In 2014, when my co-author Janna Beatty and I posed this question on page 67 of Quintessential Style, we never dreamed it would have such a different connotation today.

In the book we mention there are 168 hours in a week, with approximately 56 of those hours being taken up by sleep. That leaves 112 hours remaining. No doubt, since March, our 112 waking hours are totally different than pre-pandemic. To be more specific, our normal activities have either been canceled, reduced, confined, or rescheduled.

Consider your lifestyle NOW compared to your pre-COVID Life?

Time to take a good look at how our wardrobes are reflecting our new lifestyle change. And perhaps, we need to reevaluate our “Time Pie,” as we refer to it in Q Style.

Does Your Time Pie Graph still reflect the lifestyle you are living TODAY?

It’s important to look at your time pie graph and consider what activities you are engaged in the majority of the time NOW.

Our wardrobes should reflect that. But even with these topsy-turvy changes, who says we can’t look stylish on our daily walks, or on short jaunts to the grocery store? Who says we can’t wear lipstick under our masks? Or, heaven forbid, neglect brushing our teeth just because no one can smell our breath? (You know, ladies, that is going to catch up to us.)

In a time when morale is low, is it important to keep up appearances? You bet it is, girls!

When you look good, you feel more confident–more equipped to handle your daily activities. More excited to meet neighbors on your daily walks. More enthusiastic at ZOOM meetings. Positivity is infectious, and right now it is much-needed, no matter where you are.

So, does your leisure-wear need an update? Or might you add some new accessories to casual clothes you already own? You don’t have to spend a lot of money creating stylish looks for quarantine.

Here are some suggestions for pepping up your outfits:

• Wear some COLOR. What hues make you feel fabulous? Wear your “happy colors,” as my friend, Janet, calls them.
• Don’t forget the fragrance. Just because you’re wearing a mask, doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in some great-smelling body lotion, shower gel, or perfume. Don’t underestimate the power of aromatherapy. Even if you’re the only one getting a whiff of yourself! (Candles will do the trick, too.)
• Get some new leisure-wear. Activewear has become the “uniform” of the hour. But it doesn’t have to be slouchy. Throw out those stained, frayed, dated pieces, and invest a few bucks in new ones. Sam’s and Target have great prices, and you can always count on them as “essential” businesses.
• Treat yourself to a fun accessory. A tube of lipstick or eye shadow, a pair of earrings, a new scarf that doubles as a mask, or a colorful tote won’t break the bank, but it can sure lift the spirit. (And there are so, so many good deals online right now.)

So evaluate your own time pie, and discover where your wardrobe is lacking for this new-normal lifestyle. You can have some fun while boosting your mood. After you do, you can share your positivity with everyone else!

HERE’S A BLANK TIME PIE GRAPH IF YOU NEED ONE:

YOU, DEAR READERS, ARE THE GREAT INSPIRERS…SO HAPPY THAT WE ARE HERE FOR EACH OTHER!