Workwear and the new normal
Who is winning the WFH wardrobe wars so far? According to my Insta feed, it looks like Birkenstocks are in the lead. No surprise there as they straddle wellness wear and fashion rather nicely.
For Instagram’s minimalist set, the default uniform is Birkenstocks*, socks, (cashmere) joggers and an elevated knit or sweat. M Magazine’s Suzanne Koller (below 1) has been proudly sporting her Raey cashmere PJs and Birkenstocks combo on Insta, while Brittany Bathgate (below 2) is no stranger to a sweats and Birks uniform. (While everything else has stagnated, sweatpant sales are thriving.)
Meanwhile,Jennifer Alfano from The Flair Index (top) partners her Birkenstock Arizonas with a red pedi and grey marl, while the fabulous Linda V Wright (bottom) teams her own Crimson Cashmere knitwear with Superstitch jeans and Valentino Birkenstocks…
While we’re seeing a lot of talk about not bothering with make-up, I suspect we’ll see that changing as social-distancing drags on. As much as we think working from home means no one can see us, let’s not pretend the performative aspect of fashion has magically disappeared for the fashion set. It hasn’t, it’s just a different version of the same thing.
With Tik-Tok and Instagram ramping up visibility for stay-at-home influencers, and Zoom the video-conferencing tool of choice for WFH office-workers, we’ll find we still need to ‘show up’ for work. Fashion has always been a form of non-verbal communication, whether you’re out and about or dressing for yourself. Making an effort is a mark of self respect. For more thoughts, here’s NYT’s Vanessa Friedman on the subject of workwear and the new normal.
What are you wearing to work from home?
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Brittany Bathgate, Suzanne Koller, Linda V Wright via Instagram
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
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24 March, 2020 @ 10:04 am
I haven’t worn leggings for about 8 years but self-isolation is making me seriously contemplate some classic Adidas Three Stripes. With my Birkenstocks, of course. But the ethics of online shopping in the current situation is making me pause. It seems impossible that the logistics system can support a nation of online shoppers, alongside more essential deliveries for those stuck at home. So just thinking for now…
24 March, 2020 @ 11:33 am
This is a good point Stevie. So many contradictions to address. P.S. time to fire up the DC blog? x
24 March, 2020 @ 11:37 am
I think it is!
24 March, 2020 @ 8:51 pm
I decide to wear normal (commute) work wear for my home working with house slippers, while no make up as no vid conference needed. I have no idea until when this continues because I’ve just done my day 1. See what happens…
24 March, 2020 @ 10:22 pm
yes, keep me posted. Hope you’re keeping well and positive :)