With the roller coaster that was 2020, many of us had an unexpected lifestyle change, and what we often took for granted seemed to be gone overnight.

Dressing up to go out on an evening, with high heels and lipstick, seems to have been put on the back burner, at least for now. Instead, we look for comfortable cosy dressing. Of course, fashion quickly adapts to the ‘new normal’ and with that in mind jeans, bell sleeves and bold bright colours are on-trend for spring, perhaps to brighten the mood.

Jeans
Most of us cannot recall a time when jeans were not around, and in the past they have often had the ‘tag’ of being mostly for younger people! Now we have the Duchess of Cornwall wearing jeans on her Christmas card, as well as many well-known men and women of a certain age wearing them regularly, so jeans are certainly here for all.

Boot cut and straight legs are the most flattering, as they elongate the leg. Jennifer Lopez was recently seen in a mega wide, flared patchwork style jean by Tom Ford with the price tag of £2550; I don’t imagine many of you will be looking to buy this particular pair!

Nowadays, the choice for jeans is endless and with such a durable fabric, they can last a long time if you invest in a good pair. NYDJ (pictured above right) – Not Your Daughter’s Jeans – are an incredibly successful U.S. range with a hefty price tag, but they are well-made and live up to their label name, as they are cut to suit most women. This range has every conceivable style and a good selection of colours, as well as corduroy. You might pay a little more than the typical high street jean but you get what you pay for. Be careful with sizing as they are generous.

Velvet
Soft, luxurious and comfortable, velvet can also be cosy and warm. The ‘new’ velvet is soft and smooth, not the crushed velvet of old. There is a richness to wearing velvet, which of course can be dressed up or down. Look for a nice matt which will stand the test of time.

Zara has a divine black velvet jacket with embroidery which is striking for £79.99 (pictured below). Boden has velvet trousers for £90. If you want just a touch of velvet, a lot of jumpers and dresses have just a velvet collar or cuffs. Hobbs has some cute wrist warmers for £35.

Flat shoes
As we are spending more time at home, flats and mule styles have taken over from high heels. Flats look good with jeans and just about any clothing – the choice is endless for patterns and style.

Next have a stylish Forever Comfort range, which is reasonably priced. The leopard toe cap ballerina flats are sleek and designer looking for £34. As we are now shopping online more and shoes are tricky to get the right size, do make sure of the return policy before you hit that ‘buy’ button!

Alice bands
These accessories have become popular again, as they can look dressy if you are doing business online. Soft velvet bands in gorgeous shades are easy to find and wear, as are dressier ones with studs and pearls. In fact, you can always pin ornaments on yourself to make for an individual look. Accessorize and Zara have a good selection.

A new item of fashion always cheers our mood, so indulge a little – you deserve it!