Even though we are well into the year 2023, it somehow seems impossible to completely get out of the daze of 2020. The global pandemic changed us in ways that go beyond our eyes can see, or our minds can fathom. Post the life-altering phenomena, all industries across the globe realized the financial effects, of which ‘fashion’ deserves a noteworthy mention. As people’s choices changed and consumers got more time to re-think their spending habits, the fashion industry revolutionized in terms of production as well as consumption.
Post-pandemic, when we started stepping out again after a long pause, the world was divided into two major halves! One part of the crowd consisted of those who incorporated minimalism, mindfulness and sustainability into their lives. As a result, they started practising maximum utilization and minimum wastage that doesn’t burn up all the resources. But on the other hand, the other half saw it as an opportunity to make up for all the lost time. This bunch embraced splurging to the maximum extent that affected their finances and changed their personal style vastly.
To dive deeper into this financial and psychological shift, we asked the Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop team, who have been an active part of the fashion industry for several years, how their personal style and shopping habits have changed in the post-pandemic world.
Revati Palshetkar: Senior Graphic Designer.
“After being trapped in the house for months, I was done with loungewear! When the world finally opened up, I wanted to dress-up! I started taking my style more seriously. Now I don’t miss out on an opportunity to utilize my wardrobe to the maximum. I have switched my daily work wear from casuals to casual-formal including chic dresses and comfy flats. A watch is my must-have accessory and I stack my arm with bracelets. Earlier I was lazy with my accessories, but now I look for ways to add elements to my outfit. In fact, even during the pandemic there were days when I used to put on a nice dress and sit on my couch sipping on coffee. The quarantine made me realise my love equation with fashion and how good it makes me feel.”
Ankita Bedi: Vice President, Marketing.
“Post-pandemic, my perspective towards fashion has changed for the better. The invasive phenomena that took away our normal lives taught me to become a mindful consumer. Instead of buying new outfits for every occasion, I started to repeat and restyle all the existing ones in my wardrobe! With a work-from-home situation for close to 1.5 years, comfort clothing became my thing. Not running after trends and new arrivals became the new normal for me. While athleisure, oversized tops and lounge pants became my go-to style statement, I enjoyed wearing comfortable co-ords to work post-pandemic. I also switched to soothing fabrics like cotton, mulmul, modal and khadi to name a few. Any type of tight-fitted clothing, like denim, leather and bodycon styles, is now a complete no-no for me!
Few of the brands that I switched to were SAND by Shirin, KoAi, dash and dot, and Retiyo. Sustainability played an important role in my buying decisions. I started investing in outfits which had a long shelf-life and which I could re-use multiple times. Even my footwear preferences changed from heels to sneakers and Birkenstocks. I can say that my personal style post-pandemic is definitely easy, effortless fashion!”
Trishanu Paul: Assistant Vice President, Marketing.
“I was studying in Milan, Italy when the pandemic hit. Little did I know that this could change the world in no time! The moment people took their vaccine jabs, everybody around me started ‘Revenge Shopping’. On the contrary, when I started going ‘out’ again, whether it was for a simple meal at a restaurant or a walk around the Art Galleries, I decided to keep it simple and minimal.
Pre-pandemic, I was an impulsive buyer with no thoughts of saving money. Thankfully, the pandemic taught me a lesson as I was having a hard time surviving in a country that was new to me. I realised the value of money and I stopped spending on extravagant things which had less utility in my everyday life. Currently my fashion choices are a balance of minimalism and classic style.”
Swapna Sihote: Vice President, Design & Merchandising, Wendell Rodricks.
“My style has definitely changed post-pandemic, leaning more towards comfort wear. I prioritize comfort now more than ever! My work outfits post-pandemic saw a major shift from suits, blazers and trousers to printed kaftans, sweatshirts and lots of loose-fit athleisure. During lockdown I learnt a lot about recycling and started loving eco-friendly fabrics which are sustainable, easy to wash, simple & fuss free. Khadi cotton or linen tunics with track pants or leggings. I love wearing oversized flared dresses with flip flops, and quirky printed co-ord sets with sneakers.
Some of my favourite brands right now are Adidas, Puma and Wendell Rodricks. They have extremely comfy styles that keep up with trends. Earlier I was also afraid of online shopping but now I majorly shop online! My style currently is a mix of style, value and sustainability.”
Atiya Mirwani: Head Designer.
“The pandemic definitely allowed us the opportunity for change in many areas of life, one of them definitely being our way of dressing! For me effortless style and comfort always go hand in hand, and the pandemic only reinforced the same. During the quarantine, we all needed the feel-good factor of dressing up stylishly while being at home. So after we started stepping out in the post-pandemic world, I carried the same style mantra with me.
One of the current brands that seem to cater to my needs is label Wendell Rodricks. The brand offers silhouettes that are easy flowing and can be dressed up for intimate get togethers, or dressed down if you are spending your day lounging at home!”
Anshin Paliwal: Vice President, Marketing.
“Staying at home for days made me miss the practice of dressing-up and going out, be it for whichever occasion. Ever since the office has reopened, I prefer coming to work in smart formals. This change has primarily come to me because I truly enjoy the office culture which had ceased to exist for good 2 years!
Post-pandemic, I started giving more attention to my personal style. Now I have become conscious about the relevance of outfits, which was not the case before. For instance, in case of special events, I have started sporting looks that suit the occasion. Instead of dressing casually to every place, I now have a separate ethnic wear wardrobe consisting of Printed Kurtas and Bundi Jackets for festivities and fancy shirts for fun parties.”
Priyanka Bimal: Marketing Consultant.
“During the pandemic, the whole world took a step back and analyzed everything. Reinvention followed and we were taught about minimalism and mindfulness. It was very important to me not to fall prey to the pajama trap during quarantine! Instead, I changed my buying preferences. Now I don’t prefer buying things that will serve me just a couple of times. I am more interested in wearing trans-seasonal pieces than short-lived trends. My wardrobe currently has a mix of things that boast year-round versatility. On the other hand, I have also decided to do away with all the monochromes and opt for mood-boosting colours. Psychologically, it may be my way of making up for all the lost time, and the positive effect dressing-up has on me mentally.”
In a world where everything is fast-paced, the pandemic slowed down the entire human race for more than a year. When Designers started changing their colour palettes, shoppers switched to loungewear at large and Brides ditched dramatic fits for minimalistic ensembles for their intimate weddings, fashion changed in keeping up with the new, changed world! It is interesting to see how the worldly paradigm shift influenced personal preferences, giving birth to a revolutionised perception of fashion. The deadly phenomena did us more bad than good, but it definitely instilled in our minds the value of time and resources. It taught us to be grateful for having ‘just enough’, which in turn made the fashion world take notice of environmental wellbeing to protect the future.
