My Quarantine Capsule Wardrobe

Without even trying to, I have created a quarantine capsule wardrobe. The first few months of the pandemic I was one of those weirdos who wore jeans to make sure they still fit. But guess what? Wearing denim doesn’t make your body magically not expand. These are the items in my wardrobe that I return to for their comfort, versatility, and ability to make me feel like I kinda sorta maybe actually got dressed.

Pants

1. Good American Boyfriend Sweats – Good American has so many shades of brown, I love it. These are what I wear outside, because they’re easy to tuck into boots. Whether I’m out back with the chickens or running errands, these are my go-to. Pre-pandemic I was never a ‘wear sweats publicly’ person, but here we are.
2. Good American Wide Leg Sweats – technically these are wide leg pants, but they’re functionally bootcut. I must say, I really enjoy that bit of extra fabric covering my ankle. It makes a difference.
3. Yummie Bootcut Legging – these are the closest approximation to “real pants” that are in my current rotation. They’re comfortable, but they also hold you in.

I know there’s currently a debate about skinny jeans vs bootcut jeans and I’ll say this: I enjoy padding around my house in wide leg and bootcut pants. I enjoy the little drape over foot. It’s comforting. Do I want to wear these pants outside? Absolutely not. For a bootcut hem to look good it has to reach the ground. Anything higher looks high water and that’s untenable. But then that means your hem is dragging on the ground. When I was in high school, having frayed hems was part of the look. But listen, I’m in my (late) 30s and I live in New York City and the idea of my pants dragging on the ground is disgusting. So yes, I will pad around my house in bootcut sweats and bootcut leggings, but I’m keeping the skinnies for public wear. And I’m still parting my hair to the side.

Tees

1. Paskho | Charm – Sensual Merino Long Sleeve Travel Tee
2. Outdoor Voices | All Day Longsleeve
3. Paskho | Cherished – Sensual Slouchy Silk Tunic
4. Outdoor Voices | All Day Shortsleeve

Listen, it’s embarrassing when you dig out your “loose” t-shirts and it turns out they’re tight. It would be less embarrassing if I hadn’t just told the world about it, but actually only 3 people read this so I’m good!

I spent pretty much all of December in the Paskho t-shirts. I bought the Outdoor Voices tees earlier this year, and I’ve gotta say – the thumbholes in the long sleeve tee are clutch. All of these tees are great on their own or under sweaters, which is important! For a solid quarantine capsule wardrobe you need clothing that transitions well. You need to be able to sit at home and be comfortable, but also be able to throw on a nice sweater and look presentable, without weird lines or tightness in the armpits. It’s not even that the tops I was wearing to the office were uncomfortable; they just weren’t built for comfort (and layering) the way this stuff is.

Sweaters

I’m less fanatical about my sweaters because that’s the item I switch up the most. I do, however, want to introduce you to a brand whose sweaters I’m obsessed with: Varley. I bought thermal leggings from them a number of months ago, and then I realized they make beautiful, functional, sweaters. Well, all sweaters are functional to varying degrees, but the whole label is about chic performance clothing.

I have the Collins sweater (additional sizes here), and I love it. It’s comfy, cozy, and chic. The slight cowl neck makes for nice visual interest for video calls, and I feel like I’m in a soft cocoon. I know my wardrobe does not need another sweater. I know that. But here’s what else at Varley has caught my eye:

1. Simon Sweater – How rich and gorgeous is this color? And that back collar!! What other sweatshirt gives you a moment coming AND going?
2. Talbert Sweater – I love all that contrasting ribbing. It makes the sweater feel… sculptural.
3. Mentone Pullover – I’m a sucker for an unapologetic pink. I love that oversized collar too. You can never go wrong with a bit of drama.
4. Edith Sweater – I love the piping and the ribbed contrast panels… and also anything in camel.

Have you been wearing the same clothes over and over? What’s in your quarantine capsule wardrobe?