January Style Intentions: Cozy Capsule for 2021

As we change and grow and evolve, it's a good idea to take note of what impact that could have on our sense of personal or signature style.

And it’s always a good idea to look back on the year before, though, first, before planning your next one.

So if you haven't done this yet, give yourself time to think through your experiences this past year, and take note of any ways in which your style shifted. Then, think about what your style goals might be for 2021.
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Style Goals for 2021

​Think back for a moment on this year that was. How did COVID-19 affect your style? Can you remember outfits or clothing items you really enjoyed wearing?

Did you create a capsule wardrobe, and if so, what was it like to wear it?

And if the pandemic did have an impact on your style, is there anything you would like to undo in 2021?

As you think through your style goals and wishes for next year, write those ideas down. And I would suggest creating a style vision board or moodboard.

You can use the vision board as a visual guide when you're making choices about what to wear or what to purchase. Or not purchase.

My own style goal is to continue wearing my basic daily uniform - duster cardigan + top + leggings + flats. 

But I would like to find a way to create and wear that in the warmer months. I need sleeveless duster vests, or longer kimonos. I will be on the lookout for them. 

I also would like to wear a slightly different daily uniform at home. Duster + long, sleeveless tapered tank dress. I’ll be on the lookout for those, too.

​What are some of your style goals for 2021?
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What Are Your Winter Style Goals?

Here are some questions to consider as you think about winter style…

Where will you be spending most of your time during the next three months or so?

How many different kinds of outfits do you need? For example, if you know you are likely to only leave the house to go to the store or visit family, your outfit needs are more casual than they would be if you were working full time.

What kind of outfits would make winter easier and cozier for you?
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Thinking about my own style needs, I’ll be hunkering down at home, and wanting to feel as warm and cozy as possible.

Just writing those words brought to mind my daily uniform that I wear at home, and the most comfy combo I can imagine for when friends visit, or I go to the store. So I already have what I need for winter.

But a wish list item or two did come to mind. I was picturing a long, knit tapered dress - the kind that comes to your ankles and could easily go with flats. Somewhat similar to the one in the picture, but tapered.

​I’d love wearing it to hang out with friends. 
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Can you picture what you want to wear for each of your lifestyle needs this winter?

Dress in layers, invest in silk and wool long underwear, get over your prejudice against parkas. ​- Bloomberg.com

How to Dress for a COVID Winter

Experts suggest that we might see a surge in diagnosed cases of COVID during the 2021 winter season. Which means that social distancing will be even more important than ever.  

And since it's winter, your natural instinct might be to stay indoors as much as possible. But what about your need to connect with other people?

Studies suggest that if we are going to be in the presence of other people, it is safest to do so outside, with masks on, and at a distance.
 
So, as you think about what to emphasize in your capsule wardrobe, you should probably plan on dressing more warmly, or in more layers, than you normally would.

​Make it easier to stay outside for a while. To plan and prepare for outdoor events.

But once you're back inside, if you are working from home, let's look at what your wardrobe might need.

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Hygge Style: 7 Cozy Work from Home Outfit Ideas

Are you working from home this winter?

Four companies - Google, Twitter, Slack and Square - have given there employees permission to work from home.

Google gave its 200,000 employees the green light until June. The other companies said their employees can keep working from home even after the pandemic is over.

If you also will be working from home, but will have video conferences to attend, you might be wondering how your wardrobe should shift now that we are squarely in winter.

Marie Claire has 7 outfit ideas you might want to try, whether you are doing Zoom calls or not.

​My favorites are a pair of fancy pants silk pajamas they suggest for weekends and a sweater knit dress idea, to be worn with socks, for days when you have Zoom meetings.
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(photo credit: the Marie Claire article)

Wearing a knit dress that exposes your knees or calves to the cold as you make your way to the office isn't ideal. Wearing a knit dress while you work from the comfort of your own home? Ideal. Take advantage of the opportunity to "dress up" in a still very laidback fashion by accessorizing with thick knit socks. ​-Marie Claire 

Go take a look at the other outfit ideas and then tell me what you think.

In my opinion, the short-sleeved sweater and pants they suggest as another Zoomwear possibility is too casual, and wouldn’t you be cold? Nice outfit otherwise, though. 

And I think adding a jacket would fix it. Maybe a navy blue one.
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The ones I would probably wear are that wonderful sweater dress - looks SO comfy! - and an outfit similar to the first one.
 
Would you wear any of these? Do you have any similar ones?

Here’s the link to check them out yourself: 7 Cozy Work from Home Outfit Ideas.

So how are you feeling now about your style plans for 2021? Do you feel ready?

​See you next time!