How to choose a COVID-19 uniform
Thanks to high profile leaders like President Obama and Steve Jobs, the daily work uniform has been a common topic of conversation in business circles, mostly because having a uniform can reduce decision fatigue -- especially when your brainpower is better spent on more important things (e.g. leading the free world). Interested in this idea? Read more here and here.
While most of us aren’t leading the free world or major tech companies, we can still benefit from a uniform, particularly in times of challenge. Having a uniform not only reduces decision fatigue but can help streamline your morning -- getting dressed is instantly easier when you’re not standing in front of your clothes wondering what and how to wear them (particularly when you’re not going anywhere, with anyone).
The times we are living in, during COVID-19, are unprecedented, a little unpredictable and unsettling, which is why having a daily uniform is such a great way to bring stability into your new routine at home (#stayhome). Below are my top tips for choosing a uniform that will simplify your life and will ensure you feel good about yourself no matter where you are.
Choose quality pieces that fit well and feel good...and if you only have old sweats, consider investing in new, quality basics (many brands are still taking and shipping online orders during the shutdowns plus its a great way to support the economy!). I recently updated my athleisure after two pregnancies and it has made a world of difference. I’m loving soft leggings, cozy sweaters and sweatshirts and comfy joggers. Bumming around the house in old sweats, pajamas or workout clothes is fun on a weekend morning but can bring your mood down if this becomes your daily routine.
Think about neutrals, calming colors and playful patterns. Neutrals mean that pieces are interchangeable so you don’t have to wear the exact same thing every day -- for example, Obama chose between a grey suit and a navy suit each day. Not a big decision and both will make him look and feel great. In this environment, calming colors (pastels, blues, greens, pinks, yellows, etc) are also a great option to bring some brightness into each day. I also personally love some patterns as a way to have a more playful look that is not just black/grey/stripes etc. -- mix it up with patterned leggings one day and a patterned shirt the next, or if you’re feeling adventurous do some pattern mixing!
Separate exercise clothes and pajamas from your daily wear. This is a trick I’ve learned being home with my young kids -- I don’t like to wear ‘workout clothes’ all day -- I like to have my athleisure be separate from my actual workout gear. I don’t mind going for a walk or to the beach in my athleisure but if I’m going to break a sweat, it's in ‘proper’ workout clothes. Same with showering post-workout and getting ‘ready’ in my athleisure. Ditto for pajamas - making the effort to get out of pajamas and into your home uniform will make these days seem more real and will contribute to your happiness.
Not sure how to create a COVID-19 #stayhome uniform? I can help you! Book a virtual style consult today. We can build you a uniform from your current wardrobe or decide which pieces to upgrade.