238
t last look, Instagram posts tagged with #JOMO
- or joy of missing out – numbered 118,000.
Meanwhile #FOMO (fear of missing out, for
those who may have missed just a little too much
in the last few years) surpassed this four-fold,
with a total 526,000 posts. An ongoing battle has
been brewing on internet listicles and in agonised
texts between friends: should I stay in, or should
I go out? What’s weighing on us heavily on social
media could be hinting at a little truth: when
we’re tempted to turn off all notifications, we might actually have more
fun when we go out.
And no wonder. Several scientific studies have revealed that the quality
of our social interactions are one of our single biggest health predictors - one found that those with stronger social relationships had a 50 per cent
increased likelihood of survival. Meanwhile, the rise of JOMO gave us
permission to cancel plans, relish flaking out, indulge self-interests and
decrease our sociability. Fashion kept up. Cashmere hoodies, pyjama
dressing, slides and ‘ugly’ shoes were pervasive. Athleisure still remains
one of the top searches on Lyst, with Nike a frontrunner brand.
But what if, in our efforts to look so extremely effortless, we have
ended up looking like we just don’t care? “We may finally have reached
saturation point for dressing down,” says Morgane Le Caer, fashion
insights reporter at Lyst. “While streetwear and athleisure are still
proving popular, categories like hats, tights, hair clips, delicate jewellery
and kitten heels, as well as feminine prairie and mini-dresses, have
recently been enjoying an increase in demand.” She cites the
unapologetic ballgowns, 70s decadence and electric colours of the
autumn/winter ’19/’20 runways as further evidence. “Dressing up is
once again being seen as something that is exciting.”
Blame Pierpaolo Piccioli. The Valentino creative director has been
credited with single-handedly moving the needle. At the
A
R ISING
TO
THE
OCCASION
With so much time spent giving ourselves permission
to dress down, fashion has thrown a curve ball: going
out is back, and it requires both effort and an
appropriate wardrobe. By Alice Birrell.
→ CHANEL A/W ’19/’20 GUCCI A/W ’19/’20