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I’ve always hated socks with sandals. You couldn’t convince me to try the trend. No way, no how. And then I saw Sock Candy‘s sheer socks, covered in delicate rosettes. They were so dainty, and kind of delightful, in a whimsical way. I fully expected to be mocked for the sudden interest, when a few colleagues admitted they’d been scoping out fancy, frilly and even rhinestone-bedazzled socks—many of which were designed to be shown off, in sandals and heels. Our LA editor confirmed socks with sandals was, ahem, a growing trend (since Sept. 2019, apparently, and even Katie Holmes is on board). The more we talked, though, the more I realized just how outlandish my quarantine wardrobe purchases have gotten, and the more I started to wonder: Now that I’m away from coworkers, acquaintances and the like, is the real me starting to emerge, style-wise? Or am I just so cooped up that I’m looking to express myself in new, Man Repeller-y ways?
Let’s review some of my less-expected purchases, shall we? There’s the…
- Quay Clear Cat-Eye Blue Light Glasses
- Tie-Dye Jumpsuit My Editor Thought Were Pajamas
- Chunky Madewell Dangle Earrings
- Plaid, Frilly-Sleeved Button Down with Matching Face Mask
- ’80s-Tastic Target x Love Shack Fancy Dress That Looks Straight Outta a John Hughes Movie
- 3-Inch Toms Wedge Espadrilles
It’s a mix of über-femme frills and florals, tempered by geeky flourishes, like the abstract earrings and oversized frames. I’ve always loved things that were a little off-kilter, a little quirky, though my outward style has been pretty safe. Traditional. Girl-next-door-ish. These days, it’s a little kookier, a little more twee. Less ’60s-meets-Bambi than Zooey Deschanel; a little more How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Kate Hudson meets IRL Kate Hudson…with a dash of Heathers thrown in to cut the sweetness.
Now that our interactions are more limited, maybe the more alone time lets us take in inspo well beyond our inner circle and filter out others’ opinions more. After all, being nearly 6 feet tall means I never wear heels. I feel like I’m towering over people, just one massive stomp from taking out their village with my massive feet. But I love those wedges. And, strangely, my face mask has become a source of confidence for trying these trends: I’m a little more mysterious. I can be anyone. So, maybe I wear oversized sunglasses with shorts and wedges to the supermarket and feel like Julia Roberts’s understudy in Erin Brockovich. Maybe another day I’m wearing a full jumpsuit and Doc Martens. Or lacy socks with—*gasp*—sandals around the house. (I haven’t gone that far…yet.) The strange silver lining of quarantine is that it’s teaching me to plumb the weirdest depths of my style—and embrace it. The next step is continuing that, even when we’re back to a daily commute and a mask-less culture.
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Lead photo: Sock Candy/Facebook