We collectively felt the pangs of anxiety creep back with the return to covid alert levels recently. The uncertainty and anticipation felt uncomfortably familiar. This has been a year that keeps throwing punches and it seems we haven’t made it off the ropes just yet. But how can we make ourselves feel better by the clothing we choose? Personally, I find counterbalancing helpful for me and mine: clean crisp sheets, flowers collected from the garden, and dressing in calming, soft fabrics and mood-boosting colours. Anything plush and vibrant, soft and snug ticks the box for me. Wrap yourself in knits and slippers, and if you’re wearing sweatpants, try buying a pair you wouldn’t mind the courier seeing you in.
Frisson Knits Isabella sweater in seafoam, $600
Frisson Knits hand-knits one-off pieces from New Zealand kid mohair, a fibre locally sourced and woven from small flocks of farmed Angora goats. Kid mohair by definition is yarn from the first two shearings of a young goat and each Frisson knit is soft, unique and durable. From a rainbow of colour options, choose the one that makes you feel your most optimistic self. Shop
Paris Georgia Workman’s jumpsuit in Post-It yellow, $732
A well-cut jumpsuit makes me smile and this one from Paris Georgia is in Post-it yellow – so great. I love the idea of one-and-done outfits; they are items I seem to continually be drawn to and collect. Shop
La Tribe Crossover Sheepy Slippers in Ivory, $115
I pre-ordered a pair of these slippers months ago not knowing what was in store in August, and as we entered into our second round of lockdown, the package arrived. They are like a warm hug for your feet and quite possibly my most treasured clothing item at the moment. Check out La Tribe’s cashmere socks, too, for double foot luxury. Shop
Helen Cherry trench coat, $989
I’m craving new trans-seasonal outerwear at the moment – something I’d throw over my WFH sweats and activewear for supermarket and wine-shop excursions. While 2020’s style is significantly more casual than previous years’, we want to maintain some level of put-together-ness and you can’t go wrong with a good trench to give a clean, classic look. Shop
Shen Maxi Kimono in gold, $350
This is a shape reworked often by Mary-Ellen Prendergast of Shen for good reason. It looks incredible on women of various shapes, ages and sizes. Made from silk crepe-de-chine, the dress drapes over curves and is forgiving on lumps and bumps. It can also be worn back-to-front for a more modest, clean line at the front and dramatic V at the back. Shop
Just Another Fisherman merino hoodie, $199 from Superette
Local brand J.A.F. produces masculine, simple and on-trend streetwear, choosing subtle colour palettes and fabrications over anything loud or obnoxious. Likely already on the radar for anyone partial to the rod or speargun, these guys have a following, and key items sell out swiftly. This merino is in a weight that will work for all seasons. I’d buy this in a size larger than usual and wear with the hood up while out walking my pooch. Shop
Birkenstock Bostons in oiled leather, $260
Birkenstocks have been around since the 1960s and while there is nothing new about the Boston, the clog-shaped shoe (or winter Birk, as I like to think of them) is having a moment. I’m calling it 2020’s ankle-boot alternative, because currently, who needs their ankles covered, anyway? It’s not like we are out of our homes all that often. No matter what your pronoun, the Boston will work. Socks, no socks, sheepskin inner sole –the options are endless. Like any Birkenstock, the more you wear them, the higher the comfort level. I wear mine with a flare and love how the bulbous toe protrudes from the pant cuff. Shop
Earls Collection crest sweatpants – in hospital blue, $130
Retired Kiwi and NRL player Lewis Brown turned his love of fashion into a career when he launched Earls Collection in 2018. The brand concentrates on premium streetwear and Brown seems to have a knack for a matching tracksuit. If head to toe is too much to start with, try the crest sweatpants in hospital blue. Shop
Mina face mask, $30
A handful of local designers quickly pivoted into mask production when Auckland went into Level 3 round 2 and there are many great options available. I’ve looked at them all and while there is a plethora to choose from, my pick is this option from Mina. Pictured here in gingham, but also available in a number of different choices. Shop
Allbirds Tree Dashers, $245
Like Taika, the All Blacks or Lorde, Allbirds shoes are one of those go-to topics foreigners bring up when you mention your origin while travelling abroad. The company recently released the highly anticipated Tree Dasher, its first foray into the dedicated running-shoe space. Designed with 5-10km distances in mind, this extremely comfortable, machine-washable shoe comes in a number of colour combinations. Perfect for the evening jog. Shop
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