It's a strange time to be a shopping fanatic. With the coronavirus outbreak upending daily routines as most people are stuck home in quarantine, the world's relationship to fashion is fundamentally changing. Mine included.
Instead of keeping up with the latest trends in dresses or footwear, let's say, I find myself shifting to purchasing more loungewear and lingerie. My beloved coats, high-heeled shoes, and handbags are now at home collecting dust — and since I used to wear heels quite a bit, I'm sure my shoes are left wondering if I'm OK or if I've abandoned them forever.
In just a few months since the COVID-19 pandemic hit U.S. soil, my shopping habits have completely transformed. I still love to wear dresses all the time, but they're no longer of the structured, fussy variety; I'm all about easy knit dresses or top & skirt sets these days, because Zoom. I haven't worn a bra since winter. Honestly, what are bras? I can't remember.
Denim is also a stranger to me. My jeans have been happily replaced with leggings and bike shorts that are so comfy I can live in them. See below: my new quarantine uniform.
And where I used to spend quite a lot on accessories like hair clips and jewelry, most of my money goes to cloth face masks now. I find that purchasing them in fun prints makes it a bit easier to cope with having to wear a protective mask just to go outside your house.
To be fair, a major shift in my shopping habits isn't all bad. In fact, it reminds me that fashion can still be a source of joy and comfort, even in the most uncertain times. And a source of livelihood. From furloughed retail sales associates to garment workers grappling with unfulfilled orders, the fashion industry is suffering in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and small businesses are hurting in particular.
So, to spread a little comfort and joy, and in some small way, help sustain the fashion industry I love so much, I'm sharing a few editor's picks each week. From small businesses to emerging designers to mass retailers, find out what pieces I'm cozying up to right now, and hopefully, you'll find a few that you love in the mix.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.