‘Casual Fridays’: Post-isolation dress code revealed as shoppers snap up ‘elevated loungewear’ for the office
From trackies to tie dye, dressing down has been the trend of isolation. So what happens when Aussies actually return to the office? Turns out, your day-to-day outfits might stay casual.
Hibernation
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hibernation. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Fashion will be keeping it casual for months to come, as shoppers are “heavily influenced” by lockdown even as restrictions are eased.
Traditional office attire will be out and “loungewear” replacing it as the post-isolation dress code, with Aussies contemplating returning to work and socialising in-real-life.
While activewear was the trend of lockdown, there has now been a “significant pivot” in sales to casual yet polished fashion items – dubbed “loungewear”.
The Iconic fashion director Tom Simpson said there was a “mass transition to the comfortable and casual”, with the isolation era having an ongoing impact on “how we dress into the long-term”.
It’s “casual Fridays” every day of the week, retailers say, with slouchy bottoms in relaxed, stretchy fabrics replacing tailored trousers, and clean-cut basics in high-quality fabrics the new basic white shirt.
MORE NEWS
Sexy fashion trend you need to know
$25 self-tanning product that’s selling out
Instagram trend: Tie dye trackies
“Casual Fridays are the new week-long workwear,” Mr Simpson said. “There’s no doubt that this period where Aussies have been spending the majority of their time at home has seen a significant pivot in our style choices.”
Mr Simpson said tracksuit and “lounge” bottoms (and their stretchy waistbands) were outselling trousers, with shoppers “prioritising comfort” as they began returning to their workplaces and social lives.
But some pre-isolation wardrobe staples are experiencing a mini-comeback. The Iconic has noted a “returned growth” for denim, dresses and button-up shirts. “Categories like loungewear and activewear have experienced huge growth,” he said.
“Although the more traditional and formal workwear will make a return for certain industries … (shoppers are) gravitating towards denim, knits and casual cotton shirts.”
‘NOTICEABLE SHIFT’
Aje chief executive Adrian Norris said there had already been a shift in what shoppers were purchasing post-isolation. Fashion-forward sweaters such as Aje’s $295 Liberation hoodie had sold out in days, with significant demand for knitwear also.
“Australian home-based customers are still very much invested in comfort right now,” Mr Norris said.
“As the picture becomes clearer in returning to work or getting back into social facets of life, we don’t foresee a wardrobe refresh being motivated by trends – instead by feeling empowered in how you feel in clothes or what colour can enhance your mood, after spending so much time at home,” Mr Norris said.
Australian lingerie and loungewear brand Intimo had already recorded “a shift in the way people approach their daily outfits post-isolation”.
“We might see a bit of tracksuit fatigue but overall, consumers will be wanting items that look chic and are still comfortable,” Intimo brand manager Kirby Hughes said.
Sportsgirl spokeswoman Kate Rees said lockdown had “influenced a more casual approach to work attire”.
The Australian fashion retailer said there had been a “considerable” spike in sales of “cosy knits”, co-ordinated top-and-bottom sets, as well as beauty products such as face masks, facial rollers and skincare, during the isolation period.
“We predict a lenient approach to everyday office style with the introduction of relaxed dressing, suiting and loungewear – trends will focus on comfort and ease of dressing, while still looking presentable and professional,” Ms Rees said.
“Loungewear has now become a staple in our isolation wardrobe and this casual aesthetic is set to continue into winter and beyond.”
For Australian fashion chain Glassons, chunky knits and fleece pieces were in “high demand” as shoppers swapped the couch for in-real-life socialising.
“Trends are showing that people are still wearing comfort and incorporating this into their everyday wardrobe, but mixing it … with dressy pieces as they get ready to go out again,”
Glassons chief executive James Glasson said.
Once such item in high-demand at Glassons is the brand’s $39.99 flared-sleeve chunky knit, which previously sold-out in 24 hours after going viral on Instagram.
The piece has become Glassons’ fastest selling online item of the year so far, available in “milk”, “almond”, “espresso” and “green”.