Gigi Hadid’s Zara Midi Proves That Comfortable Dresses Are Ideal For Lockdown

If the first lockdown of 2020 taught us anything about getting dressed, it's that it means different things to different people. For some, true comfort is key and therefore the only option is joggers. For others, maintaining a sense of their former style is a way to ameliorate anxious feelings. Whatever your approach, it stands to reason that you might – might – feel slightly bored ofleggings and want to mix things up a bit. If that's true, you've come to the right place.

While comfort conjures images of elasticated waistbands and loungewear, this doesn't necessarily have to be the case. Where dresses were once thought of as an item with which to make an effort, a statement of intent, there are now myriad options of frocks even comfier than your sweatpants. Finally, brands have cottoned on to the fact that they're an easy way of getting dressed, especially during a pandemic.

And celebrities have provided plenty of ways to style them out. For Valentine's Day, Gigi Hadid celebrated in a knitted knee-length dress from Zara (sadly now sold out).

Even Victoria Beckham, the woman who gave us Posh Spice, little Gucci dresses and the highest of heels, has ensured her collections include a comfy dress. There was one particular smock dress from her AW20 collection that was so popular, it sold out in record time. 'The perfect smock dress for floating around the house in, super comfortable but still elegant,' VB wrote on Instagram last year.

At £1,290, it seems like a very indulgent purchase to just float around the house – but the good news is it's currently on sale for £516 and is available in select sizes.

Then there's the likes of Monikh Dale, whose Instagram feed is full of perfect dresses that are ideal for wearing around the house, but can also easily be dressed up. In fact, countless influencers can be seen wearing oversized, knitted or smock dresses in place of less comfortable styles. This is, of course, largely thanks to designers like Simone Rocha and Cecilie Bahnsen, both of whom have built businesses out of exaggerated silhouettes and oversized proportions. Naturally, the rest of the fashion industry – from luxury brands to the high street – have followed this success with their own versions, thus cementing comfortable dresses as one of the most popular items of the last few years.

Right now, everywhere from Zara to M&S has many, many dresses which could easily replace your sweatpants without sacrificing your comfort levels. But there's also a great deal of independent, mostly sustainable labels which are providing stylish, comfy options that you won't see everywhere else.

Damson Madder, for example, saw great success with its debut collection, particularly with the hero piece: a pink and white checked dress that's oversized, soft and flowy. For its second collection, launched just a few months ago, it has reintroduced the dress in two different prints, both perfect for wearing with your slippers around the house or pairing with ankle boots for a walk.

One of Baukjen's most successful buys during the pandemic has been its paisley smock dress, which is made from biodegradable materials, is ethically made and looks excellent with knee-high boots and tights.

SHOP: The Best Comfortable Dresses To See You Through Lockdown

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There are also a number of made-to-order fashion brands who will make dresses tailored to you and your needs – something that feels extra special right now and is, of course, a more sustainable way of shopping.

So, whether your sweatpants need a break or you just feel the need to dress up, there's a dress for that. And a comfortable one at that.

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