PEAKLIFE

Among the first changes we experienced at the very onset of the pandemic was the transformation of our daily wardrobe. With office wear becoming redundant and comfort taking precedence over style, our sartorial choices changed dramatically. Now, as we slowly acclimatise to the new normal, it is worth investigating how this unprecedented period of isolation has impacted our preferences and the imaginations of the world’s leading design houses. PEAKLIFE presents a round-up of fashion trends and predictions for the post-COVID era.

Elevated Loungewear Reigns Supreme

While athleisure and comfort fits have been on-trend in recent years, they became an even more pervasive phenomenon during the pandemic, resulting in the adoption of loungewear elements as acceptable attire in public spaces as well. By selecting pieces that are functional yet chic, and pairing them with eye-catching accessories, you can look put-together even in a pair of sweatpants or an oversized cardigan. The trick here is to keep it simple, minimal, and fuss-free.

Polished Glamour Makes a Comeback

On the other hand, there is also the theory that after two years of uninspired dressing, people are looking forward to finally airing out their fancy pants, and making more of an effort when venturing out into the world—at the office or for social events. Fashion runways are witnessing bright or pastel pops of colour in monochrome looks, bold silhouettes, and unapologetic extravagance—a stark contrast to the sanitised neutrality and mundanity of pandemic dressing. Consumers, for their part, maybe keen to make up for lost time and opportunities to dress up, by going for more optimistic colours, patterns, prints, and styles.

Mindful Consumerism Takes Centrestage

Sustainability has informed the discourse around fashion more prominently during the pandemic. People are shifting towards brands that practice ethical manufacturing and sourcing for their products, in order to reduce their carbon footprint. There is also a renewed appreciation for de-cluttering our lives and spending money wisely. Many are shopping their own closet, repurposing old clothes, purchasing pre-loved items, and curating capsule wardrobes comprising classic investment pieces that will last the test of time, instead of ending up in landfills once a fleeting trend passes over.