Why (and How) to Change up Your "Quarantine Uniform"

Everyone has worn one of these at some point over the past 90 days: sweatpants, ever-trendy tie-dye, an oversized t-shirt or sweatshirt, and, of course, some unwashed hair to boot. You may think “Well if no one will see me as I hardly leave the house, why bother dressing up”? And let's face it, with lack of social interaction, physical movement and uncertain times, it’s easy to let yourself get down. But, fashion can provide respite for your mental health, and it’s more important now than ever.

Pre-Quarantine, life was a fashion show. Picking out an outfit, doing hair and makeup, and curating finishing touches through accessories each morning was, for many, a highlight and motivation for getting up early to set the tone for the day ahead. It’s no secret that when you’re rocking an outfit you love that you probably feel pretty damn powerful, strong, and, well, good looking! That confidence can carry on through the day, leading to increased productivity and quality interactions.

Nearly 90 days into quarantine, finding the motivation to get dressed up and wear anything other than your go-to loungewear is difficult, and has been a struggle (albeit a somewhat minor one) many of us have faced — but, this is why motivation must be found.

Mental health rates have declined rapidly throughout the COVID-19 quarantine — and with good reason. An extremely dangerous virus is on the loose, social interaction has to take place at the bare minimum behind face masks as well as from six feet apart, and there are a myriad of economic and political issues on top of all of that. According to Forbes Magazine, 53% of women currently in and previously in the workforce have reported an increase in deteriorating mental health since March 25. So, what if someone told you an outfit a day could help improve that?

According to a study done in 2012 by Northwestern University, specific articles of clothing actually do have an impact on the wearer’s psychology and performance. A term called “enclothed cognition” is the reason and essentially can be explained as the symbolic meaning behind certain pieces can be projected onto the person who is wearing it. For example, a leather jacket symbolizes toughness, edginess and casual cool which then becomes the mood adopted by the wearer who subconsciously is aware of how society views a leather jacket. When one wears a “trendy” outfit they feel cool and that they fit in, because it is widely accepted. Maybe they will even take a picture or two to document it, as confidence levels will have risen… seriously, it is scientifically proven! One trend that actually perfectly coincides with mental health and the “quarantine and chill” mindset is elevated loungewear.

To transform it for going out standards, or simply to make it more of an outfit, there are a few key steps to follow. First, try going for either a matching, monochromatic set, patternless pieces, or a subtle print like a muted tie-dye or a thin stripe. Next, make sure that one of your two pieces (t-shirt, sweatshirt or pants) is fitted, and add a jacket if it is chilly. Dusters, jean jackets and leather jackets are our recommendation; however, that is an optional piece! Next, add some jewelry. Hoop earrings, dainty chains and necklaces as well as maybe a ring or bracelet or two can help elevate your loungewear look. Put it together with a nice bag and your coolest sneakers and voila, quarantine chic!

The combination of enclothed cognition and loungewear amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic makes for a new and recognized genre in fashion. Some call it the “model-off-duty” look, while others simply deign to call it comfy chic. No matter what you call it, it is a look perfect for all shapes and sizes.