So, I don’t know about you but I can (with confidence) count on one hand the number of times I have worn jeans in the past 10 months. Three. Three times. Leggings have become my life. I say that with pride and with practicality. My 22 year old self would be cringing in horror right now.
In 2016, I moved to Spain with my husband and was a stay at home partner. Gone were the days of getting dressed up for work and doing my hair and make up. It was hard at first to get used to my face without makeup. I was almost ashamed of what I looked like in my natural state. It took months getting used to wearing less makeup and letting my hair air dry. It’s not that I “let myself go.” It was just a new chapter of my life that meant I didn’t need new makeup every 3 months or stopping into Nordstrom for a new item every week or so. I was in a place where I just could “be.” Sure, I still dressed nicely when we went out and did my make up every once in a while (not in the summer though- the Mediterranean heat would just melt it off). My shopping needs changed. In Spain I wore dresses in the summer with a swimsuit underneath since I was always jumping in our pool. In the Spanish winters I wore leggings or jeans with a light sweater and flats. I stopped shopping so often (hello, saving money) and instead shopped every few months and usually at places like Mango and Zara (which are actually affordable in Spain but overpriced here in the US). God, I miss you, Zara.
Fast forward to Vermont life in the thick of a pandemic. Yeah, my wardrobe has changed. I have a healthy supply of Zella leggings and t-shirts from Target and Madewell. And sadly (or luckily from a fiscal POV), that has become my year round “look.” Being home for most of the past year has made my nicer pieces of clothes last longer from lack of use but has also made me truly aware of what I need. I need underwear, a wireless bra, leggings, and a comfy shirt. Throw in a variety of casual and comfy sweaters or longer button ups and there you go. That’s me. Guess what? I am totally ok with it. I love being comfortable. I love the functionality of my wardrobe. I love saving money! I also love that when we do eventually get to go out again and do things, I can still wear my leggings and throw on a pair of cute flats or heels and one of my nice sweaters. Jeans, I have learned, are overrated for my lifestyle. As summer approaches, I know that I will once again be in casual summer dresses with a swimsuit underneath. I will be ready to jump into the pool with my daughter at any time.
If you get dressed up every day- that is freaking awesome. Good for you! Part of me misses that. If you are home and sitting in your underwear during the pandemic, good for you. Embrace that. But then, eventually put some pants on.
I have actually been thinking a lot about robes lately. I want a few robe options. I am ok with being a robe person. I don’t judge myself for that. Robes… and maybe a caftan or two. Because why the heck not?
The Salty Exchange 