From that point on, Instagram accounts like @wfhfits took the internet by storm, exploring all corners of the working-from-home fashion world. From cashmere loungewear to linen shirts, the key to WFH clothing was summed up as something comfy enough to sit in all day yet smart enough for a Zoom meeting. Still, while some people are enjoying the new relaxed look, many sartorial enthusiasts are craving a return to normal attire.
With outdoor exercise and essential food shops still permitted, daily trips outside are seen by some as a chance to don a ‘real outfit’. Though the idea of putting on their favourite pair of jeans might seem crazy to some, for others, the daily lockdown walk is providing a much-needed moment to feel like their regular selves. Ahead, we spoke to six fashion designers about what they’re wearing on their daily trip outdoors.
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Rejina Pyo
Talk me through this look and why you wore it out of the house…
We are so lucky to have access to the ocean while in Ireland but it can be a bit chilly so I’m wearing our cashmere Leah cable knit sweater from AW18, with vintage Levi’s and Nike trainers.
What’s your lockdown style been like thus far?
I would say a more pared-down version of myself. I have been wearing our printed Nico tops often – they are comfortable and versatile – as well as my all-time favourites, the Larissa sandals around the house. I am currently also wearing our new fusilli earrings on the daily.
What are you missing about your regular style?
I am looking forward to breaking out my new accessories from SS20, like the new Banana bags and our Romy heeled sandals which have a fun retro feel. I’m looking forward to dressing up again soon and reuniting with friends.
What does that daily walk mean to you right now?
We are grateful to be staying with my husband’s family in Ireland at the moment, so our daily walk along the coast provides us with exercise and fresh air, as well as a healthy break from the busy at-home work day. Photo courtesy of Rejina Pyo
Aurora James, Brother Vellies
What’s your lockdown style been like thus far?
I’ve been trying to keep it easy, some days dresses, others just leggings, cozy socks and sweatshirts. I’ve been doing a bit of a deep dive into the depths of my closet though. I want to make sure I have full awareness of everything I own, in an attempt to buy less things over the next year or so.
What are you missing about your regular style?
I really love a night out glam. I miss putting on a pair of three-inch heels and a dress and a handbag. That whole bit. I love a feather and a hair flip just as much as I love a Greg shoe and gardening gloves. So that dichotomy within my character is struggling a little bit. But that said, I have been doing FaceTime date nights every Friday night and I get dressed up for that. It’s cute.
What does that daily walk mean to you right now?
It’s a good opportunity to stretch my legs and breathe in the air. Just to know that nature is still there on the other side, waiting for us to get through this. On Sunday I was in complete awe in my neighbourhood, just taking in a lot of the little things that I never took the time to notice before. I think if I never left my block again I could still find wonder in its hidden crevices for the rest of my days.Photo courtesy of Aurora James
Ditte Reffstrup, Ganni
Talk me through this look and why you wore it out of the house…
I’m really enjoying dressing up my denim and I’ve fallen back in love with all of my shoes again – I’m adding accessories like shades and a beret for a pop of colour to give me more energy. Our Mary-Jane style strappy flats make me smile.
What’s your lockdown style been like thus far?
In the first few days I was wearing PJs all the time and I realized it was giving me the Sunday blues every day. So now I’ve been really enjoying dressing up more and making an effort. It really changes my mood and makes me feel better. It’s my version of self-care. Wearing something every day that makes me feel creative and inspired is so important.
What are you missing about your regular style?
It hasn’t changed too much for me as I’ve always dressed for myself first and foremost. I’d pick outfits intrinsically based on my mood. But before lockdown, maybe I even thought about what I was wearing less – it was more about throwing things on depending on what I was doing that day. I usually wear sneakers a lot as I would cycle to work.
What does that daily walk mean to you right now?
It’s everything for me. Getting out and reconnecting with people and just seeing a bit of life on the streets. It also gives me a chance to breathe away from the hectic vibe of the house. Nicolaj and I are husband-and-wife business partners with three kids and work/life balance gets blurry, so my daily walk gives me a chance to switch off. I try and buy a cup of takeaway coffee from our local coffee shop too, to support where we can. It makes me feel like something in my day is still normal. Photo courtesy of Ditte Reffstrup
Angel Chen
What’s your lockdown style been like thus far?
I’m in China and our strict lockdown phase has loosened slightly, but I was dressing in a more casual style. I picked some pieces that keep me comfortable but still stylish at home. I still needed to have video meetings with my team, so I decided to wear these joyful looks to cheer them up. I was also wearing some of my ‘rough drafts’ of my latest collection since I was designing and sewing from home.
What did you miss about your regular style?
It didn’t bother me too much honestly. I could still decide on what to wear. I also put on some looks from our SS20 collection, since a lot of our followers online were requesting styling recommendations. We did a good job on maintaining a good relationship with our followers digitally during quarantine.
What did that daily walk mean to you?
Those daily walks reminded us to pay attention to our surroundings, the environment and the community, and be grateful for what we have. It brought my attention back to valuing so many daily things we took for granted that I view differently now, which I see as something positive. I hope many people will be changed through this and will start to adjust their daily lives slightly. It really is eye-opening on how quickly nature reacted to this situation – I focused a lot on these things rather than paying attention to who was looking at my outfit. Photo courtesy of Angel Chen
Priya Ahluwalia
What’s your lockdown style been like thus far?
My lockdown style has been pretty similar to my regular weekday style if I’m honest. I often wear tracksuits day to day, and get more glammed up on the weekends or for nights out. I don’t remember the last time I wore jeans or smart trousers on a Monday morning! Recently I’ve been wearing the pieces from my capsule collection with Matches so I still feel dressed up while comfortable.
What are you missing about your regular style?
I am missing the whole process of getting ready for the weekend and for nights out. I really like wearing makeup and the artistry of it, so I’ve missed putting that on. I often wear quite statement (others would say garish) pieces on a night out and I’m missing having places to dress up for in that way. Wearing my faux leather, knee-high snakeskin boots doesn’t feel the same on Zoom!
What does that daily walk mean to you right now?
I’m finding the whole concept of having my normal freedom and ability to choose what I do with my day quite challenging so I love my daily walk, especially as the weather has been so nice. I also have a little puppy called Lola so it’s been good for us to get out of the house.Photo courtesy of Priya Ahluwalia
Roberta Einer
Talk me through this look and why you wore it out of the house…
I’m wearing recycled denim from my AW20 ‘Lazy’ collection and Care Bear collaboration T-shirt. Wearing my own designs has been somehow calming in this situation we are all stuck in. It’s a great daily reminder that I really do love my work and can’t wait to get back to things being ‘normal’. I love the reused denim line too – at times like this it feels right to be wearing upcycled clothing and these wide-cut jeans are super cozy!
What’s your lockdown style been like thus far?
I wish I was one of those people who dressed up daily for no reason! But I have actually kept it really casual. Joggers in every different colour, cotton bodysuits and braiding my hair have been my daily go-tos.
What are you missing about your regular style?
I really miss dressing up and wearing fun makeup!
What does that daily walk mean to you right now?
Listening to podcasts while walking around Regent’s Park and checking out the giraffes who hang out by the road at London Zoo.Photo courtesy of Roberta Einer
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