How work-from-home culture will impact fashion

As the world goes through a global health crisis, the fashion industry is fast changing

As the world goes through a global health crisis, it is pertinent to note how consumer spending is changing. This will have an impact on even the fashion industry

The world is currently going through a global health crisis and to say there has been an upheaval is a mere understatement. While everyone is doing everything they can to stay safe and protected from the Coronavirus, businesses are suffering, industries are facing a downfall and there is so much uncertainty in the air. And with that being said, fashion is also one of the hardest hit industries.



As the world embraces itself for what is yet to come, fashion is of course the last thing anyone would want to talk about. But as lifestyles change and as we see a shift in attitudes and the fast-changing environment, many designers, fashion houses and retailers are going to be adjusting their approach to the changing economy. Retail has already seen a dramatic shift and consumers have shifted their spending habits; which need to be met with a changing approach from businesses.

As more and more of us restrict ourselves to self isolation and working from home, will we start moving towards a different kind of work wardrobe? Will we now opt for more cozy knitwear and lounge wear to work in? Will retailers now start producing more loungewear and slippers with more people staying indoors and working from home? Since we no longer currently need our platforms and heels, it could be that retailers move into this direction.



The idea of cosy fashion was predominant a few years earlier, now just a few designers have highlighted knit wear in their 2020 collections. French designer, Joseph Altuzarra, for example combined elegant necklines and feminine silhouettes coupled with luxe knits and fuzzy slippers. In the context of the ongoing crisis, his collection gained much relevance to say the least.

In the world of today, people have started to navigate towards strategies that allow them to work from home and have virtual meetings for example on Facetime, Google hangouts and Skype. This highlights what one would have to wear from the waist up because essentially that is really what shows during a virtual call. It should be cosy, practical yet still professional. Whether a cosy turtleneck sweater or a button-down blouse, fashion trends will most certainly see a shift towards comfort over luxury.