t usually expect it - cashmere vests or super soft socks are fine examples.
