The one trend I won’t follow
A happy little hermit I am not. I love getting dressed up and going out, and staying at home in PJs all the time would make me feel very sad.
This is why I’m finding a certain new social media trend, quite frankly, a little mind-boggling. It all started when Fearne Cotton recently interviewed actress Michelle Keegan on her podcast Happy
Place. During the episode they both revealed that these days they’d lost the urge to go out and socialise. ‘I love staying in,’ admitted Keegan. ‘Same,’ agreed Cotton. ‘I know everyone thinks it’s boring but it’s really not,’ continued Keegan. ‘It’s the least boring thing.’
Cotton then described herself as ‘a really happy little hermit’, explaining, ‘I never want to go anywhere because I know being at home is preferable.’
‘I always thought when I was younger I’d get Fomo if I saw people out. Now I don’t care,’ said Keegan.
‘If I’m on Instagram,’ added Cotton, ‘and I see people out at some bash, I think, “Thank god I’m not there.”’
Suddenly, these quotes are a soundtrack to hundreds of videos on Instagram and TikTok, with women, both younger and older, using them on posts showing themselves staying at home making coffee, pretending to read books and moving flowers around. Admittedly, it’s a clever way to show off their lovely homes, but other than that the trend leaves me cold. However, these posts have thousands of likes and comments – all agreeing with Cotton and Keegan.
While I love a cosy night in on the sofa, I find it odd that people would prefer to hibernate rather than go out and experience new things. After losing so much time to lockdown restrictions – those endless boring days, unable to see family or friends in person – this particular trend seems the opposite of seizing life.
So if, like me, you relish the chance to go out, here are some useful pieces to add to your dressing-up list.
Column and pencil skirts are big for spring and are an easy way to look pulled together. If you are pear-shaped, opt for one with a higher waist. Cos, Zara and Massimo Dutti have some excellent options.
Want a stylish solution for a February get-together? Try a knitted dress with knee-high boots.
Faux-fur jackets are a new micro trend and will deliver instant glamour.
For a 1990s feel, add 15 denier sheer tights to short dresses or skirts (see left).
Don’t forget your whites with a blazer or coat – they are terrific ways to bring some transitional crispness to your wardrobe.
SPOT ON
If polka dots are your thing, rejoice! Thanks to the spring/summer runways, which were awash with this cartoonish print, spots are back with a bang. My favourite look is that brown dress worn by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (right).