Although social distancing will be with Europeans for quite some time, some countries (such as Italy and Spain) are partially opening hotels and shops, albeit with minimum distance rules. For many Northern Irish families, life during lockdown has changed vastly, with travel plans and social events taking a backseat for several months. If fashion is one of your passions and you’re looking forward to once again showing off your flare and glamour at fashion capitals across the world, there’s no reason why you can’t start doing so from home. These are just a few ideas you and other fashion lovers in your family might enjoy.
Dressing Up For The Occasion
Many large-scale international musical fests have been cancelled this year – including Coachella, Summerfest and the Ultra Music Festival. However, there are a host of live-streamed musical events taking place during lockdown, with everyone from Bob Sinclair to Billie Eilish seeking to ease the stress of social distancing through music. If you have already purchased trendy music fest gear like pocket belts, net tops and cool hats, put them on the next time your favourite artist hosts a live show. The next big musical event will be held on June 6, featuring Lady Gaga, BTS, Alicia Keys and Kelly Rowland. Stream it live on YouTube. Once lockdown is over, you can continue the magic by incorporating these items in everyday wear. Dust masks worn over surgical masks, for example, can add a touch of fashion to necessary protection.
Fashion With A Heart
Hundreds of Northern Ireland volunteers have shown their gratitude to key workers by sewing scrubs and face masks. Award-winning Belfast fashion designer, Chloe Dougan, was ecstatic at the response to an NI Scrubs Group page created on Facebook to help protect health workers, people in care homes, and shop workers against the virus. The campaigns raised thousands of pounds towards the cost of fabric, and Chloe and her team received numerous requests for these items from nurses, community workers, and individuals caring for vulnerable family members. Join this cause or start your own if you have the equipment and know-how to make these items. There are a host of free patterns for masks online, and they can be made in a matter of minutes.
Designing Upcycled Pieces
Long weekends and free moments after your remote working day are also a great time to get a little creative. The fashion industry is notorious for its waste issues and is often called out for being one of the world’s most polluting industries. The problems it causes include water, air and solid waste pollution. Many designers from abroad are doing their share to lower their carbon footprint by designing and creating upcycled fashion. The list includes Adidas, Elvis & Kresse, and Vivenne Westwood. Pull out old bead collections, unused jewellery items and old clothing, thinking of how to put a few of these items together or add small details to tops, jackets, trousers, skirts or dresses you love but feel need a bit of pizazz.
Relive Fashion Week
If you are the type of fashionista who loves attending the world’s Big Four fashion shows or who regularly hosts fashion parties with friends, why not host a virtual fashion party, dressing up in your chicest gear? Whip up elegant hors d’oeuvres, prepare extravagant cocktails, and watch and comment on your favourite fashion shows of the year. Use multiple screens to comment on outfits with friends via Zoom or Skype, and make plans for next year’s top events. Feast your eyes on top Northern Irish talent by re-viewing Belfast Fashion Week, which took place on October 19 last year.
Dressing For Today
You may have planned to visit the warm sands of Bali or the pristine shores of the Whitsundays this year, purchasing beautiful swim and lounge wear for your stay. While these plans may need to be postponed, you can still make a style a major priority. Refresh your memory on trends and pantones for the season, use the items you were keeping for a rainy day, and take the Instagram pics you dreamed of sharing with the world. Although comfort is key in trying times, wearing something that makes you feel beautiful can help keep your spirits up and serve as a visual reminder that ‘this too shall pass’.
If you love fashion and miss attending shows, heading to the mall, or showing off your latest purchases at soirees and work events, there are many ways that you can celebrate your hobby at home. From throwing virtual parties to donning your stilettos or mini skirt for a streamed fashion fest, you can feel the magical boost that decking out in glamorous gear can afford. Even in the rare moments in which you are all alone, wear newly purchased clothing that bears a good balance of comfort and style. When the world gets back to normal, make sure you already know which outfit you will be wearing to the party.
