How Has Covid Has Changed Our Fashion Choices?
photo by Anna Furman
Editor’s Note: I’ve noticed so many pitches in my inbox for “at-home/Covid style.” This seems to mean lounging pants and a top. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it does get boring. For this story on advicesisters.com, we offer some tips from Lulu Eschelman the Founder & CEO of fashion brand, Lumilla. Here are some of her style tips about Covid with some suggestions for affordable wardrobe updates this Spring:
As the economy rebounds (whenever it does) Lulu predicts that there will be new motivation to dress up and think more about our fashion choices. In the Spring and Summer we are going to witness creativity rise as people rethink their wardrobes and style. This is especially true since so many people are attending zoom meetings where you can only see the top half of them and the rest of the time they are in loungewear. There will be a mixture of more print, glimmer, and color. Oversized and exaggerated outfits will be the new norm. Here are some style tips to get you thinking about what updates you might need or want:
New Style New Rules:
Hopefully, the fashion industry will take itself less seriously. Trendsetters will mix trends, prints, and colors, and looks from different time periods and style genres. There will definitely be a place for reused and redesigned items and vintage or second hand as people are more cost and sustainably conscious.
Escape Handbag Launch:
When I was planning my Escape handbag launch this year I had to factor in these trends. I have created items at varied price points, sustainable leather and moved my marketing strategy to seasonal promotions. My new Escape handbag collection is all about taking control again and feeling empowered to do so.
Experimentation is Key:
For anyone who is thinking of experimenting with a new look this Spring or Summer, I have a few tips on how to feel empowered through what you wear. You don’t want to be a victim of common fashion faux pas. Too much of anything is never a good thing. So don’t overdo your look. Anything too contrived won’t work.
Tip One: Develop A Personalized Brand Image:
Nothing is more powerful and memorable than a woman with a unique style. One that she wears comfortably and confidently. Pull out images from fashion magazines and online fashion sites that speak to you and create a mood board to guide your style choices and what you purchase.
Style Tips Two: Have a clear style direction & stick to it.
Get the opinion of others. What do they think looks good on you in terms of color and style? Ask them to be honest and assure them you won’t be offended by their responses. Weed out things in your closet that you haven’t worn for over a year. It may feel challenging, but ditch clothing that doesn’t make you feel positive or confident. Then, organize your closet and add pieces that compliment what you already own.
Tip Three: Keep it Simple:
Here’s a style tip you probably forget about from time to time and then those things gravitate to the back of the closet. You won’t look comfortable and confident in clothes that don’t fit or are uncomfortable in any way. What you wear sets your mindset for the day. The goal is to please yourself rather than others. Trust your instincts!
Style Tips Four: Mix It Up:
organizing your closet by color makes it easier to find what you want
Now is the time to mix it up. Try new patterns and colors, mixing them up during the day to re-use things you already own in a new way. Use dyes and accessories to bring new life and new colors to your favorite items that have faded over time. Maybe work with a local tailor to turn jeans and long shirts into shorter summer wear.
Tip Five: Gender Neutral is Trending:
Gender-neutral looks will be a big trend this year. The gender-fluid movement led by polysexual collection launches from well-known fashion designers has really taken off. Why not give it a try? You don’t have to go all out with it, just try to add some masculine touches (e.g. watches, oversized shirts, men’s blazers, neckties, or sweater vests).
Advice: Buy Quality:
Another one of those style tips you might forget when you see trendy fashion. Use the highest quality (not necessarily designer logo) basics you can afford. Add cheaper trendy touches. Nice fitting well-made jeans, timeless leather leggings, tees, blazers, and bulky knit sweaters along with gorgeous handbags and jewelry make an outfit.
Lulu Eschelman is a fashion designer for the handbag brand LUMILLA. Her handbags are crafted with hand-selected Italian leathers. As a previous brand partner of Gwyneth Paltrow, the LUMILLA brand has had several successful creative limited-edition collaborations on Goop and with Catt Sadler, Rebecca Canstonguay and Montage Hotel and Resorts. visit www.SHOPLUMILLA.com.
