Developing Your Post-COVID Style Strategy

Hello my fashionable friends and Happy New Year!

The holidays and 2020 are behind us, and 2021 is in full swing. At the start of the year, the resolutions and expectations flooded my social media feeds, and I saw a meme that said something like, “I don’t need to know everything that’s going to happen in 2021, but I just need to know if I should invest in more lounge wear or actual clothing.” So true…

Our professional and social calendars have a direct impact on the type of clothing we add to our wardrobes and how we dress, and I wonder what the post-COVID fashion trends will be like. People have gotten used to wearing more comfortable clothing, and may not want to give that up in the name of style. You may also see people wear dressier pieces in an effort to make up for all the months they have been sartorially stifled. If my instincts are correct, we’ll likely see a mix of both.

Lounge wear has become very popular since the pandemic started.

Photo: Софья Зубкова — Photo: **Софья Зубкова**

We may see people getting fancier than usual once up once the world “opens up.”

While many of us are still working from home or have limited contact with people, this is a great time to start thinking about your post-COVID style strategy. Yes — a style strategy. Think about how you want to look and what message you’re looking to send. Here are three things to consider:

1. Think about how your lifestyle has changed since the start of the pandemic.

If you’ve been working from home and have not put much effort into your style, take inventory of your closet to determine if your pre-COVID wardrobe will work for your post-COVID lifestyle. Do you want to update your closet and add new pieces? If yes, now is a great time to take advantage of all the post-holiday sales.

If your daily routine has not changed much, this is still a good time to think about your personal style and start introducing a few enhancements.

2. If you’ve undergone physical changes that you’d like to address, figure out a starting point

If you’ve fallen victim to the “Quarantine 15,” and you’re interested in shedding those pounds, start now. Now is the time to begin making changes that will help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Drink more water, go for a walk, eat more fruit and vegetables, and invest in your health and wellness.

Consider starting with one small adjustment, which may be more manageable and ultimately more sustainable than trying to take on everything at one time. Slowly introduce incremental changes that will move you closer to your goals.

If you’re looking to work out in style, check out these links for workout attire and accessories that will have you looking cute while you get fit:

Shop for a variety of brands in Nordstrom’s collection of active wear and accessories
Athleta is having a sale, with items available for up to 60% off. Check it out here
Check out what’s new at LuluLemon

3. Identify any enhancements or upgrades you’d like to make

If you’ve been working from home, this is a great time to try something new without having to face too many people, in case you’re not comfortable with the results. Try a new hair color or hairstyle, get a makeover, or test out new styles of clothing. If there are any cosmetic enhancements you’d like to make that require an at-home recovery, take advantage of this time.

FOUR STEPS TO HELP DEVELOP YOUR POST-COVID STYLE

Embarking on any new endeavor can be scary. You may not know where to start or how to go about making those changes. Well, I’m here to help! I have developed The D.I.V.A. Essentials™— a four-step process that will help you develop an authentic signature style.

D: Determine what looks good on you

When you’re looking to build or add to your wardrobe, it’s important to understand what looks good on you. Identifying your body type and styles that flatter your figure are the keys to helping you dress well on a consistent basis. Click here to read more about how to determine what looks good on you.

I: Invest in yourself

Generally, when people are looking to improve on an area in their lives, they make some type of investment. It can be an investment of time—such as learning a new language, or developing a new skill. The investment can also be monetary—like spending money to take classes or hiring a coach. The expectation is that you’ll get a return on that investment. Making the investments of time and money can ensure your clothing and accessories are working for you—not against you. Click here to learn ways you can invest time and money to develop your signature style.

V: View your wardrobe as an extension of your brand

We’re living in an age where just about everyone and everything is considered a brand. In recent years, a lot has been said and written about its power and how your personal brand can be used to further your goals. My previous post, available here, will help define your brand and provide recommendations on where to shop.

A: Add a dose of your personality

We are all unique people with different preferences that apply to all areas of our lives. Think about how you can incorporate those preferences into your personal style. By showcasing your individuality, you can create a signature look that differentiates you from others. Inject your personality into your style selections, so when people see a certain color, style, or accessory—they think of you. This blog post will outline seven ways you can add a little personality to your style.

FIND YOUR FABULOUS

The D.I.V.A. Essentials™ are just a starting point. In case you missed it, I wrote a book titled, Find Your Fabulous: The Fearless Fashionista® Approach to Developing and Owning Your Style, that provides style inspiration, money-saving tips, and more to help you design a flexible and functional wardrobe that helps you look and feel great. Digital and paperback version are available for purchase here.

There is a lot going on in the world right now, and much of it is out of our control. However, there are some things we can do to lift our spirits and add joy to our lives — like taking time to appreciate the things that are going well for us, connecting with nature, focusing on a hobby, and taking care of ourselves — including paying attention to how we look. Don’t underestimate the power of style, and the connection between looking good and feeling good.

And you don’t have to wait until the world “opens back up” to start making small changes to your style routine — you can start today! Throw on a little lipstick and some earrings while you’re in the house, wear something a little nicer when you’re running errands, and trade in those ratty pajamas for cute and comfy lounge outfits. Small changes can make you look and feel better.

Thank you for reading, and please visit me again soon.

The Fearless FashionistaJanuary 11, 2021style, fashion, women's style, makeover, the fearless fashionista2 Comments