When This Is All Over, I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . (Our Editors Weigh In)

Published on 4/17/2020 at 3:25 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Wasilak

While we're sheltering in place due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the POPSUGAR Fashion editors have all agreed that, for most people, shopping isn't exactly top of mind. But as a part of an industry that's struggling, it's hard not to acknowledge fashion brands and what they're going through — especially the smaller labels that have experienced major delays in production, financial troubles, and shipping issues given the effect of the current crisis. Many well-known companies have shifted their spring sample sales online, encouraging people to shop if they can, and, most importantly, brands big and small are doing their best to give back to the community, whether it's by making masks and gowns for healthcare workers or by donating a portion of online proceeds to charities dedicated to helping those in need all around the world.

"Even if shoulder pads are off-trend by the time I can give this dress the debut it deserves, it won't matter to me."

If you can shop right now, it's OK to. We get it, you're bored! Shopping is definitely a fun solution. But for me personally, I was torn. I had been saving up for a Simon Miller handbag I really loved for months before the coronavirus outbreak, but it quickly faded into the depths of my memory when I realized what was happening to our country. Eventually, I did my research and connected with someone from the brand. As it turned out, Simon Miller, which is a relatively smaller label, had been donating t-shirts and jeans to SELAH, a movement responding to homelessness, and creating face masks for medical workers. I felt good about spending my dollar on the bag and was so much more excited to receive it knowing that it was from a philanthropic company. Not only was I technically giving back, the purchase inspired me to make my own donation to the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, too. That new bag is now the one item I just cannot wait to wear once the lockdown is over.

I knew I must not be the only POPSUGAR editor with a similar story. When I talked to my team, I learned that they were all pretty much planning outfits around must haves they'd either stowed away for spring, or recently bought before they knew they'd be at home for awhile. The fashion items I gathered from our POPSUGAR editors below aren't necessarily meant to inspire you to shop. They're just a handful of little gems that speak to our own independent personal styles, and a reminder that outfits that make you happy — and fashion in general — is on the other side of this.

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Leopard Print Ganni Dress

"I can't wait to wear my Ganni Leopard Printed Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress ($325). It's a statement print that's a little out of my comfort zone, but the silhouette makes it so wearable. I had planned to wear this as a cover-up on a March vacation to the beach, but instead, I'm making it work as a 'house dress' now with slippers. Still, I can't wait to style it with a great bag, my favorite sandals, and a belt to pull it all together. I'll be smiling ear-to-ear when I do!" — Hannah Weil McKinley, Content Director, Fashion and Shop

Ganni Leopard Printed Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress

From

$325

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Pink Birthday Dress

"It's a small, inconsequential thing, but: I was really looking forward to wearing this Rotate dress ($372) to celebrate my birthday with friends — a celebration now postponed for the foreseeable future. I'm sure it will be too warm for velvet by the time I can give this dress the debut it deserves, but if I have to stay tethered to the nearest A/C vent all night to make that happen, then so be it. (The good news is that, even if shoulder pads are off-trend by the time I can give this dress the debut it deserves, it won't matter to me — because I have never and WILL never stop wearing shoulder pads.)" — Lindsay Miller, Deputy Editor

Rotate dress

From

$372

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Going Out Shoes

"A few weeks before the shelter in place started, I was already pre-planning all my spring outfits and treated myself to two new pairs of sandals. One pair of white faux-croc Schutz slingbacks for the office and a fun pair of black strappy Dolce Vita Sandals ($75, originally $125) for going out. I'm already daydreaming of all the outfits I can mix and match them with when this is over." — Krista Jones, Associate Editor, Shop

Dolce Vita Sandals

From

$75

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Topshop Dress

"I've been dreaming of wearing this springy Topshop dress ($38, origianlly $75) for months. I purchased it in February with the idea that I'd wear it with heels this season. I'm excited to reimagine the look with white sneakers and a high ponytail in the summer, or black booties and a moto jacket in the fall. Saving it has really made me think about how versatile it can be year-round. The mish-mash florals just make me smile." — Macy Williams, Editor, Shop & Must Have

Topshop dress

From

$38

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Vans

"Nothing screams 'helloooo, summer!' quite like these colorblock Vans Sk8-Hi Sneakers ($65). Sure, they may be a bit obnoxious, but they add some pep to my step and much-needed color to my wardrobe. I can't wait to pair them with my overalls or denim shorts for warm days spent walking around my neighborhood." — Victoria Messina, Associate Editor, Trending and Viral Features

Vans Sk8-Hi Sneakers

From

$65

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Polka-Dot Midi Dress

"I cannot wait to wear dresses and style them from head to toe again! Something about the green color of this dress and the pops of yellow from the cabs on the streets of NYC give me the happiest memories of summer in the city. I know I'll be easing my way back into my wardrobe and I stan for easy-to-wear dresses that hit just below the knee. I'd pair this pretty & Other Stories Polka-Dot Number ($129) with white mules, a denim jacket, tiny white sunnies, or even Vans for a girls' brunch date!" — Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director, Makeup.com and Skincare.com

& Other Stories Polka-Dot Number

From

$129

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Simon Miller Puffin Bag

"I've been a big fan of the Simon Miller Puffin ($420) for a while because of all the ways you can wear it. The strap can be lengthened even further to create a miniature top-handle (or basically the illusion of a pouch clutch), or you can fully loosen the leather straps and wear it as a crossbody bag. You can play around with the snap details to create interesting shapes too. It definitely speaks to my eccentric personal style with its multicolor, multifunction capabilities, and, as I mentioned earlier, the brand is doing its part to give back during the COVID-19 crisis. My first look with this purse will be baggy denim cargos, a tight white bodysuit, and white '80s slouch boots." — Sarah Wasilak, Editor, Fashion

Simon Miller Puffin

From

$420

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Tie-Dye Slip Dress

"This lightweight slip is not only incredibly soft and comfortable, but it's airy enough for really hot summer days. I love the bright colors and can't wait to wear it with white sneakers and a white denim jacket. Add some trendy sunglasses and I've got myself the perfect warm-weather outfit." — Perri Konecky, Editor, Trending and Viral Features

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Solid & Striped Dress

"Going to the beach in New York typically entails taking several trains to get there, so I try to opt for beachwear that's a little more demure and can work within the city setting. Enter: this slightly '60s Solid & Striped zippered dress ($50, originally $168), which makes me feel covered up but is made in an absorbent material perfect for throwing over swimwear. It's such a cute number, I'm not entirely opposed to wearing it on my fire escape as I (safely) soak up some sun." — Kelsey Garcia, Editor, Trending and Viral Features

Solid & Striped zippered dress

From

$50

I Can't Wait to Wear My . . . Madewell Denim Shirt

"I'm admittedly a bit obsessed with all things denim, so when I saw this light-wash Madewell shirt ($65), I knew I had to have it in my closet ASAP. Unlike most other denim shirts I've tried on, the material is lightweight and perfectly worn-in. I love tying it up so it's more cropped and styling it with a pair of patterned shorts." — VM

Madewell shirt

From

$65