Even Victoria Beckham Is Wearing An Elasticated Waist As We Head Back Into Lockdown

As we face the second national lockdown, thoughts naturally turn to what life might be like for the next month (or so). It feels like we’re back to where we started (almost) with working from home, trying to get a delivery slot and savouring those precious few moments where you can meet friends (well, one person outside your household, steady on) for an outdoor stroll. Coupled with bitterly cold weather across much of the country, many of us are preparing to pull on our tracksuit bottoms and break up the box-set boredom by counting down the days until we’re allowed to re-emerge.

You should not, under any circumstances, feel bad about what will naturally follow: embracing elasticated waistbands. Because, according to Victoria Beckham, they’re officially the way forward. Hoping to cheer up her followers yesterday, the designer posted a selfie of what she plans to wear for lockdown 2.0. ‘Elasticated waistbands the VB way! 😂 Trying out working from home looks ready for the second lockdown... This #VVB two-piece is knitted so it’s super comfortable, warm and versatile.’

You’ll notice that her version of an elasticated waistband - a block-striped skirt that is almost sold out online - is a wee bit sleeker than your average sportswear, but a knitted skirt isn’t a bad idea if you want style without compromising on comfort (remember, no one can see your bottom half on video calls). Mango’s biscuit-coloured, ribbed-knit midi skirt is riff on your favourite cashmere joggers. Wear it with an oversized cardigan, and maybe a blanket scarf, and you’ll be safely (and chicly) cocooned in your home office. Zara’s organic cotton skirt looks like tracksuit bottoms, except for the absence of legs, and comes in a pleasing array of easy-to-wear shades.

And if you really do prefer trousers, Whistles’s cotton-blend knit trousers have the easy elegance of a black trouser, but the expandable waist of joggers. & Other Stories’s has its own version of the classic black trouser, except its is 100% silk. Can you imagine how good that will feel as you’re curled up on the sofa with your laptop?

So while it’s ironic (cruelly so) that the shops are welcoming partywear just as we’re feeling distinctly lacking in the mirth department, as least we can feel guilt-free about what we’re wearing.