During the first few weeks of lockdown, it seemed that many people were happy to switch to lounge clothes in place of their stuffy suits and formal business wear. But as the nation slowly emerges from months of being under quarantine, attitudes toward fashion are changing.

As a personal stylist in NYC, I’ve already seen this shift in men and women throughout the city. Here are some of the main ways that the global pandemic is shaping our fashion choices:

A shift toward elevated comfort

As millions of people started working from home, getting dressed for the day was as simple as pulling on a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. Even before lockdown, it was common to see people wearing athleisure while running errands and doing their grocery shopping.

However, after a few months of lockdown, men and women started missing the ability to dress up. After all, fashion is more than just the clothes you wear. For many people, their wardrobe pieces are intentionally chosen to express their personality in a creative way.

As a result, there seems to be a “comfort fatigue” setting in when it comes to fashion. People are sick of wearing lounge clothes all day, and they miss the creative aspect of getting dressed. On the other hand, we’ve been spoiled by being able to wear comfortable clothes for the past few months.

This has led to people choosing clothing pieces that prioritize comfort while still remaining stylish. In place of yoga pants and basic athleisure, I think we’ll see a move toward elevated comfort fashion, such as shift dresses, breezy blouses, and wide-leg trousers.

Investment in quality pieces

Being forced to stay home and not shop has made us question our purchasing habits and the real value of our clothing. While your fast fashion pieces may have seemed fun last summer, this year, they just seem wasteful. Likewise, with many people now underemployed and unemployed, buying cheap, trendy clothing just isn’t a priority anymore.

Instead of chasing short-lived trends, men and women will be making more intentional purchases. With the future of the economy unknown at this point, it will be important to choose quality pieces that will last for years.

Rather than splurging on trendy statement pieces, people will likely put their money toward high-quality coats, blazers, boots, trousers, and other wardrobe staples that can be built on.

Versatility will be prioritized

You probably have an entire section of your closet dedicated to going-out clothes. In the post-pandemic world, this may change. Consumers are heading into the next season a bit more budget-conscious, so versatility and flexibility will be the main priorities when it comes to fashion.

Gone are the days of spending lots of money on trendy accessories, shoes, and outfits specifically for weekend wear. These days, it will be more important to find quality, comfortable pieces that are appropriate for going from work to happy hour.

Overall, this will also mean a shift toward non-fussy items that can easily be washed at home. As future lockdowns may be imminent, people might not be able to quickly drop their clothes off at the dry cleaners anymore. Cotton, linen, and washable wool will take priority over high-maintenance fabrics.

Rebuilding your wardrobe? Let an NYC personal stylist help

If the global pandemic is making you rethink your wardrobe, I’d love to help. For over a decade, I’ve helped people discover their style and find key pieces that work for their body type and personality. I can create a customized look that is completely tailored to your tastes and lifestyle.

Contact me today to book an appointment with a personal stylist in NYC.