You may have heard this sentence more than ten thousand times already this year (or this week even), but I am going to say it again. Times are so tough right now. There have been few things during this pandemic which have kept me afloat. Honestly, many of the things I loved ever so much before this tough time, just haven’t seemed to spark the joy to which I’m used to feeling from them.
Before March 2020, fashion and styling have been some of those things which would bring me so much joy. Since the start of the pandemic, my relationship with fashion, styling and even shopping had honestly changed so drastically. I went from the need to express myself through ‘all black everything’, simple layering and wearing mini skirts for days, to comfort layering, prints and most importantly, clothing that sparks joy.
Clothing has always sparked some form or joy and expression in me, in a way that words and actions simply can’t. However, I had never been one to actively seek items which would act as a sort of permanent solution to salvaging those feelings. Normally, one item bought would make me feel great today and “meh” tomorrow. However, during this global, collective struggle, I have learnt that perhaps instead, what I buy and how I shop can really help me hold on to those feelings, which not so long ago felt so temporary.
Do you ever look in your wardrobe feeling as though you have nothing to wear and everything looks so similar? I do. Almost all of the time. Thats why discovering the formula to carefully selecting pieces was revolutionary for me especially right now. I went from searching for high quality monochrome, uniformed pieces to searching for pieces which have depth, colour and playfulness behind them. When you take a moment to really appreciate what a unique piece can bring to your wardrobe, you never really underestimate its power again. Next time you go shopping, look closely at the textures that you don’t already have in your wardrobe along with the colour and styes. For example, my ribbed everything and cotton dress collection rapidly needed to be shaken up with some fun coloured velvet blazers and wool wide leg trouser numbers. Think a little outside the box the next time you are looking for a single pieces which will help add joy to your style.
The formula to this is quite simple really. I have chosen some pieces which I have had my eyes on, of which I feel will help manifest this positive feeling. A cute printed pattern, colour and textured top like my Monki velvet blazer + comfortable, simple bottoms + a chic statement boot = joy. The item for me in this well thought about look which equates to “joy” is the blazer itself. Yes, it would be way easier to put on a sleek black blazer and call it a day. But I wanted to feel something more than being constantly reminded that life right now is not as it used to be. My way to do this: Wearing a suede peach Monki blazer which has little heart prints on it.
Style Guidance
Shamar Viberg 
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