does fashion still matter?
does fashion still matter in the new “normal”? it’s hard to believe that in a matter of weeks, our conversations and concerns have shifted so dramatically and profoundly. the things we were focused on in February are no longer top of mind—not even by a long shot. as i go through our photo archives, the places junior style and i shot at no more than 6 weeks ago have been totally shut down. the world, and us along with it, have changed almost overnight.
it begs the question then, what is the role of fashion? i continue to believe fashion as a distraction is a unifying force. it can bring us together as a point of intersection and commonality. for those of you that joined me on Facebook Live last night, that much was clear. despite these uncertain times, a group of women were able to gather—separated in some cases by oceans—to enjoy the virtual company of others. it’s a powerful thing to know that we are united during these uncertain times.
does fashion still matter?
we’ve spent a lot of time over the past few weeks shifting our content to accommodate these changing times. we’ve talked about staying healthy and fit while maintaining social distancing. we’ve also talked about hosting a virtual dinner party—something i wouldn’t have thought to do until recently. but today, i want to return to the heart of this blog; i want to post a pure OOTD. a fashion distraction. i hope you enjoy!
similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar pants | similar pants 2 | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar earrings
easy spirit
i’m showcasing one of my classic preppy looks. it’s composed totally of neutrals. and it’s perfect for those cooler spring days which, here in Georgia at least, are still sprinkled in-between more summer-like days. i’ve paired a (similar) blazer with a (similar) sweater and a pair of white ankle jeans from Talbots. white jeans are classic and essential for any wardrobe. they serve as the perfect neutral base that can be matched with just about anything.
for my long time followers, you know that i’ve served as an Easy Spirit ambassador. they’re such comfortable and convenient shoes, that i even featured them in one of my latest YouTube videos: top five sneakers for spring and summer.
today, i’m featuring a pair of bell dress shoes from Easy Spirit. use the code Beth25 for a discount at checkout.
similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar pants | similar pants 2 | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar earrings
fashion as a distraction
in these uncertain times, there’s nothing more important than friends, family, and your health. the focus right now is rightfully on just those things. however, let’s not forget what has become peripheral: music, literature, movies, comedy, and of course, fashion. these things, however frivolous they may seem during times like these, are what bring us together. they foster conversation. they bring smiles to our face. sometimes we just need a distraction.
similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar pants | similar pants 2 | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar earrings
Good morning, Beth. Great post, wonderful food for thought. I’ve been thinking about this topic, too — as a journalist and a woman who loves clothes. Life is all about the basic and the elemental now. I think many of us are using time in isolation to ponder what matters to us, what is truly important, what contribution we’re making to others.
That said, how we feel about ourselves always matters, and grooming/self care is part of that.
Fashion still matters to me, but my husband and I don’t leave the house unless we’re going on a walk with the dog. Now, I opt for clothing that’s comfortable and comforting — but never sloppy. I feel better about myself when I’m not wearing my pajamas all day — but as a journalist who’s worked from home for a while, this has always been the case.
I’ve noticed many retailers are now advertising atrtactive “comfort clothes” to order online. Since we are Skyping or Zooming now, we still want to look neat and presentable to others. I have made several purchases with that in mind. But sadly, my “good clothes” hang unworn in the closet, waiting for better days … Stay well!
Hey Beth,
Thank you for your timely and upbeat posts. In answer to Today’s question, I don’t know if fashion is so important these days, but looking your best is. After a few days of schlepping around the house, I dressed this morning in my dark wash jeans, a navy and cream sweater and my Coral Merrell sneakers. And a navy bandana tied Parisian style around my neck just in case I need it.
Honestly, I will probably only get out to walk the dogs, but I will look Styling as I go! Thanks. Love your blog. —Suzy
Beth,
Good topic considering our current situation. As someone who works outside of the home, these days of getting acclimated to working from home have been challenging. I dislike the current sentiment that this is the “new normal” this isn’t normal, nor do I want it to be. Your continued posting of OOTD and Friday’s with Oscar have helped to keep me looking forward and believing in the comment “this too shall pass.” Please keep to your posting of outfits of the day and your Friday’s with Oscar. I can’t speak for everyone but for some of us, it helps to motivate us and it’s a part of our day that has remained constant as we navigate through these uncharted waters. You were a trailblazer (blazer pun intended) 5 years ago when you started to blog (only one for our age group), stick to it! You are a true classic!!
Edie
Beth,
Thank you so much for continuing your Blog and getting back to OOTD! My Mother’s favorite saying was “This to shall pass” and it will! We just need to follow the guidelines and we will all come out on the other side of this nightmare of a virus! Stay safe and well, look forward to you everyday!!
I appreciate the diversion .. I can not only read news , , I go to the grocers , so I am getting dressed ,, thanks for what you do
Back in the day…the rule was no white before Memorial Day…in Minnesota it’s STILL pretty much that way…maybe the middle of May??? What’s the rest of the country doing🤔🤔
Everything Edie Brown said!
Beth, luv, luv today’s ootd.
I have been wondering how much you have clothing altered? As everything you wear fits to a tee. It would be great to have a post on fit and alterations.
Thanks for continuing to inspire!
Thanks, Beth. I’m in clothes comfortable enough to walk in, do house/yard work but am a Talbots girl when I leave home. I enjoy your posts as I wait for the return of those days.
I was so excited to see you in white jeans today, as I had looked at mine this morning, wondering if it’s too early to break them out up here in NW PA. What are your thoughts?
Cindy
FANTASTIC outfit!!!! Exactly what I would like to wear!
I don’t know that fashion or current trends are high on anyone’s list these days, but dressing well & looking our best no matter where we are should still matter. It is part of our self care. I have been retired for 10 years, & when I first started this season of my life, it was so tempting to dress sloppily. I realized in a short time that by doing this I was doing myself a disservice. I deserve to look good for myself. Your OOTDs can be adapted to an at home look. They also give us hope for the days ahead when we will be going to lunch & running errands again. Thank you reaching out to us.
I COMPLETELY agree with Edie and Becky above….Dressing well, putting something nice together each day, even if just for ourself really helps self esteem and is motivating to do other things during the day! It is so tempting to sit, watch t.v., eat and get nothing accomplished! I find that by dressing in an “outfit”, putting on make-up, fixing my hair all contribute to my mood and energy level. Yes, Beth, please keep posting an OOTD, and Fridays with Oscar, and recipes and cocktails! Speaking for myself, I NEED you!!! Thanks…..
Beth, at this moment, I think of fashion as a very needed distraction. I love your outfit. When, I went gray, everyone told me that I’d have to get rid of everything tan. I think this OTOD looks great with your hair. Any thoughts?
Love your ootd and I’m loving the longer hair. You have a beautiful face and wear short hair beautifully but I love the change. It’s so fun to switch things up once in a while.
Hi Beth
First I want to thank you for all your wonderful post. We’re the same age so I really appreciate your take on health, fashion, recipes, etc. During this difficult time it’s a comfort to be able to look forward to connecting with you everyday. God bless you and all that you love.
Cindy
P.S. do you wear a self tanner on your legs? They always have a nice color.
What I love about your look is its never extreme. I follow one blogger who always looks beautiful but she wears tight pants and strappy high heels a lot. It works for her but I find a more modest approach fits me better. I am so happy to find your blog. The clothes are clothes I would wear and do.
I love advise but a little normal in a fashion blog is what I crsve now. We have enough change going on. Thank you for today’s post.
You’re letting your hair grow out ? Just curious. It looks good; but I’m wondering what prompted / caused you to alter your signature short hair cut ?
She’s like the rest of us – probably not getting her haircut due to the “stay at home” mandate.
Beth, thanks for the distraction and the wonderful OOTD. Appreciate your
upbeat tone as always!
Great Post Beth. Of course fashion matters. It is important to get up and get dressed every day for self esteem if not a thing else. Some things will change forever as a result of this Virus but we will always need to get up and get dressed every day…… I have worked from home for many years and getting dressed every day assist me to work far more effectively……… Love your virtual dinner party but what about a virtual cocktail party. It is always cocktail hour in some part of the world. By the way loved the post with your young Chef. Stay well all
Hi Beth. My state was one of the first to be issued a stay at home order. I schlepped around in my jammies and wore no make up and was quite content. Then I caught a look at myself in a mirror as I walked by and quite frankly, I did not recognize myself. So I touched up the roots of my hair, put on some makeup, and got dressed in comfortable but stylish clothes. My mental state immediately improved. Does this make me shallow. Don’t know, don’t care. There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying to look your best – even if there is no one else around to see.