I would have backed my jeans to be the most versatile, but haven’t glanced at a pair in well over six months GIRL ON A BUDGET

The four shopping lessons I learnt in lockdown – from why it’s best to avoid cheap leggings to the underrated fashion item that we all own

Ihave always owned enough joggers and basic T-shirts to prepare me for, well, a longterm lockdown, but elsewhere my shopping habits were called into question early on in the pandemic. For a shopping editor, you’ll see how this was fairly problematic, but as we hit the home stretch I’ve been reflecting on my fashion learnings.

Lesson one: Don’t expect anything from cheap leggings. This confession might have raised eyebrows in fashion circles pre-lockdown, but I’ve always had a pair of black jersey leggings in rotation.

For a nail salon appointment (the countdown is on) or to collect my drycleaning, my go-to look was leggings, trainers and a sweatshirt. While working from home, however, I was in said leggings 24/7. After much bobbling, a dodgy translucent bottom area and the makings of a tear along the seam, I realised that leggings aren’t to be scrimped on.

I’ve since bought a thick high-quality pair from Baukjen that washes well and also comes in khaki.

Lesson two: Never underestimate a properly warm coat. My “winter” coat was another item that didn’t pass muster. Sure, it had previously got me to the Tube station, straight underground, then out the other side, but for actual lengths of time spent willingly outdoors, my belted chocolate wool coat (the warmest of the lot) was all fashion and no function.

For daily walks, I needed to bring out the big guns, so I layered a cosy and rather chic fleece under it, which works solo in warmer temperatures like those we saw over the weekend. I also picked up a belted wool number ideal for in-between weather, but sized up so the fleece could fit underneath, just in case.

Jewellery is always a great idea. On a more glamorous note, my collection of gold jewellery has brought me joy every day – which is just as well as that’s how I’d previously justified my magpie tendencies. Popping on a pair of gold hoops, or a stack of slim bangles and chain bracelets makes me feel infinitely more polished at my at-home desk.

Lesson four: Shirts are the secret underrated fashion item you own. Pre-lockdown, I’d have backed jeans as the most versatile, as they can be easily dressed up and down, but in this working-fromhome era, I haven’t so much as glanced at a pair in well over six months.

Instead, shirts have been the most useful thing in my wardrobe all year.

Work Zoom? A striped cotton one with a necklace is perfect. Daily walk? A plain one worn over a sports bra and under the aforementioned fleece has been a go-to.

Friday video call drinks with friends? A pastel oversized number with red lipstick and gold earrings works a treat.

For a pavement gift drop-off for my grandad’s birthday recently, my nan complimented my loose-fit pale pink one, noting it was just like one she had worn with high-waisted jeans in the Seventies. A sign to bring those jeans back into the fold sharpish.