If there’s one thing that quarantine life has done, it’s shifted our perception of what’s good and what’s great. Good was how we used to dress for the mechanisms of daily life. Strict, well executed and without humour.

Something happened some time around the start of quarantine that changed the fashion landscape and shifted the social consciousness in a way that could never have been considered possible.

TikTok happened. ?????????‍??‍♀️?????‍♀️??

While Instagram had a particular reach, influencing billions around the world, the great escapism experienced in the rabbit hole of TikTok, started to emphasise a more relaxed way of life. With all the dance routines and step, slide, jump to the right, something else happened. A new trend of sweats and lounge-wear was born.

All of a sudden we started to care less about trends and more about basic intrinsic needs. Security and comfort. We wanted our outer layer to say less about us individually and more about our state of mind. We suddenly strove to feel safe and snug, not over exposed. Groupthink took over.

I asked a group of 20-something’s why they were all buying collegiate sweatshirts and they were unanimous, TikTok! When I pushed further with confusion at this intangible connection, they explained.

“Most of the dance routines we are watching are from college kids in America and they’re all wearing their college teams sweatshirt or hoodie, so that’s influencing what we want to wear.”…Bingo!

With this trend set to continue as further lock-downs persist, it might be time to set aside the age-appropriate shirt and chinos and opt for a more cosy piece of clothing that has the versatility of these trusty sportswear gems.

For great every day sweatshirts try your local vintage shop and support a local business. Charity shops are also great for fab little finds. Champion and vintage Calvin Klein seem to be at the top in terms of best sellers and Juicy has made a come back as the lounge wear brand of choice.

For more high end pieces, try brands like Givenchy, Gucci, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent for stylish, slightly worn in styles. I like to team mine with a simple pair of Nike trainers and some fluro Zara track pants. Supermarket dash anyone?

Main Image; Josefine H.J on Instagram. No copy right intended.