One Year Later: How to Style All Your Early Quarantine Buys for Real Life

Slippers, sweatsuits, boxer-style shorts, tube socks, leggings, and tie-dye anything. If you didn’t already own these things prior to the pandemic or if you just had a few, my guess is that they suddenly appeared in your wardrobe in multiples sometime around April or May of 2020. The unofficial “quarantine starter pack,” as I like to refer to the grouping, took social media as well as our shopping carts by storm and maintained its place firmly for just about a year, which is pretty much how long we spent in lockdown.

But now that things are starting to open up and we actually have places to go and people to see again, what’s one to do with all these items? It would be a shame to let them go to waste after we invested so heavily in our comfy collections. Luckily, there’s a solution. While they are great for wearing at home, all these pieces can also be integrated into your going-out wardrobe. For easy and cool ideas on how to style each one and, of course, some shopping along the way, just keep scrolling.

I’m actually dying to re-create this easy outfit myself.

A bralette and blazer are the perfect complements to dress up this boxer-style shorts set.

When in doubt, just add party heels.

Or, of course, ankle boots.

Who knew slippers looked so chic with a blouse and printed pants?

Proof that the most unexpected pairings are often the coolest.

A long coat makes anything look streamlined—even leggings and thong sandals. Just be sure to choose a light one for these warmer months. 

Say it with me: tank, button-down, leggings, strappy heels.

Your tube socks no longer need to be relegated to your home. If you’re going out, pair them with a cute dress and sneakers to start. 

I love this layered bike-shorts look and will definitely be attempting to copy it this weekend.

Thankfully, tie-dye looks great with denim, so all those pieces you acquired can easily be worn with your favorite jeans, shorts, and skirts.

Have endless tie-dye sweats? Style them with a coordinating crop top and easy heels. 

Next: 49 epic summer finds under $49.