These Hopeful Purchases Will Make Sure Your Week Is Off To A Great Start

With yesterday’s news that a coronavirus vaccine is going to be available in the not-too-distant-future, the nation left out a collective, ‘YAAAAAASSSSSS!’ Finally, the prospect of normality isn’t just a pipedream. And with that sweet thought in mind, naturally our minds have turned to what we can look forward to. Hugging friends, strangers, anyone. Going to the pub without having to follow a one-way system. Getting on a long-haul flight. And, most importantly, wearing something that doesn’t have an elasticated waistband.

Now is the time for what we’re calling the hopeful purchase, something that nods to joyful dressing, and the fact that, soon, we’ll all have reason to wear things that we haven’t worn in a long, long time. Anything that counts as ‘waist-down’ (i.e. skirts, trousers, socks, shoes) is a hopeful purchase, but things to bookmark in particular include jazzy bottoms and party heels. Zara’s rhinestone-strap sandals would look brilliant with barrel-leg jeans or (imagine!) sheer tights and a little black dress. Joseph’s shimmer trousers, meanwhile, have the relaxed silhouette, and natural fluidity, of pyjama bottoms, and will look gloriously louche with a cashmere jumper and tuxedo jacket.

And what about texture. If social distancing becomes a distant memory, fabrics that feel good enough to stroke - as in pats on the arm that come with the following invitation, ‘feel this cashmere, it’s like butter,’ - will be back on the menu. & Daughter’s cashmere polo jumper is wonderfully touchy-feely (and would look great with some sequinned or jacquard trousers).

Handbags have been shelved this year, but doesn’t a slightly impractical, but 100% delicious, bag suddenly seem like a bright idea? I love Elleme’s Baguette, a baby blue cross-body bag that comes with a gold chain-link strap (yum). Earrings have fared slightly better, but a statement pair from PEARL OCTUPUSS.Y, a brand that majors in maximalist jewellery with crystals and faux-pearls, will give your classic gold hoops a much-needed respite.

And don’t forget colour - or sustainability. Everything from Rave Review, a brand that makes its rainbow-tinged clothes using upcycled blankets, is like a ray of sunshine. I love its checked shirt jacket that can be worn open over polo necks or buttoned up as a slightly more relaxed blazer.

Things are finally looking up. Tell your wardrobe ASAP.