I just discovered THE best possible lockdown outfit for working from home
Now that staying in is the new going out and we are in the midst of a lockdown, as I gingerly enter week two, I’ve realised I still want to feel slightly pulled together because it improves my mood and frankly my sanity. My job as a personal stylist is to convince people that amazing clothes are a game changer, yet I’ve been in a quandary because putting on any kind of outfit I would usually wear day-to-day seems completely inappropriate right now. There’s simply no way I would go to Sainsbury’s during this time wearing anything remotely glam, it almost seems offensive.
I believe I may have found the perfect solution!!! The slip dress. A slip dress has Boudoir appeal, you can roll out of bed in it but you can also make it look very pulled-together. By wearing a slip dress with a couple of different combinations to suit our current limited scenarios and mood, it suddenly feels like I’ve nailed 'Lockdown Chic'!’ The great thing about a slip dress is its amazing versatility. Wear it with a blazer, a leather jacket, a cardigan or under a big loose jumper, hell even with a polo neck layered underneath - all look great. When Summer comes, wear it on its own because by then we’ll be out of this hole - if you are reading this in the future I really HOPE we got out and about by Summer.
Here are the different outfit combinations you can try with just one little old slip dress:
Outfit 1: Slip dress with oversized blazer:
Appropriate for Zoom calls, Webinars or any work-related video call. You may think I’ve lost the plot suggesting a blazer for staying in the house, BUT if you go for a loungy longline style or better still, an unstructured blazer you will look and feel pulled together and ready to Zoom call anyone.
Still think a blazer feels too much? Throw on a cardi instead;
Outfit 2: Slip dress with a cashmere cardigan..
Cropped or slouchy, whatever you fancy. I’m saying cashmere because we need to feel comfy and it just looks and feels better.
Works for being in the house in general, going to the kitchen for dinner and also find for Zoom calls and related work calls. I would recommend putting on a pair of statement earrings or a necklace to do a conference call to add that professional edge.
Outfit 3: Slip dress with leather jacket:
Works for pretending you are going out on a Friday or Saturday night. I love the creative way people are turning their homes into restaurants and discos during lockdown, getting that weekend vibe and dressing up to do it! We’re trying to save takeaway’s and movies for the weekend so we still get that divide and feel-good feeling.
Outfit 4: Slip dress with a jumper and jeans.
This is the Sainsbury’s outfit
You can chuck a big knit over the top and wear trainers on your feet - or even fluffy slippers!
Outfit 1: Slip dress with Blazer
@lucywilliams02 on IG
Here are my choice of slip dresses. All Saints are leading the way with a great selection of slip dresses to choose from, they also have fantastic oversized blazers too.
This one from ALL Saints looks very boudoir until you add the belt and boots below;
If plain silk/satin is too ‘nightdress’ for you then opt for a velvet or a patterned one:
Feel like tailoring is too much for WFH? Go for a soft, unstructured blazer like this from Zara.
Outfit 2: Slip Dress with cropped OR slouchy cardigan
Pure collection cashmere cardigan with frill
Outfit 3: Slip dress with leather jacket
OK I know, why would you wear a leather jacket indoors. Well, let me explain! I’m merely showing a combination here that works after lockdown too so you can get more wear out of your slip dress. This would however work if you are doing a Saturday night thing at home - laying the table like a restaurant, having a kitchen disco etc… you can pretend you are going out. :)
Image from Pinterest
Outfit 4: Slip dress with cosy knit thrown over the top
This works for Sainsbury’s but perhaps not in such an eye-catching raspberry shade! This option is so comfy and hides arms and tum if you are worried about those.
I hope I’ve given some inspiration for the coming weeks (months?) of lockdown. The important thing is to look after our mental health during this time and hold it together and putting on a nice outfit once or twice a week could make all the difference. Stay safe.
Lisa x
If you want to book a wardrobe edit via ZOOM or SKYPE during the lockdown please get in touch here. I have massively reduced the prices to make it accessible and to reflect the fact it’s not in person but you will still get my valuable input. Clear your wardrobe and get a focussed shopping list of gaps so you can hit the ground running looking fabulous on the other side! Seriously, this could be the only chance you get to really pay attention to yourself so if you’ve been thinking about it for some time, do get in touch. x
