FALL ESSENTIALS -- Quarantine edition

About 6 months B.C. ( Before Covid) I had fallen in love with my closet. It had taken practically 15 years of independent living, working, and building my wardrobe enough that I was satisfied. I had acquired all of the typical staples and even had enough pieces to make a statement at the off chance a last minute event came up. No longer did I need to shop for an occasion…I had options. And then quarantine…..and then an added 20 lbs….. and then working remotely. Suddenly I realized I didn’t have clothes to go no where. I didn’t have items to make me feel good from the shoulders up and with this extra weight from the shoulders down either. Nothing outside of pajamas to provide me comfort and stave off depression. I was falling out of love with my closet.

The first thing that needed to be addressed was this new twenty pounds. While keeping the weight was fine and truly the least of my worries, placing it properly and being comfortable in my clothing was an immediate must. Enter our first staple of the high waist jean. The high waist jean has become my post quarantine staple because it holds everything where it should and they can work for every body size. A high waist can give the illusion of an elongated torso, which lengthens the body through your midsection. It provides the lift and tuck without a sweat. Every store has a version available but my absolute favorite are from Fashion Nova…. These jeans can be paired with anything. Because I have long legs I typically like them with a crop top. This gives my created waist line the proper attention and segments my body to not be drowning in material.

In certain regions a crop top and jacket is not always feasible because the weather can be funny. Which brings me to staple two. - The cardigan or long duster with a crop top and a high waist jean is an all out must. This look gives you weekend and remote work in one shot. Add color, flair, or a legging if you must with whatever shoe and boom --- living room to outside dining or a drive in movie without much effort.

Dusters can easily go from day to night with the right accessories

I absolutely love the long cardigan or duster. Especially if you can find one with pockets!!!!! Yeasssss!!!!! They can be paired with pretty much anything, skirts, sweats, dresses. Which brings me to essential three….. The Slip Dress. Slip dresses were all the rage this summer. I personally live for the colors. Jewel tones work for almost every skin color and tone. Slip dresses are also oddly flattering to all body types. They can be easily dressed up or dressed down and offer a certain femininity to every pairing.

The slip dress does not have to leave with summer. It is an easy layer-able item. Post quarantine I find it important to not necessarily have a lot in my closet. But have things that I can wear a lot of different ways. You can easily place a turtleneck or button down under a slip dress pair it with a chuck or over knee boot depending on the occasion. For over the top comfort use a duster or off the shoulder sweater. Either way let the colors and comfort pop.

Everybody’s fall is set up different so a crop top or slip dress might not be enough covering for you. No stress…. Staple number four is the bodysuit or onesie. You can even consider the cargo all in one. All of these can be paired up or down and depending on the quality be transitioned from day to night as well. With this onesie it can be paired with a duster, a jacket, or even a short wrap sweater. If made with the right material can keep you warm during the crisp autumn moments. Pair with your favorite hoodie for apple picking or hiking; then a blazer or duster and a knee boot for dinner. My cotton black was purchased at ASOS and the fitted cargo from Free People.

My last quarantine addition fall essential staple is not about clothing at all. It’s actually about my face. A regular skin care routine in an absolute must these days. See a dermatologist if you wish but take care of your skin today. As I began rebuilding my wardrobe and re-evaluating my closet I also noticed myself in the screen and made strong changes in my skin care routine. Staple four is sunscreen. While this is not my whole skincare routine it’s definitely an important part and not to be skipped. Find a moisturizing sunscreen and save your face. Sunscreen can give you an outside glow on screen. And yes, the sun comes out in fall and winter. The crisp air can be harsh on our skin and leave drying effects. Melanin skin tones might not show sun damage the same as other tones but it is still there. It shows up in our skin as hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, or the appearance of dry patches. Invest in a sunscreen that makes your skin look and feel good… this staple will last all four seasons. My favorite sunscreen right now is Supergoop! Glowoil and glowscreen. Both are phenomenal for the dewy glow affect.

Whatever your post quarantine vibe, let it develop into what makes you comfortable. Present yourself as confident and comfortable, whether it be from the shoulders up or a full on assault. Staples are not trends. A wardrobe staple is something designed to be in your closet for years. You build around these items. Use them to find your own taste and style…but use them. Be more than the typical little black dress or even this new shoulder pad thing thats happening. Dress up and step out, be the you You want…with your mask of course.