The joy of clothes you can move around in
Photo: Emmanuel Monsalve via Vogue.co.uk. Model Coco Mitchell wearing Christopher John Rogers SS21
Freedom of movement is important to me. I’ve always worn shoes and sneakers I can run for the bus in; dismissed armpit-bothering tops and up-yer-bum trousers. Clothes have to fit right and sit right and feel comfortable. As those working from home for the last 12 months have discovered: simple, faff-free fashion is where it’s at. The other day, one of my casually glamorous friends bemoaned the fact that most of her clothes were designed for movement and she couldn’t wait to get back into her dresses, again. Granted there are items hanging in my wardrobe that haven’t seen the light of day for a while, but what my friend was really talking about was The Great Unlocking. Going places (other than the local park and supermarket), getting out and about, pressing play. And now that my vaccinations have been booked (woo hoo!), there’s an impending sense of freedom lurking on the horizon. Even if this is another staycation summer, warmer weather and wafty dresses are all very welcome. Time to move forwards.
The longer dress or shirt over trousers combination is another great option for moving around in; perfectly demonstrated by this glorious photo from the Christopher John Rogers spring 2021 show. Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross and Lady Gaga are all fans of the American designer’s eye-catching clothes, and he created the elegant purple coat and matching dress worn by Kamala Harris for the inauguration ceremony. CJR’s knitwear features on one of British Vogue’s joyful April covers – so good I’m even thinking of taking out a subscription again – and there’s an interview with the designer HERE.
Are you ready to start moving forward?
Vogue April shot by Steven Meisel
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Discussion (12 Comments)
maudie says:
For this very reason I have recently eschewed jeans/trousers/chinos etc in favour of either calf- length dresses or my beloved long calf length skirts. It is truly liberating not to have all that waist/zip/muffin top malarkey going on. I am a size uk12 with a post-menopausal tum, so not too large for trousers. Lockdown has made me realise that I only wear trousers/jeans because I feel I am somehow ‘expected’ to. When I dress in skirts or ‘frocks’ (I love that twee word) I am more imaginative with eff-off costume jewellery (recently splashed out on Marlene McKibbin acrylic bangle and huge ring) and scarves. Thick tights, boots and a chunky jummie and I am a happy bunny. I feel more like me.
Jill Brewer says:
It’s wet and windy and I’ve decided to have a major wardrobe session today. If it hasn’t been worn in the last year or so it’s going. If it isn’t comfortable it’s going. Time to start looking at the warmer weather clothes (dig them out first) and start trying things on to see what goes with what. Can’t wait for long skirts and the warm, just in case, cosy jumper. We can start to look forward to actually going out feeling and looking how we want to look. Can’t wait.
Beth Lowe says:
you have inspired me to start looking forward to my day dresses. I have lost weight during the course of this year and my day dresses will be oversized and comfy. I will wear one for as I do errands today. Thank you for your inspiring blog.
Sara says:
So far, I cannot quite bring myself to changing my daily at-home comfort clothes until I know I can legally and safely leave the house. Hooray for elastane, my go-to comfort; my daily leggings and longish top have seen me through, in pretty good comfort and not looking too scruffy, for my own well- being and mood. I need to be a bit closer to everyday freedom before getting too excited. I too have long forsaken tight, itchy, sculpted garments, but am happy to stay in (stretchy) jeans and a fitted but not tight top that will move with me for the occasional supermarket foray. Not sure about the environmental aspect of elastane? My sense tells me it’s probably none too good but it surely is a miracle fabric!
Being reasonably tall, voluminous can make me feel a bit like a ship in full sail and, unlike Boadicea, I’m less sure about the look , at least on me. Whatever the clothes, roll on spring and summer, they cannot come soon enough in this tough year.Elizabeth says:
I love jeans, have worn them since the 60’s when Levi’s were the only jeans around. I haven’t gone down the track suit bottoms or leggings route, except for hill walking, this lockdown, just my wardrobe of jeans with some great sweaters or tops. I feel really old (which I am!) and frumpy in skirts and dresses, isn’t that stupid, but I think it’s because now I’m not the slim size 10 I was I can’t wear the body con type clothes I used to and have never found anything I like that suits my style . But – I love love love that pink shirt/dress, it looks so liberating and she looks absolutely fabulous in it,. Just wish designers didn’t emphasise the bust line with busy, or any, pockets, speaking as someone with a bust, clothes like that never sit right on me.
I’m a Jeans Queen, too, Elizabeth – they’re part of my uniform. And I haven’t changed the way I dress during lockdown so it’s been jeans or a jumpsuit all the way.
Suze says:
I noticed a plethora of elastic waists in the Spring Summer collections, and although I should have snapped them up for The Winter At Home when decent joggers were sold out , I’m sick of comfort clothes and want to close that chapter.
I guess Summer dressing is more free and easy anyway , but I’m all for more shapely dressing from March 27th when BST starts.I have had a subscription to vogue since Edward E took over the helm his vision is so refreshing and it has been a pleasure to read during lockdown. Subscriptions are the best gift to give . IMO
AshleyJoan Jackson says:
I love this look, Alyson. As I have aged, suddenly realized why my longish legs look even longer and out of proportion. My torso has shrunk. Makes sense that
we get shorter as spine compresses. Legs do not. Well, now I love loose pants with longer tunics and tops. Much better proportion. Thanks so much for your intelligent postings.
JoanCecileMrs Tonia says:
Looking forward to reading the new April Vogue you feature. Haven’t been able to find it on any news stands yet but it’s out tomorrow Friday 12th I think.
I like the big colourful outfit you feature. Trying to wear less dark more colourful clothing everyday. And jeans with sweatshirts, chartreuse and olive or pullovers, red or sunshine yellow or sky blue. It lifts the complexion to wear these colours I find.
I’ve also been wearing loose but comfortable dresses for zoom gatherings and meetings. Makes me feel better to have made an effort. Putting tights and shoes on again will be hard after living indoors in socks and Birkenstock’s and outdoors in hiking boots or sturdy mud proof longer ones.
Anything to improve morale and nudge us towards spring time is good. Next weekend is the vernal equinox, the week after the clocks change : longer lighter days in prospect. And other sorts of outfits and colour schemes too.
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Oh yes, anything to hide the muffin!
That (muffin) apart, there’s nothing quite like wearing something beautifully voluminous, flowing along, stately as a gall-e-on (Thank you, Joyce Grenfell), and knowing that underneath you’re nice and trim.
Speed the day!