Hello everyone – are you still hanging on in there? I’m delighted to be bringing you some lockdown outfits today because I’m determined we’ll stay chic, even if we’re all at home. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Boden who are working with me today and are the only large brand to have honoured their commitment. Occasional posts like this will enable me to keep Midlifechic going so if you want this blog to survive they’re a retailer that absolutely deserves our support right now. As you know I’d usually be out and about photographing complete outfits for exciting events in the spring calendar but that doesn’t make sense at the moment so instead I’ve put together some lockdown outfits with single pieces from Boden that have enabled me to perk up my at home wardrobe
Dress up Friday
I started photographing them last Friday so I’m beginning with the most elaborate one. You may have seen on Instagram that there’s a movement to reverse ‘dress down Friday’ and change it into ‘dress up Friday’ while we’re all locked down so this is my version. I can’t tell you how good it felt to be wearing something nice. This was the day when Mr MC should have been hosting his President’s spring lunch and it’s exactly what I would have worn so I put it on and we had a glass of wine with our lunchtime salad instead.
This is going to be my skirt of the summer because it’s just so flattering, the stripes lead out from the hips to create volume and drama. It has useful things like a lining and pockets and I’m going to pair it with all kinds of different tops bringing out the colours of the stripes. I’m determined that before the year is out, I’ll wear it with a t-shirt and sandals and swish down a Mediterranean street somewhere.
Sizing – midaxi length (I’m wearing the regular) true to size but quite neat on the waist so if you want an easy fit size up.
Skirt; jumper (gifted SS20); M&S shoes SS19
Village shopping Saturday
Our butcher is taking telephone orders from his regular customers and he gives us a timeslot for collection so here I was popping out to get our supplies. It was the last morning of warmer weather – weren’t we lucky to have that taste of days to come last week? They’ll be back again before too long.
These dusty pink cropped chinos are going to work from now until the end of summer. I can pair them with a navy jumper and navy knee high boots now that it’s colder and then with a t-shirt and trainers when it’s warm or a blouse and heels if I want to dress them up. They feel as relaxed to wear as jeans and the pink changes things up a bit. I particularly like the seam that runs down the front of the leg, it works in the same way as a crease would, breaking up the expanse of fabric to visually slim the legs.
Lockdown outfits – sizing – true to size for a relaxed fit
Wide leg cropped chinos; Pure Collection cashmere jumper (AW16); Boden flats (AW15)
Home all day Sunday
Mr MC and the boys were out working on the landing stage all weekend so I had the house to myself and a chance to read through lots of different newspapers. It’s interesting to see the varying approaches that different titles have. A few people have said that reading the news makes them feel anxious and I just want to remind you that this is a key way for commercial news outlets to make money, especially online. Each time you refresh your feed they’re able to register new impressions for the ads that they serve which means they earn more every time you do it. It’s a huge incentive to keep readers in a constant state of alarm so that they’ll continually check back – choose your news source wisely.
Sunday is the only day that I slide into leisurewear, to me it symbolises the difference between week and weekend. These navy cotton modal joggers from Boden with their pop of colour at the cuffs have more panache than an ordinary pair. They’re not too thick, just the perfect weight for lounging around in and they’re a relaxed slim cut so they’re flattering on the body. Also available in grey or black.
Lockdown outfits – sizing – true to size
Cuffed cotton modal joggers; Pink Sweatshirt with orange stitching
Back to the office Monday
I want to keep up with my normal routine so I spent Monday in the office as usual. In fact I spent most of the day responding to your comments, it was lovely to hear how you’re all coping with this and I’ll do another Coronavirus diary on Friday.
These cargo pants are a complete change for me because they’re khaki but they’ll work well with all of the reds and pinks in my wardrobe. As with the pink crops above it felt good to have a change from jeans and even though nobody can see me, it’s nice to feel that I’m working the utility trend. Also available in navy.
Lockdown outfits – sizing – slightly generous on waist and tummy as you can probably see so if in doubt size down.
You’ve seen the heeled loafers before and I’m finding they work with everything – you may not be wearing shoes at the moment but I still have to commute to the bottom of the garden! True to size and now 50% off – also available in red or navy.
Khaki cargo pants; Hush cotton jumper (SS14); Heeled Loafers
Home schooling Tuesday
This is today when the boy had finished one of his online lessons and was getting on with the follow up work. I’m itching to help him with his French and Spanish but he insists he doesn’t need it. However after Easter he starts one of the texts that I chose for my degree finals so I’m hoping he might be so bored by then that he’s ready to discuss it. We’ll see.
I absolutely love this pink cotton jumper and I’m not surprised it has so many 5 star reviews. It’s a great cut, it’s easy to wear and the buttons on the sleeve are a nice finishing touch. And as for the colour, it’s the perfect bubblegum shade for anyone with a warm skintone but it’s also available in navy, ivory, teal, emerald, black and snow leopard print.
Lockdown outfits – sizing – true to size.
Cotton jumper; Jeans (currently 30% off gifted SS18); Earrings; Necklace (gifted)
Going above and beyond
It’s interesting to see how some brands are thinking creatively during this strange time and working out what they can do to help. I notice that Boden is working with the charity Helpforce by donating nightwear for NHS workers and clothes for recovered patients to wear when they go home from hospital. In my view the brands that reach out to support others during this period are the ones who will come out of it stronger because we’ll all remember that they played their part rather than simply ring-fencing their resources.
I’m grateful to Boden for standing by the bloggers who support them during the good times. If you’re looking to add to your at home wardrobe, I hope you’ll turn to them as thanks for helping me to keep this community going. There’s currently 10% off everything with free delivery and returns using code 6T2C – the lower than usual discount will help them to support doctors, nurses and volunteers working with Helpforce.
Take care everyone, keep smiling, thank you for reading and I’ll be back on Friday.
Disclosure: ‘Lockdown outfits – keeping spirits high’ was commissioned by Boden but as always I had full control of the content. Please support the brands whose occasional collaborations will help me to keep Midlifechic going during this downturn.
Recent posts you may have missed
Coronavirus diaries – lockdown week 1
Supporting small brands through difficult times
Great British Boltholes – Yorkshire
Spring/Summer 2020 trend update
What to look for when you’re buying jeans
Chatting through the points you raised in the reader survey
What to wear with jeans now – SS20
How to know what clothes suit you
What I’ve been doing and wearing in February
January cornucopia – beauty, travel, style and puppies
Retail Offers
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