Here’s How to Dress in 2021 As COVID Continues to Change our Wardrobes

Sponsored by Klarna

Ah, lockdown. A time when many of us alternate among three outfits: loungewear for home and coffee runs, activewear for our daily walks and virtual Pilates, and normal-clothes-on-top-pyjamas-on-the-bottom for our Zoom calls (and OK, maybe that last one was just me).

Fast forward to over a year later, when many of us are still working from home (looking at you, Delta), and, when it comes to our wardrobes and getting dressed every day, we’re now following three clear trains of thought.

Firstly, we’re keen on comfort. We’ve had a taste of spending full days in baggy jumpers and stretchy pants (and, I’m not embarrassed to say, nights, too, when I didn’t bother changing into PJs), and now we’re hooked. We’re all for loose fits and elastic waists, as well as well-made activewear.

That being said, this brings me to our second train of thought: these days, we’ll jump on any chance to dress up. We want to make an event out of the mundane. Lockdown date night? Why not break out a pair of heels? Friday afternoon Zoom team meet? Why not swap the sweats for your favourite statement top? (If you’re after some outfit inspo, check out the shoppable content section of the Klarna app.)

And finally, our third focus these days, when it comes to fashion, is sustainability. We’ve seen what it’s like to live rotating just three outfits and we’re now much more conscious about how many clothes we actually need. Do we really need three black blazers? Seven cocktail dresses? And four pairs of baggy jeans, each in a slightly different shade of blue? We’re now much more careful about what we’re buying, and because of that, choosing to spend more on the items when we do.

So, with all that in mind, what should we be shopping for now? Which items are ticking these boxes? We’ve teamed up with buy now-pay later, shopping service Klarna to bring you our 2021 fashion edit: 

General Pants, Subtitled, State Fleece Crew Jumper

I live in fleece jumpers during lockdown (and also on the weekends in non-lockdown times). And by that I mean I’ve often found myself wearing one for over 48 hours straight. The fleece on my skin feels like I’m walking around wrapped in a blanket. Pair this powder blue version with its matching shorts.  

Nimble Activewear, Made to Move Leggings II

Activewear leggings are another item you’ll see me living in during lockdowns and on the weekends. These leggings from Nimble tick all the boxes – they’re made with the brand’s signature MoveLite fabric, which uses old recycled plastic bottles; have two pockets to carry your keys, phone and headphones; and fit like a glove. 

Nimble Activewear, Warm Up Mock Neck

Yet another piece on the comfort train of thought: a long sleeve activewear top. Even if you don’t workout often, it’s a good item to have to throw on for a chilly, morning coffee run or a walk. The mock neck on this version adds a bit of sophistication. Pay for it with Klarna in just four instalments of $24.75. 

General Pants, Dr Denim, Nora Jeans Retro Black

A pair of well-made black jeans is an item everyone needs in their wardrobe as they’ll go with nearly every top you own. These are high-waisted, slim fit and tapered, so flattering for almost every body type. For a casual yet chic work outfit, wear these with a tucked-in white tee and fitted black blazer.

Spell, Classic Chambray Shirt

Like with jeans, Chambray fabric shirts go with everything. And made from 100% organic cotton, 100% vegan materials and zero harmful chemicals, this one ticks our sustainability box. To get that cool I-just-threw-this-outfit-on-but-still-look-put-together look, unbutton the last few buttons and tuck in only one side of the shirt.

Tony Bianco, Fara Skin Nappa Heels

I wear heels to work nearly every day in non-lockdown times – they always make me feel more confident and put-together. The scrunching detail on this pair of leather mules make them trendy, but not too out-there that they won’t go with nearly every outfit and that I won’t have them for years.

Decjuba, Carly Blazer 2.0

A good quality, fitted black blazer goes with everything, instantly jazzing up any outfit. This blazer from Aussie retailer and e-tailer Decjuba features a peak lapel and brass buttons that give it a military-style feel. It’ll work a dream with high-waisted jeans and black boots in winter and over a floral-print or linen dress in summer.

Tony Bianco, Lynx Forest Elastic Heels

And lastly are these pair of forest green heels (side note: they make the perfect subtle statement to any outfit). This pair by Tony Bianco are strappy, square toe and stiletto — making for quite the shoe. But despite their va-va-voom factor, they can also work for the everyday, teamed with loose jeans and a blazer.

Win a $500 Voucher to Freshen Up Your Wardrobe. Checkout using Klarna at any of the participating brands for your chance to win a $500 voucher for your next shopping spree. Participating brands include; Spell, Decjuba, Nimble Activewear, Tony Bianco and General Pants. Offer ends 31 July. One winner per brand. T&Cs apply.