2020 - what can be said that hasn’t already? It’s the year that redefined ‘unprecedented’; when WFH wasn’t an opportunity to skive on a Friday, but a way of life; that brought people closer together (nothing like the inescapable closeness of being mandated to stay home) and also underscored the gulf of distance between others; it removed the notion of ‘popping to the shops’, purse and keys were now grabbed with mask and sanitiser; toilet paper was stockpiled and essentials were rationed; the best was seen of people, as was the worst; socialising became replaced with social-distancing and as the world went through change, great change was being fought for.
It was a year when getting dressed was optional. Where pyjamas were transitional pieces to be worn day and night and dressing up involved trading plaid pjs for silk pjs. Where comfort was the prevailing motivator behind outfit choices. Where popular fashion consisted almost solely of sweatsuits. It was a year where desk dressing became a considered means of outfit formulation, (likened also to mullet dressing) with the lens of Zoom being the parameters to construct ones outfits within.
It was a year where shoes became almost irrelevant, as slippers dominated and those few shoes that did actually make it outdoors were wholly practical, see the Birkenstock’s of summer and the UGGs of winter. Co-ordinating masks with outfits became a thing, as did clashing them, embracing them as accessory as well as all too necessary PPE.
But this year has also brought a lot of gratitude. I’m grateful for my family; for us getting through this together; for us taking it in turns to have bad days and sharing in the good days. I’m grateful for technology and the connections it has allowed us to maintain. I’m grateful for the kindness of strangers, for the courteous step aside, for smiles that reach the eyes and peer over masks.
I’m grateful for my job and the ability to work remotely. I’m grateful for all of those who are unable to work remotely and have continued to put themselves at risk to save the lives of others, to those that staff essential shops, to those caregivers and teachers and transport workers. I’m grateful to those who worked tirelessly to create vaccinations. I’m grateful for nature and the walks it’s allowed us to take and fresh air it’s allowed us to breathe. I’m grateful for the humorous pauses afforded by memes and gifs and the levity of watching viral TikTok dances. I’m grateful for the escapism of Netflix’s binge-ability.
(Images via: Pinterest & @sarashakeel)