Dressing up during lockdown with crystal hoops

I was writing monthly reports for work, when I noticed the gap between how much I wanted to accomplish during lock down and how much I actually did. I also noted that I was more productive on the days I taught online or had meetings. This got me thinking. Technically, I had more time on my hands on the other days so I could have accomplished more. Instead those days seem to be a mash up of daily chores and mindless watching of online shows. Intrigued, I did some analysis. On the days that I took class I was dressed up. Not dolled up with makeup and fancy clothes but wore clothes that did not include nighties, shorts or pyjamas.

Dressing up during lockdown

According to the theory of “enclothed cognition”, when we wear clothes and accessories which we associate with work (and workplace) we are more productive. Dressing up for the day gives us a sense of routine and normalcy, motivating us to work. Even a simple ritual like wearing a watch, setting your hair and wearing a crisp shirt and skirt can increase productivity.

While I wear Kurtas with salwars regularly, I find myself wearing more western wear these days. Knits have become my staple tops in this heat along with cotton pants or skirts. I am allowed to wear casual clothes to work as long as they are modest. Therefore, shorter tops/skirts, sleeveless tops or tight fits don’t see the light of the day. The very few that I own are becoming a part of isolation attire as they can be dressed up to look formal for a VC meeting if needed. Since I am at home, I also don’t have to worry about suitable footwear for a stylish western attire.

Styling Tips

Pro tip 1 of styling for a Video call is to wear colours that flatter your face and make it look bright. Pro tip 2 is to pin up lose hair falling on your face. I find it so irritating when people keep playing with their hair on VC. That being said,  I have put together some easy summer looks for women here. They are western wear, easy to wear tops and trousers or denim skirts. You can experiment with bold colours and interesting cuts and accessorise with great jewellery. Brooches and belts can be used to add style and structure looser clothes. Regardless of what clothes I am wearing on a video call, I always accessorise with statement earrings. They help take the attention away from my bushy lock down eyebrows. My go-to earrings have been crystal hoops for complement both semi-formal and casual wear. When I am wearing a lower neck t-shirt the wrap around gold cord necklace comes in handy as well.

Trend: Crystal hoops

Crystal hoop earrings were hailed as the next big thing in jewellery for SS20 by WGSN. See the trend report below. Well, the prediction came before the pandemic but I would say that it is one trend that works well even in lock down. While the images suggest rhinestone encrusted (cup soldered) hoops, I find wire wrapped ones better as they are lightweight.

DIY Crystal hoops Tutorial

The hoops that I have been wearing regularly for the past month are my own creation. I upcycled a pair of extremely lightweight aluminum hoops into crystal hoops. Find the tutorial to make your own below. The dutone of the mixed metals makes sure that the earrings go with both warm and cool coloured clothing. I used magenta coloured wire to add a bit of zing to the earrings. You can use gold or silver coloured wire for a less “wild” version. Don’t have hoop frames on hand? Use 18g half hard or hard wire to make your own frame. The mixed metal makes it less blingy with the rhinestones adding a nice natural glow to the face on screen.

Materials needed to make your own pair

1. Metal hoop earrings (Aluminum) – 2 inch diameter
2. Rhinestone chain – 4mm- clear stone, gold base
3. Coloured wire – 28g – Magenta
4. Tools – Nose pliers and wire cutter

Method

1. Measure the circumference of the hoop minus the hook portion. Cut the required amount of rhinestone chain. Since the wire is thin, you can wrap is directly from the spool* without cutting the wire.
2. Insert one end of the wire into the last cup of the rhinestone chain and pull out a tail of one inch. Wrap this 2-3 times to the frame whilst holding the chain to the frame tightly. If you are unable to hold the rhinestone chain while wrapping, you can use a bit of glue to keep it in place.
3. Continue fixing the rhinestone chain to the frame by wire wrapping between each stone twice.
4. Finish by wrapping a few times at the end and tucking the wire between the frame and the stone cups. Repeat the above steps to complete the pair of earrings.

* 28g-32g wire in India come in 2 inch small flat spools making the wrapping easier.

That is an easy way to make some fun DIY Crystal hoops. Do try it out and if you feel like making more jewellery check out my list of free tutorials.  In the meanwhile, share your thoughts on dressing up during a lock down and your favourite attire to sport.

I hope you find it interesting
Cheers