Lesson from my WFH Fashion

 Fashion is a powerful tool to make sweet emotions that we want ourselves to feel. 

The concept of dressing up has changed in the context of covid19. The fashion industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Under the lockdown restrictions, some brick-and-mortar stores are forced to close temporarily. Clothes are no longer a popular item among consumers because they have less chance to wear in public. The economic recession promotes minimalism in fashion, which causes new trends to focus on more functionality of clothing than the sense of style. The pandemic messes up my fashion style, which results in having the laziest style I have ever had.

I've worked from home (WFH) for the entire time except for the first week since I started my job in April 2020. As a new joiner who doesn't really have work experience before, I've found it very difficult to learn my duty and work ethics in WFH and always wished to work at the office with colleagues.  Having said that, the single positive thing of WFH is to be able to have a lazy morning. I can drag myself out of bed just 30 minutes before my shift starts. I just change my pajamas to a baggy jumper and loose trousers that could also be pajamas. I don't care if colours match nor if they fit my body shape. I don't wear any makeup, and my hair is like a bird's nest. I look far from a professional employee.  Only when I have an online meeting, I devote minimal effort to my appearance (I am not sure if using the word 'effort' is appropriate tho). The lame, lazy fashion becomes my everyday look. 

For your information, I'm still a fashion lover. I love the sweet, exciting feeling when I find my favourite clothes and when someone gives me a compliment about my taste. I don't think I'm very much like a material girl, but I really enjoy (window) shopping for clothing items. I'm interested in the historical aspect of fashion. I also like knowing the trends from magazines or celebrities on social media. Fashion is my hobby and it makes my life better.

 

Nevertheless, the stay-home environment completely changes my relation to fashion, causing desperate attitudes and feelings. While I pick up random clothes to wear each day, I convince myself that I'm not happy about them as well as myself on them, but whatever... because no one sees me. 

Remembering the time before the pandemic, I used to dress up by considering who I would see on the day. If I have a plan with my boyfriend, I choose my favourite clothes to make myself the most attractive for him. When I hang out with my friend, I would choose my outfits to be seen as cool and mature. I try to look polite and intellectual when I see older people in order not to draw much attention.  

But I think, what you wear matters not simply because you want to impress others or blend into society, but also because it translates and enhances your mood in both positive and negative ways. 

My lazy look blurs the boundaries between work and private life. It creates a further disconnectedness from society and makes me feel more lonely. I admit that maintaining comfort with your clothes could be very important to boost your productivity.  In my case, however, wearing these outfits take away my social identity and empowerment that comes with fashion. It reflects my negative state of mind that everything seems meaningless and worthless, which deteriorates into bad hygiene and a lack of confidence.

In this blog, therefore, I want to take a moment to remember how busy or lazy I will feel in the mornings, I will wear as nice as I wish for the day to be. I think clothing has a symbolic meaning for myself. Fashion (dressing up with what you really love) is a powerful tool to make sweet emotions that we want ourselves to feel. I swear that I continue to enjoy expressing myself through the language of fashion, and I believe this gives me a sense of empowerment and confidence. 

Thank you for reading :)