THE NEXT 48 HOURS THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
Wear the dress. You know, the one you brush past longingly every time you’re looking for something ho-hum to wear for another day at home. The one you’ve been saving since the pre-tier-system days, back when it looked like we all might get to throw a glam Rule of Six dinner party (or three). Now, ahead of Lockdown 2, is the time to wear this dress – just wear it. For a last-hurrah dinner at the pub tomorrow, I’ll be flying the flag for overdressers everywhere in a ruffled green needlecord dress from Seraphina London and Bordeaux-red high-heel knee-high boots. This is your final call for compliments – rack ’em up.
Let’s say you’re one of those people who were so effective at firstlockdown wardrobe clear-outs that you no longer own such a dress. Please buy one. Many independent fashion brand and boutique owners who soldiered through and emerged from it stronger are petrified that this one could be their undoing. Give yourself (and them) a little preChristmas cheer by dropping in, making a purchase and offering an encouraging word. If dresses aren’t your thing, then make it a set of festive jumpers for the family. Or gifts for family and friends with November birthdays. Or something that feels right for no discernible reason at all, like the friend who’s finally buying herself the gold chain necklace she’s had her eye on for months.
Oh, and now is the time to follow through on shopping returns. Any parcels piled up in your hall will stay there forever and ever amen unless you take care of them this week.
During Lockdown 1, the lure of all-day leggings proved too strong for most of us. And why not? When so little in the world seemed comforting or easy, there was nothing wrong with finding solace in loungewear. But let’s not go there again. This time, leave the leggings in the drawer and be more Moira Rose, the irrepressible matriarch of Schitt’s Creek (now is a great time to watch all six, Emmy-winning seasons on Netflix). When her family lost it all and had to retreat to a nothing town, Moira didn’t go with her tail between her legs. She hauled trunks of directional European luxury fashion and wigs (fabulous ones).
Wear a floor-sweeping skirt without worrying about dragging the hem through a puddle. Have an over-the-top dinner party for your immediate household, but let the children style the adults. Inspect your hat collection and wear each one for a day. Do whatever it takes to deploy fashion for enjoyment.
If you’d like some more constructive homework, minister a cashmere comb or debobbler to your knitwear, then fold away interleaved with lavender. Consider retaining a stylist for a Zoom wardrobe sort – Anna Berkeley and Prue White are pros. And fill any gaps in your decluttered wardrobe by shopping online from local boutiques, like Studio B, Black White Denim or Anna. Do it properly this time; hopefully we won’t have a third chance.
Bethan Holt & Emily Cronin