Dressing for Social Gatherings After Months of Social Distancing
Has it been a while since you’ve seen family and friends in person? If so, you aren’t alone. As COVID-19 slowly eases its grip on the world, many people are reconnecting with loved ones after months and months apart.
One of the unexpected dilemmas of these social gatherings is a matter of fashion. What do you wear for an emotional reunion with grandma? How do you dress for the office after months of working from home in your pajamas?
The following is your guide to post-pandemic fashion and dressing for social gatherings:
For the Office
Most offices have a dress code, so if you’ve forgotten the rules during your work-from-home adventure, it’s worth a refresher. Business casual means different things to different companies.
Generally speaking, when it comes to workplace attire, you’ll want to err on the side of “too formal” rather than “not formal enough.” Make sure that your skirts and dresses come down to the knee; make sure that your shirts are ironed and your trousers are pleated. If you want to spruce up your look, it’s okay to add things like hosiery and jewelry as long as they’re subtle and tasteful.
For Family Gatherings
Family gatherings are going to be an emotional event after months of quarantine. They’re also going to be a chance to show off new clothes, haircuts, and engagement rings! No one’s going to show up for a long-awaited family reunion in a pair of stained sweatpants.
The key to looking stylish for family events is to be fashionable without being ostentatious. Dress up a little, but don’t wear a ballgown. Opt for a sundress instead, or a nice blouse with slacks instead of jeans.
Rompers are another choice to consider. Stylish plus size rompers can be found online and in most department stores. They’re the ideal outfit for situations where wearing a dress would limit activities or when there’s no need to look especially formal.
For Casual Social Occasions
Maybe you’re headed to brunch with the girls. Maybe you’re gathering with the guys for a pub crawl or a beach bonfire. Whatever your reasons for finally getting out of the house, you’ll want an outfit that’s fun and casual while still being stylish.
Bohemian style is trendy these days, so consider long, loose-fitting fabrics printed with floral designs. Another option is plain-colored tops and bottoms for a more preppy style.
Some people have joked about the end of COVID-19 leading to another Roaring 20s, so if you enjoy vintage fashion, feel free to go retro with old-fashioned styles and thrift store finds.
For a Night Out
If it’s been forever since you’ve hit the clubs, you have an excuse to go “full glam” in the post-pandemic world. Wiggle into your tightest bodycon dresses. Pull out the thigh-high boots or the gladiator sandals that climb up your calves. Curl your hair; get your nails done; indulge in bold and dramatic makeup.
Guys, you can get in on the action as well. Show off your bling. Don your caps and designer sunglasses. Put on those squeaky-clean white sneakers that you haven’t had a chance to wear anywhere yet. It’s time to finally let loose and party!
For Formal Occasions
If you’ve been receiving gilded invitations to dinners, fundraisers, and other high-profile events, it’s time to dust off your good hoops and show the world what they’ve been missing for the past year.
Maxi dresses in shimmering fabrics will catch every eye in the room. Blazers can be dressed up or down depending on the formality of the event; they’ll look equally sharp with plain trousers or three-piece suits with vests.
Fur is always stylish, and today’s faux furs are just as luxurious as the real thing, so look for fur-lined coats and handbags to accentuate your look. As for footwear, you can never go wrong with heels.
These are just a few ideas for post-quarantine fashion. Whether you’re reuniting with relatives or dancing the night away in a trendy club, you’ll want to look your best for friends and family that you haven’t seen in a while. Good luck!