As we’ve discussed countless times, beauty and fashion are not frivolous — they’re the fabric of our lives. Look back, for instance, at the roles they’ve played during the most significant moments in history. It can follow suit, like when face cream sales surged during World War I thanks to nurses working on the front lines who wanted to protect their skin. It also can be used as a celebration like, after World War II, when Christian Dior decided women’s clothing needed femininity and beauty the war did not allow, including small waists and excessive, luxurious fabric. The coronavirus pandemic is no different, and fashion stylist Maggie McGregor of StyleMagDaily knows all about the needs of our changing world and how fashion fits into it. I’ll let her take it from here. — Gia
Photos by Sammi Shea Photography
Loungewear
As the world grieved, we turned to loungewear — the uniform of the pandemic — to do it in. I don’t blame anyone for feeling too distressed or depressed to dress up. Loungewear has helped us weather this storm; we can’t be asked to divest our protective layers before the storm has ceased.
Let’s use the same loungewear we’ve had in rotation to get through the holidays by adding accessories. Start with your favorite loungewear set or separate piece of loungewear and pair it with leggings. For our shoot, I chose a festive Chicka-D sweatshirt and paired it with faux leather leggings by Commando, both from Golden Coast, 535 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Next, let’s accessorize.
Hair bows
I immediately added this divine velvet hair bow to my look when I saw it in the store because the camel hue went so well with the playful pink and red in the top. It’s attached to a scrunchie for super easy use. Right now, the word that comes to mind to describe hair accessories is “accessible.” They are seriously everywhere. All of our local boutiques have cool hair bows and other hair accessories, and so do drugstores. This season, give one a try to elevate the loungewear game.
Face masks
I think we can all agree that face masks are the accessory of the year. Luckily, at this point, they are available in just about any style or color — even hand-beaded red Christmas tartan. I couldn’t resist adding this mask from New Laundry, 127 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Page through New Laundry and other boutiques’ social media accounts to see what they offer from the safety of your home. Also, try searching for “bridal masks” to find an array of fancy, dressy masks.
Structured purses
These are really popular and produced in nearly every shape. This round bag by TMRW Studios from Runway Luxury Boutique, 128 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, really made the outfit pop. It’s complete with a beautiful gold chain and big, Christmas-red tassel. Plus, it fits the essentials.
Statement jewelry
Treat Boutique, 411 N. State St., Clarks Summit, had these whimsical reindeer statement earrings that are so fun for the holiday season. A subtle set of gold jewelry could be what your muted loungewear set needs for a holiday occasion. I love a long necklace over a frilly, feminine sweatshirt. It takes it to the next level for the holidays.
Mules
The final accessories for our shoot were these slide-on mules by Bamboo from Treat. They play right into this year’s trends of animal print and comfort. A lot of mules are fur-lined this season, which makes them feel flirty and fancy. Furry, fuzzy, slide-on sandals are something surprising in bleak winter. Even the sneakers we have seen have seemed easier to slide on and more enticing to stay in.
I hope I have inspired you to accessorize your favorite loungewear for all of your holiday celebrations. We have to stay emboldened with hope during this time that will determine so much of history, and fashion is how we can do just that. Use your comfy sets or separates to celebrate so that this year, with or without family, will be the last one like it. Bolster your mood with fashion despite the dark forecast.
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT