Let ’90s-Era Rachel Green, Meg Ryan And Chanel Rule Your WFH Wardrobe (Via Zara’s New Collection)

It's easy for one's mind to wander in these current circumstances. The repetition of daily lifenow induces a craving for something else, something different – something new. The latter is not hard to find in terms of fashion right now. A cursory glance over the internet this morning showed me that many brands – both high street and high end – are introducing their new collections. While I'm sure nobody's priority is their wardrobe right now, I have to admit that just looking at these new pieces, whether or not I was going to buy them, reminded me that soon – hopefully – things will be back to normal. Something else that struck me was this: '90s workwear is clearly the overwhelming influence for many of these new-in pieces. And that could be just the distraction we all need.

One look atZara's new cohort of tweed dresses – both mini and midi alike – and primary colour skirt suits was enough to send me diving into the Chanel archives. Here, I found not just (excellent) distractions but also a wealth of inspiration to enliven my own working-from-home outfits. For if there's one thing I've found of late, it's that dressing up (whatever this means for you as an individual) has a significant impact on my mental state.

Just the thought of donning a smart skirt suit or a boxy tweed jacket (perhaps worn with leggings for all video conferences) is enough to brighten my spirits considerably, which, incidentally, was also a happy by-product of a full 30 minutes spent looking at photographs of one of my all-time style heroines: Sally Albright.

I often think of the near-perfect outfits Meg Ryan wears in When Harry Met Sally, but now more than ever, her tailored blazers feel like just the ticket. Similarly, some vintage pictures of Gwyneth Paltrow are enough to convince me that a sleeveless roll neck + leather, wide-leg trousers and lace-up sandals might just be the perfect outfit for spring – one that maintains comfort levels at home but will be smart enough to wear back at the office.

Of course, the catwalks were full of 90s references, proving that it was certainly the decade on designers' minds for SS20. As Elizabeth von der Goltz, global buying director at Net-a-Porter reports, 'Never have we seen the ’90s and the sense of ease more prominently represented on the runway. It was also evident that some of fashion’s American powerhouses from the ’90s such as Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, along with Helmut Lang and even Rachel Green from Friends had been the source of inspiration for the mesh, spaghetti strap dresses or column dresses, miniskirts and tube tops.'

The reason this '90s approach feels so desirable right now? It might have something to do with the simplicity, which is certainly something we're all craving in these complex times. From Arket's oversized blazers to & Other Stories' relaxed tailoring, the answer lies in a simple, unfussy silhouette and minimal accessories.

In terms of new brands, for Net-a-Porter the ultimate '90s spirit comes courtesy of Coperni. Says von der Goltz: 'The brand took cues from the ’90s in shirting, slip dresses and tailoring, and juxtaposed this by hosting its latest presentation at The Apple Store in Paris, most notably naming its baguette bag ‘The Swipe Bag’after Apple’s swipe function.'

SHOP: The '90s-Inspired Workwear Wardrobe To Make WFH More Interesting