Post Pandemic Self Expression
Courtesy of Pinterest
By Jacqueline Preuninger
As the holiday season zooms towards us with all of its glitz, warmth, and cocoa, so does holiday party fashion. As any fashion lover knows, holidays call for a new wardrobe and especially a new holiday outfit—perhaps something that gives cheer, but never an “I look like a present” vibe. As I was strolling through my local Neiman Marcus this weekend (which by the way, already has many Christmas trees) I was astounded by the amount of options laid before me. For the past couple of years due to the pandemic, shopping has been so lackluster and vapid. So many half-full racks with the same design and muted tones. This year, the racks were brimming with my favorite sparkles and trending lines. It occurred to me that we had finally recovered from the pandemic. Of course, COVID-19 quarantining ended a year ago, but life still hasn't bounced back. Now, in the aftermath, I can confidently say that I recognize a veracious vibrancy in this season’s collection. Last year, we asked ourselves the question, “How do we distance ourselves from the pandemic, not only mentally but visually?” and “How do we reintroduce ourselves to society?” Well, the answer is as bright as the fashion itself: self-expression with a quarter cup of maximalist spice.
If we analyze our post-pandemic fashion trends, we see an upsurgence of studded goods, lots of layering, pattern mixing, lots of hair accessories (beyond the claw clip), and my favorite heavy accessories, such as charm necklaces and chunky bracelets. Generally, we have moved away from the “clean girl” simple at-home COVID-chic to a maximalist, craving life. Society’s post-pandemic emotions of wanting vibrancy and fervently expressing personality to its fullest are clearly being displayed in the current fashion trends.
Take charm necklaces. This is a trend I personally quite like. It is the art of taking a large conglomerate of charms that range from enamel, diamond-studded, or just plain gold and are either strategically placed or mashed together on a chain. The look is utterly maximalist and as the wearer chooses the charms, it becomes utterly personal. It is a key way of displaying not only who you are but also bringing back the vibrancy of character and color that was lost during the pandemic. The upsurge in charm-wearing can also be related to the surge in hair accessories. Whether it is by bows, hair combs, bedazzled bobby pins, or flower clear clips, the variety that was once bereft of life is now roaring.
Another post-pandemic trend is the rise of the flat shoe. Whether it be a ballet flat or a Mary Jane, both have become hot commodities as seen on the feet of Matilda Djerf and Kylie Jenner. Whether it be a classic Chanel or the modern studded mesh Khaite flat, both are as Paris Hilton would say “Hot”. The abundance of shoe options in this category has skyrocketed and allows the consumer to pick the flat that correlates with their style and pomp. Again, the trend of personal expression through style and color is displayed through our trends more so than the thousand-and-one Ugg slippers that haunt our not-so-distant COVID past. After so many days indoors, wearing our slippers, fuzzy socks, and matching sweat sets i.e. glorified pajamas, we venture back into the great outdoors and perhaps feel the need for formality–either to make us feel put together for the day or to distance ourselves from the pandemic chic look. It's no doubt that we all still love our sweats and sneakers. But, the upsurge in flats instead of sneakers makes it clear that we are aiming towards formality to distance ourselves from those pandemic days of slippers.
Generally, it is our post-pandemic selves who are enormously excited to finally be out in the wild and exploring color, style, and expression. Whether it be through hair clips, flat shoes, or a variety of charms, the self-expression and maximalist style that was lost to the pandemic has come back into popularity with the healing trait of finesse and grandeur. As we move into 2024, who knows how much more sumptuous and abundant these trends and style choices will become? For now, I will enjoy my Mary Janes and luscious charm adornment until the next trend wizzes by that calls me by my name.
Courtesy of Pinterest
