When Covid meets comfort (with a little effort thrown in)
ON THE PARADOX OF MODERN MOTHERHOOD AND FASHION FIXES THAT WORK HARD FOR EVERY DAY
As someone who has repeatedly denounced fitness wear worn outside a gym, it feels somewhat contradictory to be waxing lyrical on leggings and trainers as inspired at-home attire. But the heart wants what it wants and right now it wants deliciously soft, snug clothes that make running errands, exercising and baby minding in January feel somewhat achievable.
Today I’m wearing cotton Spanx, a vest top layered over a knit, grey trainers and a cream quilted coat – otherwise known as a wearable duvet – with a faux fur trim. I can’t pinpoint exactly when I decided all the above worn together would be a locked down human’s best sartorial friend but I do know I have become increasingly drawn to style that is more comfort-orientated yet gives the illusion of having tried a little.
The year so far has been cold, icy and void of future planning – the latter usually helps to get us through the first month of the year – so our clothes need to work extra hard to make us smile. For me, double, even triple-layering is non-negotiable and key to happy dressing which brings me to my new formula for peak comfort with some measure of effort thrown in. The advantages of this magic formula are two-fold – not only are you warm, cosy and comfortable, but your outfit has a visual hook that makes the humdrum of everyday basics feel interesting. When I say visual hook, I’m referring to my cloud-like coat that has the remarkable power to make any outfit (yes even gym gear) look like a statement.
The basics that align with my current sense of style feel somewhat distinct to the mesh, Lycra versions you seeing people running, walking and cycling in. My favourite pants are long and high-waisted, and give you a peachy bum without the squats, all thanks to magical lifting technology. They are almost as flattering as a pair of tailored trousers and come in luxe fabrics characterised by the softness that tends not to stick or compress after a lot of movement in them. Spanx designs are expensive but superb quality –
PANDEMIC LIFE CAN WIN THE HEART OF A GIRL WHO USED TO WEAR HEELS DAILY
the beauty of their seamless styles is the tummy control high-waist and narrow-cut legs that flatter the leg and neatly tuck into boots or trainers. I love the faux leather and velvet styles – an everyday foundation that gives vest tops, jumpers and cardigans a bit more grace.
Commando does some slightly cheaper versions in luxury rib, faux leather suede and sometimes sequin effects that scrub up well with T-shirts and trainers or if by chance you have anywhere special to go (grocery shopping, maybe?) a softly structured blazer with mules or heels. On top, I love the wraparound cosiness of lightweight knits from Arket, H&M or & Other Stories for running around in and structured T-shirts which I’ve becoming increasingly nitpicky about how I buy because there is nothing worse than scratchy, bobbly material. Zara, Reiss and Annie Bing (if you really want to spoil yourself) are labels to invest in for luxe cuts and fabrics. When it comes to shape, I feel most comfortable in oversized styles with detail on the collar or sleeve that are flattering, sit at the same level as my navel and make draping, or tucking in easy. I’ve never been a fan of trainers (especially those bubble-soled types) – every pair I’ve bought has been passed on box fresh and unstained. But it turns out pandemic life can win the heart of a girl who used to wear heels daily. If you’re a flat-sole reluctant like me, simple, paredback styles in a neutral tone are a nice entry point, go with everything and won’t make you feel out of step or place.
I think the fatigue I once felt for leggings and jumpers or any sort of hoodie/trainer combination had less to do with their aesthetic and more to do with the garish matchy-matchy colours and unimaginative styling. Less is more and ultimately inspires us all to buy better, which is fashion’s resounding new year’s resolution this year.
This is for my children,’ says Myleene Klass, who is competing in the new series of Dancing On Ice. ‘I wanted to do something they can understand. They know I was in a band, that I’ve got clothes ranges and I’m on the radio but this is a show they can watch and enjoy.’ She has a baby son called Apollo – although everyone knows him as Snoopy – and two daughters, Ava, 13, and Hero, nine. ‘My girls skate and they were so excited.’ She’s happy to talk about the joys and trials of training, her chances against the likes of Jason Donovan and
Denise Van Outen and why she won’t be taking part in the much-hyped reunion of her old band Hear’Say. But something else comes up in the course of our conversation that stops us in our tracks. I ask the question and Myleene goes quiet. She turns away, stares at the wall and suddenly tears stream down her face. It seems she can’t go on, then a tiny nervous laugh breaks the silence. ‘I’ve just never said it out loud,’ she explains, her voice breaking with emotion. And it’s understandable, because that word is miscarriage.
Myleene has suffered four of them, as she revealed