Confessions of a Fashionista: How Quarantine Changed How I View Style

My new life motto after quarantine is carpe diem, which is Latin for “seize the day.” The world changed almost instantaneously last spring. No one saw it coming.

It taught us all that life is precious and circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. We aren’t promised tomorrow. I want this new life motto to be reflected in how I view my attitude, my relationships and my wardrobe. Yes, I said my wardrobe. 

When picking out outfits for events pre-quarantine, thoughts that often crossed my mind were “People will think this is too extra,” or “I should save this for a more special day.” These thoughts derived from a place of insecurity and a lack of celebrating life. 

I attend a university in the South where oversized sorority t-shirts, shorts that can’t be seen and athletic shoes are the norm. When the temperature drops, shorts are replaced with leggings and a sweatshirt is thrown on. Putting on a pair of jeans constitutes “dressing up.”

Before quarantine, insecurity kept me from wearing what I wanted to. I didn’t have the confidence to stand out. I didn’t want to look different from everyone else. 

Before quarantine, insecurity kept me from wearing what I wanted to. I didn’t have the confidence to stand out.

A lack of celebration was another factor that influenced my day-to-day style. I didn’t appreciate the mundane and ordinary. I liked to save my favorite outfits for special occasions, even if there was no guarantee that I would get to wear them.

2020 has made one thing clear—every single day is a special occasion. Pumpkin muffins are cooking in the oven. Friends are laughing in my living room. Flowers are blooming outside my window. Life is happening. The small, ordinary things are special too.

Pre-quarantine, I wore what everyone around me wore. My wardrobe lacked originality and creativity. Post-quarantine, I want things to be different. I’ve decided to turn the page in my fashion chronicles. Since we aren’t promised tomorrow, who knows if I will get another opportunity to wear the special outfits I’ve been saving?

I have decided to turn the page in my fashion chronicles.

As I am writing this, I am thinking about the fuschia pink dress with big puffy sleeves hanging in my closet. Will I get a lot of funny looks wearing it to run my errands? Probably. Should it bother me? Definitely not. 

I want to be known as someone who celebrates the ordinary, who doesn’t care about the opinions of others and who has a great sense of style. I want my wardrobe to reflect my love for life. 

When I was a little girl wearing a uniform to school, I dreamed of the days when I could choose what I wore. I dreamed of big fluffy dresses, elaborate accessories, colorful handbags and high-heeled shoes. Now, it’s time for me to carpe diem. 

What influences your personal style? How can you use fashion to reflect the truest version of yourself?

Image via Ceci Frost