Article Written By: Ophelia Mancey
The phrase ‘social isolation’ initially may denote a distinct lack of solidarity. Using our phones to navigate these temporary, and borderline chaotic times allows for connection in diverse ways, as well as creative expression, and open conversations around mental health. What’s been made apparent, that as a global community, we are all intrinsically connected, and social media is unprecedented in staying connected. But - you’ve heard this before, and are probably rolling your eyes.
I wanted to start simple, and explore what outfits mean to people. What I found chatting to my lovely friends, family and Fabrik committee is that what you wear can be vital and important for routine and a means to express identity. What I wished to explore was not necessarily the most “fashionable” outfit, attempting to move beyond the scope of trend pieces, or what’s next “in” from the heyday of fashion weeks across the globe. Truly, an everyday approach to creative expression.
Shoutout to https://www.instagram.com/wfhfits/, as they inspired this article. They are an account accepting submissions via DM of people’s outfits from when they are working from home. From its initial launch it amassed over 10,000 followers and even reached the likes of Simone Porte Jacquemus, who launched his eponymous label ‘Jacquemus’ in 2009. Also, thank you to all the people who sent me outfits, and being so wonderful and open in describing what it meant to them.
Tilda Lambert
Not to be all Sussex but I’ve had the shirt from a charity shop for yoinks. It’s so important for me to have routine, and getting up and deciding what to wear. Even though it feels like it’s pointless, and I think many people might find it pointless, it’s such an outlet for creativity/grounding yourself in who you are.
Robin Plowright
So I feel like a dress is a nice way to feel cute. I definitely wanted to feel a bit more cute today after being inside for about a week and not getting much done; it helps to be more productive as well. You can start the day off with putting a bit more effort into your outfit, which makes you want to continue the day with a bit more energy. I feel like it makes the day special when you can wear something a little bit different and fun, and allows for a bit more sense of control in this crazy time.
Lily Button
I have been picking items I love wearing for their comfort and style. Putting on some of my best socks makes me feel a little put together. Basically, wearing something as comfy as pyjamas but ever so slightly more socially acceptable.
Lindsay Kantorowicz
I would call my look cool and comfy. I’d say showering and getting up early is most important to maintain routine.
Katie Clark
I’m bored enough to be taking selfies. My gran bought a load of dresses from the jumble sale when I was a kid because I used to love dressing up. I then remembered them at Christmas and though “shit these were some nice dresses actually”. So I dug them out of the attic and voila!
Esme Schmidt
I’m staying fit to stay sane, always felt that fitness attire helped motivate me and get me in the mood. It’s super easy to get in a sofa coma in my dressing gown but throwing on some workout clothes and getting moving in any way I can is really helping me get through this.
George Johnson
I chose it because I’ve been wearing too much loungewear. I wear Fred Perry’s as a way to fix up and look sharp. I feel a lot more confident and put together wearing it!
Madeleine Mancey
Not taking yourself too seriously is important in these times. I’m wearing a t- shirt I nicked from my dad and I’m featured with my cat pillow gifted from my family. Having little reminders of them whilst I’m in quarantine away from home is nice.
Katie-May Baker
A women power dress because we love feminism! Otherwise just creative expression, and dressing up helps keep me motivated.
Lily Kovacs
It’s good not to put too much pressure on yourself to be productive just because you have all this free time. Do things you’ve always wanted to spend some time doing, like learn a language, bake something special of read a book that’s been on your list for a while. But it’s also okay to take this time to rest, to stay in your PJs all day, to do some self-care. Do whatever makes you feel good.
Lily Worfolk
Painted the top yesterday to pass the time. I’m still dressing in clothes that express myself, even though the house is empty other than me. It’s been an opportunity to go through my clothes and remember the memories attached to them, and makes me excited for the future when it’s all over. Sending solidarity to everyone, especially those in vulnerable positions, I think we can use this as an opportunity to shed light on the loneliness epidemic we have in society so when this is over we will all be a little bit more empathetic.
Marc Saadi-Clark
Since I’ve been on lockdown most of my housemates and I have just been in trackies for the last few days, it's so good for the soul to get dressed up sometimes and remind myself I am a human. Plus the army vibe is kinda fit.
Rosa Potter
I certainly find a lot of solace in just dressing up nice, even just for myself. I know being stuck in self-isolation with so much uncertainty is affecting my mental health so making the effort to get out of bed, get dressed, put on some makeup helps me cope with the unease of quarantine.
Viola Amorfini
I think for me it’s really important to still get up, and remind me of my worth, and remind myself of who I am. I am my own son. It’s just another way of being like - whatever happens, I’m still here for myself.
Yazz Bhandari
I was thinking beach vibes, reminiscing about last summer and how I was in Florida but now I’m in isolation, reliving the days I was say by my club house, resort-style pool.
Taya Jones
I’d say my outfit here is a mix of my house clothes and outside clothes. It allows me to dance, sleep and eat!
Alison Mancey
I’m working from home for the first time and I’m unsure about how to dress!
Scarlett Stardust
Drag lets me live out my trashy glam/punk fantasies and I didn’t want isolation to stop me from doing that.
Article Written By: Ophelia Mancey
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