8 Practical Items I've Been Wearing for the Past 5 Months
Since the pandemic began in the United States back in March, we've seen our lives change in so many ways. This goes without saying. One of the more minor but still noteworthy ways in which it's changed is what we wear on a day-to-day basis. Even though I've worked from home for several years now, I've seen a shift in my wardrobe over the past few months. Specifically, it's become less trend-driven and more streamlined and comfort-focused (for the time being, at least). My basics are in constant rotation, and when I do shop these days, more often than not its for something I could feasibly wear out in the world and at home.
Sometimes I miss carrying handbags to places besides quick runs to Target, or putting on a new pair of heels, or even wearing 100% cotton jeans, but practicality is paramount as of late, and eight wardrobe staples, in particular, have become my most worn items of 2020. Scroll to shop them for yourself in case you too are streamlining your wardrobe this year.
House Shoes
I hate walking around barefoot at home but I also refuse to wear my outside shoes inside, so I've invested in a few pairs of comfortable shoes and slippers that are just reserved for indoors. It was a great decision.
Shop House Shoes
Elastic Waistbands
I've worn elastic-waist shorts and pants so many times since March that I actually force myself to wear jeans from time to time just to remind myself what it feels like. Even so, my most frequent purchase by far this summer has been sweatshorts.
Shop Elastic Waistbands
Oversize Button-Down Shirts
More often than not, you'll find me wearing a T-shirt these days, but when I want to look a little nicer (shout-out to Zoom meetings), I throw on an oversize button-down shirt and it makes all the difference in the world.
Shop Oversize Buttondowns
Face Masks
This is something I certainly never wore prior to March, but it's quickly become the most important part of my wardrobe, for safety reasons. As you can see, I've also become one of those people who match their mask to their outfit.
Shop Face Masks
Comfortable Dresses
I've always hated tight dresses, but now more than ever. I've happily embraced the oversize-dress trend that's been so prevalent this year and have invested in several of them. Let's hope it's here to stay.
Shop Comfortable Dresses
Stretch Denim
I can't recall the last time I put a pair of stiff jeans on but I haven't banned jeans from my wardrobe entirely this year. I put on a pair with a bit of stretch from time to time when I need a break from soft pants.
Shop Stretchy Jeans
Simple Earrings
I wear earrings every single day. They make me feel like I tried, which is a feeling I don't hate, even when I don't really have anywhere to go.
Shop Simple Earrings
Baseball Caps
I love baseball caps—enough to even wear them indoors sometimes. More importantly, I'm exercising outdoors and just spending more time in the sun in general these days, so I'll often grab one to protect my face as I'm heading out the door.
Shop Baseball Caps
Next up, 28 Amazon items I'm shopping for now that I'm outside in the heat more.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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