JOANNE Watkinson
After the unveiling of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, my extreme excitement at finally being able to see the finish line dissipated into an uncomfortable feeling of trepidation.
Anticipation has never been my favourite emotion – I am the girl who Googles movie spoilers so I can watch without the element of surprise. As much as I want to see my family and friends, I feel nervous about dressing like a real person again.
A worry not helped by my friend sending me a picture of an anorak-clad Hayley and Roy Cropper indicating that my fashion sense postlockdown would be akin to theirs.
For anyone who didn’t watch Coronation Street in the Noughties, Roy and Hayley were known for their sensible, weather-ready approach to fashion and raincoats were a mainstay.
With my own daily uniform consisting of a hoodie, track pants, quilted coat, beanie and crew socks, I can see where the suggestion that practical dressing has become my M.O. comes from.
Now is as good a time as any to start slowly stretching my sartorial legs once again, but I will be going very much at my own pace.
I shan’t be reaching for the step ladder to slide back into my platforms just yet, or wearing a dress anytime soon, but I did trial a subtle block heel with my track pants and an oversized white shirt, with a degree of success.
I wore earrings this week for the first time in months. My earlobes were tender at first, unaccustomed to the extra weight, but once I broke through the pain barrier it was a pleasure to see my ears adorned with something sparkly.
While there is still frost in the mornings, I can’t promise I won’t wear a beanie, but I vow to break up the monotony by wearing a cap some days.
By Easter, sunglasses will be back in my bag, as an accessory, not a parkwalk-out-of-mypostcode disguise, and I may even think about painting my toenails.
Baby steps to a new/ old dawn.