Pajama professionals

Now that I’m hidden inside all day, my fashion has fully regressed into leggings and slipper-socks. Seems I’m not alone. I chatted up friends and colleagues who all seemed to be coping in their own ways.

Veronica in Chula Vista shared my latest style point-of-view. “Yeah, I’m pretty stoked not to have to wear jeans!” Most days, she wears standard heather gray sweatpants (Target, $15) and a pair of tiger claw slippers. “I like the fun ones! I’m probably going to trip though.” Veronica said that after a few days, she set up a routine of making the bed, washing her face, and changing out of PJs to get into work mode.

She’s also seen benefits from not styling her hair every day and using under eye masks and skincare products while at home. “The Ordinary is a good brand, because the products are affordable, like $7-10 per bottle (found at Ulta) and super good quality because they use only a few ingredients.”

I checked with Justine in Los Angeles about her recent style habits. “This whole time, I’ve been changing out of my morning pajamas into my day pajamas. I’ve put jeans on twice and everyone said, ‘Whoa, why so fancy?!’”

That day, she wore pink camo leggings and a black hoodie (Ivy park, around $120). “I’ve vowed that when this order lifts, I’m dressing up every day for work. I’ve had my share of ‘sweats day.’ But I have most definitely been working on my skin.” Justine shared her steam facial regimen: “It’s a bunch of citrus peels. I like using orange. And I boil with water, then cover my head in a towel over it for 15 minutes.”

Meanwhile, Lynn in North Park was suitably dressed for work. “Since I’m on a couple of video calls a day, I like to still look professional up top. But with slippers, sweatshirt, and no makeup.” She thinks this helps her maintain a routine. “Also, I read a lot of articles about how getting dressed for the day helps you separate your work life, versus your home life.”

Alyssa in Pacific Beach has embraced yoga pants, hoodies, and UGG Boots as her go-to outfit. But she can’t wait to wear normal clothes again. “I totally miss having a reason to get dressed. I actually want to put on heels. I miss jeans!” I told her that sounded like crazy talk, but she added, “I miss mascara. I’ve been using lash boost (GrandeLASH, $60-80) and my lashes are thriving and no one is here to see it! It’s like... what a waste!”