Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

Why House Dresses Are Making A Comeback

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When most people think of a house dress, they usually picture their mothers and grandmothers wearing oversized, ankle-length dresses with bold floral patterns as they make breakfast for their families or clean their homes. Sitcoms from the ‘60s and ’70’s era often presented several examples of women in old fashioned house dresses. Considering the fact that no one really looks or feels attractive cleaning their bathtub, house dresses have always seemed to be a way to choose comfort over fashion when tackling household chores. Despite their less than appealing history, house dresses are making a comeback, and it’s not hard to see why.

 

The year 2020 has confined most people to their homes with minimal or no options for keeping up with their grooming, which further discourages most from even bothering to put any effort into their appearance. As a result, most women who are used to getting up extra early to make sure they are a little more than presentable for the workplace have found themselves hanging around the house all day makeup-free and wearing things they wouldn’t even wear on a quick store run. Wearing old t-shirts and sweats every day can become a drag over time and requires a change of wardrobe when it’s time to get down to business, which is why modern house dresses have captured the attention of women everywhere. There are finally house dresses comfortable enough for mopping floors and at the same time stylish enough for work zoom meetings sitting in your living room.

 

The old images of mothers and grandmothers in their old fashioned house dresses eating snacks and watching soap operas on the couch are being replaced with images of women who are doing it all and looking great while doing it. There is now an array of different fabrics and patterns of house dresses for women to choose from. Popular styles of house dresses include tie waisted, smocks, and shirt dresses, and most women are able to find options they love.

 

Everyone is attempting to return to their idea of normal everyday life, and modern house dresses are offering women a way to find a happy medium in fashion for their quarantined lives in the meantime.

How Will the Fashion Industry Continue to Adapt in 2020?

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Everyone knows that 2020 has not been an ordinary year. Coronavirus has changed society and people’s daily routines. Considering that many people have been working from home, going out less, and spending less time in groups, people have been dressing differently. Here are some predictions regarding how fashion will continue to adapt in 2020.

One prominent example of how the Coronavirus could shape fashion choices is the normalization of face masks. While masks were not commonly seen in American society before, they are now essential for entering most businesses and stores due to social distancing protocols. Instead of plain disposable masks, popular fashion designers will be likely to continue making stylish, washable masks until the pandemic is over. Beards and long nails are also going to be less popular because beards make it harder to breathe in masks and long nails do not always feel comfortable under latex gloves.

Regarding popular fashion choices, athleisure happened to be growing in popularity before the pandemic. The fashion industry and society as a whole will be likely to embrace this trend now because it is more comfortable than dressier options but still can be styled in a fashion-forward way. People have been comfortable wearing athleisure during the pandemic and will continue to wear this type of clothing for a while. For this reason, the fashion industry will probably continue to produce more athleisure throughout 2020.

With all the new technological advancements in today’s modern society, people have the option to shop online through their computers, laptops, phones, and tablets. Online shopping has become popular in recent years and especially now because of Covid-19. Brands and clothing companies have been adapting to the pandemic by advertising their websites because the industry knows that some customers are not comfortable going into stores.

Another way that the Covid-19 lockdown will affect fashion trends is a strong increase in sustainability. The fashion industry will have to adapt by slowing down production and prioritizing quality over quantity. Durability is more important than excessive trendiness during a pandemic. Rather than obsessing over whatever trends are hottest at the moment resulting in fast fashion, the industry will have to produce quality clothing that will last longer.

Pros and Cons of Thrift Shopping

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Thrift shops and second-hand stores offer a unique experience for shoppers looking for a bargain or a fun find. Whether you are shopping for a new outfit, an accessory, or a random household item, thrift shops are great places to look for a number of reasons. However, before venturing into a thrift shop, it is important to consider some of the potential downsides to thrift shopping.

 

PROS

One of the best things about thrift shopping is how fun it can be. Finding something unique, exciting, or even valuable at a thrift shop can be a great experience. While the items at a thrift shop can be random, a lot of individuals tend to donate items that are high quality or brand name. Even if the items are out of season or slightly worn, shopping at a thrift shop allows individuals to purchase and own items they might otherwise be unable to afford. Additionally, because thrift shops sell only items that have been previously owned, they are sold at a lower price, making the task of saving money easy.

Buying from thrift stores often means supporting a charitable organization or providing job opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Thrift shopping inherently promotes social responsibility, making the act of shopping at a thrift shop more appearing on a moral level. Similarly, donating to and buying from thrift shops can actually help the environment; more than 10 million tons of used clothing are dumped into landfills each year in the United States, so buying secondhand can be considered a kind of recycling.

 

CONS

Thrift shops are great resources, but there are a few caveats. When shopping at a thrift shop, you should be careful to carefully inspect the items you are looking to purchase. Some items may have been donated because they were damaged, so identifying if there are any major issues before making a purchase is essential. Similarly, some items such as articles of clothing, shoes, or blankets may have been donated without being washed. These items may carry germs or possess an odor; in such cases, you can consider washing fabric items with vinegar to disinfect them and remove any unpleasant smells.

Another thing to remember is that items purchased at a thrift shop may not last as long as brand new items.

You may be able to find exciting things in a thrift shop, but many shops are not as well-organized as other stores. Because of this, you may feel stressed as you shop due to blocked aisles, crowds, or the amount of time necessary to navigate around the space.

 

At times, thrift shopping may cause some stress for a number of reasons, but overall, visiting a thrift shop once in a while is a fun, productive experience. From helping your community to finding new additions to your wardrobe, thrift shopping is a great way to spend your time.