How to Live a Stylish Lockdown Life
You’ve watched the season’s style tips showcased in The Elys Edit video and read my Autumn / Winter Trends blog post but now we find ourselves in lockdown (again!) wondering how to wear those trends when working, exercising, relaxing and socialising - albeit virtually - from home.
Surrounded by the warm glow and rich aroma of scented candles, wrapped in the softest on-trend knitwear and cosied up with cushions is how I will be luxuriously lounging and online styling from home during Lockdown 2.0 and here I show how you too can style out this period.
Trousers, Great Plains; Slippers, UGG; Mug, Bombay Duck; Blanket, Fat Face
What To Wear When Working From Home
Jumper Hugo Boss; Green faux fur rug (on chair), Elys; Mug Bombay Duck; Leggings, Helen's own
As I will be spending much more time at my desk in the coming weeks, I have made my home-working set up cosier with a faux sheepskin rug over my desk chair. And on the subject of warmth, block colour jumpers are a work-from-home staple during the colder months to stand out in group video calls and brighten your day. Be sure to keep your mug stylish too; work Zoom meetings are not the time to pull out the novelty drinkware!
Working Out, Virtually
T-shirt and leggings Tommy Hilfiger; Green faux fur rug Elys
Clothes that can take us from Zoom call to supermarket run and virtual workout are our lockdown style saviours and the logo leisurewear trend is the answer to looking sharp while dressing down.
We know that keeping active is crucial for our mind, body and soul, even if the wintry weather isn’t encouraging us to head outside for a run. I love an online home workout at any time but even more so now with fewer daylight hours; and it’s easy to get the body moving and endorphins flowing from your living room exercise regime whether it’s a HIIT session, yoga practise or a quick Joe Wicks fix.
Wrapping Up For Autumnal Walks
Hat, Barbour International; Jumper, Hugo Boss; Coat, Helen's own
Layering up for the great outdoors may be the only time you see people outside of your household in person, be that parents on the school run, a walk in the park or a trip to the supermarket. My message for you is to wear the bright jumper in your wardrobe for a flash of colour, coordinate your woollen accessories for a stylish finish and add a slick of lipstick because for now, this is your runway.
Self-Care Every Day
Jumper, French Connection; Trousers, Great Plains; Slippers, UGG; Mug, Bombay Duck; Cushion, Ted Baker; Green faux fur rug (on sofa), Elys
I have seen a wealth of articles discussing how to do Lockdown differently the second time around, perhaps by doing the things we wish we had done back in the spring like learning a new language or taking up a hobby. For me, this month will be about self-care: reading the magazines I usually just leaf through and not feeling guilty for simply sitting down with a cup of tea and drinking it while it’s hot. I will hibernate in warm, neutral knitwear and soft cords (trend alert!), nestled on the sofa with plenty of cushions and blankets.
Kitchen Disco O’clock
Jumper, Great Plains
As we approach what would in ‘pre-pandemic life’ be party season, there is absolutely no reason not to pull out the sparkle. So, for comfort and warmth with a festive twist, look to glittering lurex blend knitwear. Pair with leather leggings, put on statement earrings and add a touch of highlighter so you are video-party ready in an instant.
Movie Moments
Hoodie, Hugo Boss; Trousers, Great Plains
Now is the time to pop that corn and zone out with the box sets we have been meaning to watch, but I definitely won’t be slobbing out; there is a lot to be said for getting up and dressing up. I am not suggesting you must don your best party look for sitting on the sofa (although, actually, why not?!), but with a lot of time at home it is good to compartmentalise your activities. What you wear will distinguish your day from bed to sofa and desk to dining table.
A hooded sweatshirt is warm and comforting but can still be luxurious and stylish so you look well put together and polished for yourself and any unexpected calls and doorstep deliveries. I love wearing mine with tailored joggers or high shine leggings and add chunky boots or metallic trainers to pop out in.
Helen’s Three Lockdown Must-Haves
Hand cream Molton Brown; Mug, Bombay Duck
- Molton Brown Hand Cream- One on my desk, one in my bag and one on the coffee table to soothe my skin after all the hand-washing and effects of the elements outdoors.
- Bombay Duck ‘Smile’ mug - A regular reminder to smile and appreciate what we have and it also looks stylish on Zoom!
- UGG textured slippers - If I’m going to be wearing them a lot more, I want them to feel fabulous and these have a metallic finish for added glamour.
Grey scarf and hat, Barbour International; Slippers, UGG; Rug, Elys
Stay safe and stylish. Remember you can shop Home, Beauty and Gifts online to treat you and your home. Remember to take a look at Helen’s Instagram @cocomamastyle for daily Lockdown style inspiration and positive vibes.