The clothes we can’t wait to wear – and ones we never want to see again

Annmarie O'Connor on coming out of the lockdown closet

Sat, 22 May, 2021 - 14:43

Annmarie O’Connor

Easing restrictions: words that spell new beginnings, hope, and retail therapy. Lots of it. If ever there were a valid urge to splurge, it’s the lifting of lockdown. Bye-bye Covid comfies; sayonara sad slippers; toodle-pip jaded joggers; the world is ready to get its shop on. Now.

Not so fast. After wearing hibernation hoodies for five months straight (14 months in total from the first wave but who’s counting?), the temptation to spend with the revenge mindset of a scorned lover looms large. Tiaras, cocktail dresses, and pointless tiny handbags are not off-limits. If three drivers outside of need pique a purchase: celebration, compensation, and gratification — then post-lockdown shopping qualifies as a hattrick.