Between navigating working from home, trying to keep track of school openings, cooking for myself on a grander scale than ever before, and slipping into comfortable sneakers daily, I recently realized I’ve stopped putting much thought into what I wear day-to-day. As a fashion editor who’s been obsessed with clothing since I was about seven, this has been a jarring change of pace. But I have to admit, developing a pandemic uniform has actually been kind of great—instead of spending precious morning hours mixing and matching my entire wardrobe to create a new or interesting ‘fit, I can hop right up, get dressed in two minutes or less and move onto the things that matter. And even though I’ve been essentially rotating between one pair of joggers and one pair of jeans for months now, I still feel put together and stylish most days. As do the other women I talked to about their go-to winter quarantine outfits. Here, seven real women (plus yours truly) share the easy, comfortable and surprisingly chic looks they’ve been wearing on repeat while we’ve all been stuck at home during the pandemic.
8 Women Show Us Their “Pandemic Uniform” (AKA the Outfits They Wear on Repeat)
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Liz Teich
Stylist (@thenewyorkstylist) and new mom of two, based in New York
“I’ve been going back and forth between high-waisted jeans and a cozy sweater with my AllBirds that are my ‘inside only shoes,’ as well as an oversized button-down and leggings. I’ve never been a leggings-as-pants kind of person but this past year it’s grown on me quite a bit, especially if they’re faux leather or faux suede and since I’m nursing, anything that buttons or is low cut just makes my life easier. Between being home more of the time, running to preschool drop off, ‘momming’ with my kids and WFH, I’ve really gone more casual than I’ve ever been in my life, so anything like jeans gives me a sense of normalcy. However, I will throw on a red lip for my Zoom meetings or events, to step it up a notch.”
Shop similar styles: Mother Oxford shirt ($138); Peds leggings ($27); Gucci loafers ($830); BB Dakota sweater ($99); Reformation jeans ($98); AllBirds sneakers ($95)
Shanna Battle
Founder of budget-friendly fashion blog Me and Minnie, based in Virginia
“I make it a habit to get dressed on my WFH days, to keep myself in my daily routine. My go-to look is a button-down top for Zoom meetings, knit pants that feel like PJ's but are a bit more elevated, and my favorite socks from Brother Vellies to keep my feet warm. If I have to run out of the house, I can throw on a coat and some boots and still look pulled together. When I have to go into the office, I'm typically in a dress and this one from H&M has been on repeat. It's something that I can just throw on and go because it's super comfortable, and the perfect base for a variety of outerwear and shoe choices.”
Shop similar styles: Everlane button-down shirt ($64); Treasure & Bond knit pants ($49); Brother Vellies socks ($35); Faithfull the Brand dress ($209); Tony Bianco boots ($181)
Sarah Chiwaya
Body-positive plus fashion blogger and founder of New York City Plus, based in New York
"As someone who loves putting outfits together, the default to loungewear has been an interesting transition, to say the least. So, on the rare occasion I leave the apartment for something other than a dog walk, I want to feel stylish and pulled together while still being comfortable. Without even realizing it, I've developed an easy winter outfit formula that does it all: Black skinny jeans or leggings, a cropped sweater, ankle boots and a long line coat or blazer (with a mask, of course!). Everything is soft and non-restrictive but still conveys my personal sense of style from six-plus feet away. Taking a walk to get a to-go latte is an occasion nowadays, so I may as well dress for it!”
Shop similar styles: L.L.Bean coat ($209; $104); Ava & Viv sweater ($25; $22); DL1961 jeans ($178); Schutz boots ($138); Baacal jacket ($280); Eloquii sweater ($65; $30); Lane Bryant jeans ($70); AllSaints boots ($348); Eloquii jacket ($150); Naked Wardrobe x Lori Harvey top ($38); Pari Passu leggings ($78); Dolce Vita boots ($240; $200); Telfar bag ($202)
Jessica Jannenga
Advocate for Ehlers Danos Hypermobility Danlos Syndrome awareness and founder of mature fashion blog Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, based in North Carolina
“I’ve been reaching for joggers and sweatshirts with a fashionable tennis shoe a lot lately. Comfort and style can go hand in hand, and joggers have come a long way! Gone are the days of baggy sweats and now we have more streamlined alternatives.”
Shop similar styles: Athleta jacket ($119); Michael Stars joggers ($148); ON sneakers ($140); Show Me Your Mumu coat ($188); ALO leggings ($98); Dr. Scholl’s sneakers ($70; $40); Aerie sweatshirt ($50; $35) and sweatpants ($45); Steve Madden sneakers ($82)
Karlee Andrews
New mom and founder of fashion blog Madam Andrews, based in Utah
“Because I'm nine weeks postpartum, comfy outfits are a must. This stage is always sort of an awkward transition and like with my first baby, my body doesn't quite seem like my own. Wearing clothes that I feel confident in helps me feel so much better about myself. And right now, that means outfits with leggings that I can dress up and/or matching sweat sets! These outfits are comfy enough to be at home in, but stylish enough to go out into public—the perfect combo! “
Shop similar styles: BB Dakota shacket ($99); Sanctuary sweatpants ($89); Jeffrey Campbell boots ($215; $162); Rag & Bone hat ($95); Rebecca Minkoff scarf ($80); Sam Edelman coat ($240; $149); Summersalt sweatshirt ($125) and sweatpants ($95); Corso Como shoes ($110); ASOS shacket ($71); Spanx leggings ($68); Cariuma sneakers ($98)
Caroline Juen
Founder of lifestyle blog Love & Loathing: Los Angeles, based in California
“These sweats from Urban Outfitters were the first quarantine purchase I made, and they have carried me through, well, the entire year. Color will always make me happy, and while these may be just regular ol’ sweatpants at least they’re stylish and comfortable. I own three pairs now and they’ve definitely gotten the most wear out of anything in my closet. If I’m heading out, I’ll try to show off my fashion side and dress “tonally” (with a pink top, or mauve sweatshirt), and I’ll even get an outfit compliment here and there! I wasn’t totally a matching set girl until I found the full body version of those god awful yet incredibly cozy granny socks we all have a pair of. I love the top/bottoms but the floor length cardigan gets the most wear.”
Shop similar styles: Free People tank top ($20); Urban Outfitters sweatpants ($55); Spirit Jersey sweatshirt ($78) and shorts ($88); Converse sneakers ($85); Resa cardigan, bralette and sweatpants set ($140)
Katie Sturino
Founder of Megababe Beauty, based in New York
“Pro tip! An easy way to feel pulled together is to pair a monochromatic legging/sweatshirt with a great long coat. Otherwise, I’ve been living in my Lands’ End fleece. It’s very cozy and I love the patterns. At home I love bringing out my ‘pajama style’ clothes because they’re comfy but all look pulled together (and a little glamorous).”
Shop similar styles: Standards & Practices jacket ($160); Old Navy sweater ($33); Zella leggings ($59); Adidas sneakers ($180); Lands’ End fleece ($60; $33); Printfresh pajama set ($138); Amazon face mask ($20 for set of two)
Abby Hepworth
Fashion editor, based in New York
“I’ve found my go-to outfit during a pandemic is almost identical to my go-to lazy winter outfit during normal times: jeans and a sweater. I find I work better if I put on ‘real’ clothes, like jeans with buttons and a zipper, rather than sweatpants. But since skinnies feel too tight around my legs and I loathe high-waisted anything, so it’s been a steady rotation of low- and mid-rise boyfriend and straight-leg denim since at least October.”
Shop similar styles: J.Crew sweater ($98; $85); Old Navy jeans ($35; $20); OluKai sandals ($75); Tory Burch sweater ($358); Free People sweater ($148; $70)
