What Do You Wear In A Pandemic?

By Erica

Home outside the City 24/7. Haven’t covered the mirrors, but don’t look in them much either. Cleanliness is an activity so clothes and bodies are well scrubbed. No PJs during the day. In the interests of their own survival, housemates refrain from commenting on fashion choices. Beyond that, though, I am struggling with how to dress for a pandemic.

I have always dressed to please myself. Work clothes were an integral part of my identity and my armor. When I felt good, I worked well. As my closet migrated to retirement, it became more casual. Shopping did not stop, but glittery sneakers replaced blue suede pumps. Clothes continue to help define who I am now and how I want to be seen. Trying out clothes in the wider world was part of the fun.

Though street testing is no longer part of the equation, being “dressed” still seems to affect my energy and stress levels, attitudes, and any interest I may have in doing something “hard.” But my street clothes are not suitable for my new activities—cleaning, walking, zooms, reading, jigsaws, cooking, online everything—and my old anything goes “by myself” wear isn’t doing the keeping sane trick. I know I need to be frugal and I may never want to see my pandemic wear again, so this is how I am coping (at least for the time being).

For those of us not heavily endowed, bras are not necessary--unless you’re running, on a zoom with folks who aren’t your best friends or going to the grocery store. Some form of elastic undershirt that keeps your boobs from moving around too much is a much better option.

The jeans you love are not all that comfortable.

Finding the right bottoms with an elastic or drawstring waist that make you feel dressed and not slovenly is difficult. Joggers and sweats can’t be too baggy. Tapered legs seem more flattering than elastic that balloons around your ankles. Leggings can be a decent option with the right tops but tops are actually not so easy either. My easily launderable go-to is generally a T-shirt, of which I have many in various stained states. Something better is needed. My current favorites involve tie dye, animal prints and camo. Try Athleta and Lou & Gray for all of the above. If you feel like splurging, this sweater (a gift from my daughter) is from Lingua Franca. They have wonderful phrases and colors to choose from.

Masks are an integral part of our dress codes. Our friend Gabrielle is making beautiful ones that come in sizes, various patterns and colors, and in the process keeping her seamstresses employed. A win win all the way around.

I miss people. I can’t wait to return to my city closet, don my finery and actually have a face to face conversation. I will still be wearing a mask, but that’s fine.

What are you wearing? Where are you shopping? Please let us know, send pictures, and we will share it all.