As everywhere else, fashion news this month was dominated by reportage about the global COVID-19 pandemic.

• Both the Met Gala and the 2020 CFDA Fashion Awards have been postponed amidst Coronavirus concerns.
• Here’s an overview of fashion and beauty brands that are manufacturing products to help prevent and cope with the spread of COVID-19.
• Fashionista is also keeping a running list of fashion and beauty retailers that are temporarily closing their physical storefronts, and how this affects their employees.
• Laura Ashley is permanently closing 70 stores following a damaging blow to its business from the Coronavirus pandemic. 
• 18 beauty brands giving back in support of Coronavirus relief.
• Anna Wintour and Tom Ford are setting up a fundraising initiative called “A Common Thread,” to provide relief to US fashion businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.
• Refinery29 reports that the Coronavirus will change the nail industry as we know it.

We at YLF hope you are staying safe and healthy.

I love plaid (or checked) pants, and have several pairs. I’ve worn them since I was a teen and consider them part of my signature style. When it comes to pants, I like bold checks and subtle checks, and every check in between. Bright, neutral, small, big, low contrast, high contrast — I’ve worn them all. 

At the moment, I have six pairs of plaid pants (the the exact items in the collection below.) Currently, all the checks are “quiet,” although it wasn’t planned that way. They are mostly micro in size, low contrast, and fairly neutral. Some pairs I wear year round and others are seasonal. Every checked pant in my wardrobe is a workhorse. I wear them as frequently as my jeans, although they are dressier. I remix them with brights, pastels, and neutrals, and pattern mix a lot with them too. They are awfully versatile and function like false plains in my wardrobe.

Here are four easy outfit ideas with quiet checked pants.

1. Moto and Sneakers

This is a great one for Team Untucked Top. Combine a pair of quiet neutral plaid pants with an untucked white pullover, blouse, tee or shirt, and white sneakers. Top things off with a black moto jacket to finish off the look. Here the black and white top layers bookend the white sneakers with the black stripe. Fably matchy-matchy. White sneakers, or black sneakers with white soles would work well too. Or if you insist, a pair of black boots.

2. Dark Pattern Mix

This is for Team Dark Neutrals. Combine dark neutral plaid pants with a solid top to match. Throw in a patterned topper in the same palette, and finish things off with dark footwear that works with the bottoms. Or swap things around by wearing a dark patterned top in the same palette with a solid topper.

3. Glam, Heeled and Pretty

This is the most maximal and dressy of the four renditions and for Team Heels. Combine a pair of quiet grey plaid pants with an earthy top and gold heels. Finish things off with a pastel pink topper. The gold shoes and mustard top are complementary. The pink is unexpected, as are the glitzy dressy pumps. Loving how the hoops mirror the glitz of the pumps.

4. White Support Act

Here’s a simple rendition to end off with, and my favourite because it’s awfully crisp, and I adore white shoes. Generally, you can sandwich most pairs of quiet plaid pants with a white top and white footwear to create a cohesive and pulled together look. Choose a dressy or casual white support act. Wearing a white camisole under a white top makes the white look brighter. Tuck, semi-tuck or untuck the top. Add jewellery, watch and bag as desired.

Now that many of us are working and staying at home, fashion sites worldwide are talking about what to wear in this new reality, with a focus on comfy attire. Here’s a roundup:

• 7 editors share their favourite work-from-home outfits.
• Kim France’s picks for the best clothes for lounging around.
• PopSugar collected 101 loungewear pieces that’ll take your comfy level to 100%.
• Refinery29’s Gabrielle Korn feels “there is no ‘work from home style’ when you’re working from home in a pandemic. You work in whatever makes you feel the best. The news is stressful enough without having to worry about whether or not you look good in quarantine.”
• 12 cute and cosy robes perfect for wearing around the house.
• The Huffington Post shares comfy work-from-home clothes that aren’t sweats or PJs.
• 30 Polished Tops to Wear When Videoconferencing From Home.
• How Do We Dress When There’s No One — and Nothing — to Dress For?
• Robin Givhan’s take on what happens when the narrative is just PJs and sweats.
• 31 Mood-Busting Pajama Sets For When You’re Chilling at Home.
• PopSugar recommends the Working From Home Fits Instagram account if you’re in the mood for a fun distraction.
• 14 Cute and Comfy Work Tops You Can Wear with Sweatpants at Home.

Fab Links from Our Members

CarolS’ eye was drawn to this article about where to get your fashion and beauty fix online.

Nordstrom’s alterations teams are sewing masks that will be used and distributed by Providence Health in Seattle. It made Angie’s heart happy hearing this, especially since she lives in Seattle and Nordstrom is a Seattle company.

Vildy was shocked to read that some sneaker soles last 1,000 years in landfill.

Alyson’s post about sturdy clothes and staying calm in a pandemic really resonated with nuancedream.

Zaeobi thought this Man Repeller article makes a good point: The Final Bows at Fashion Week Are Basically a How-To Manual for Cool Work Outfits.

Nemosmom directs us to “When You Work From Home, Every Day Is (Very) Casual Friday.”

This will probably be the last post for a while that is based on shopping outings with my clients. I wrote it a couple of weeks ago, and hesitated to post it at all. But in the spirit of taking a moment away from thinking about current events, here are some of the fab items we found.

Based on my most recent shopping trips with clients, I’m pleased to report that the quality of merchandise at retail is looking better than it has in years. Furthermore, retailers are offering sustainable solutions, and discounts have been aplenty. These fab finds cover a range of wardrobe items, price points, and vibes.

1. Vince Saxon 2 Slip-On Sneaker

A beautifully made slip-on flatform sneaker with a trendy snip square toe. Fits a regular volume foot best, and narrower feet can try adding an insole. They are moderately comfortable, and not “Naturalizer-comfortable”, but might work well for you. Chic, streamlined, and hip on the foot.

2. Marc Jacobs Softshot Crossbody Bags

Impeccable quality crossbody bags in a slew of versatile neutrals, and with either silver or gold hardware. The brilliance of the bag is its double volume. It has two zips, which you can see in detail on the product pages. They come in two sizes, and the straps are long enough for tall gals.

3. Loft Mixed Media Shell Top

These are unique because they have a woven front and a KNITTED back in exactly the same colours and patterns. They are fluid, comfortable, and easy to wash and wear. They layer well under jackets and cardigans, and look fab worn on their own. The armholes aren’t too wide, and the necklines differ. Might run a size big.

4. Furla Small and Medium Alba Satchel

IMPECCABLE quality satchels across TWO sizes that are absolutely gorgeous in a unique Modern Retro way. Their round shape from the side is beautifully elegant, which does not come through in the photos. Trust me when I say that this bag is darling. The zippers open up widely so that you can easily reach for the contents. You can use it as a crossbody or clutch it like a satchel. I have the smaller in white and pink. What looks like lilac is more grey in person.

5. ECCO Soft 7 High Tops and Slip-On Woven Sneaker

I can’t rave enough about the Ecco Soft 7 high tops that I have in white. I’ve been wearing them almost daily for three weeks (but not for client meetings). They are definitely my favourite ultra casual Spring boot. They look great with my wide crops and roomy cuffed jeans. Crisp, modern, clean-cut, and a fun nod to the ‘80s. They are extremely comfortable, and well-made. They work well for my low-volume feet with two sets of insoles. I wish they came in other colours, but in the meantime I am duplicating the white.

The slip-on Soft 7 with woven vamp is DIVINE on the foot, especially in the pewter and the dark blue. Well made, very comfortable, awfully neat and tidy, and interesting. Size up if you need an orthotic. The shoe has worked on a range of foot shapes. Add insoles for low-volume feet.

6. Club Monaco Trench Coats

I’ve seen and fitted all of these coats on clients and they are GORGEOUS. Impeccable quality, fab streamlined fits (tailored or very fluid), crisp, modern, trendy yet classic, and with a high longevity factor. Interestingly, the blue lacquer trench does not have buttons so you can only fasten it with the belt. It hangs well without a belt too. The maxi-length trenches do not have belts at all, and drape architecturally on the body. Their fits are genius, and fashion-forward. I wish they came in a larger assortment of sizes.

7. AllSaints Soft Dresses

If you like to wear dark moody dresses, head over to AllSaints to give their frocks a whirl. They are well-made, interesting, and quite refined. They can all be worn with bare legs and black stompy boots for a ‘90s edge. Feel free to throw on black leggings with flats or pumps with them too. The size assortment is unfortunately small.

8. AllSaints Ryder Checked Coat

If you like to wear bold toppers with architectural volume – try this beauty. It’s well-made, unlined, and LIGHTWEIGHT, so good for milder Springs or Autumns. The lines of the checks line up beautifully. It does not close in front and does not have a belt. It feels more like a cosy sweater coat than a structured coat. Comes in solid grey.

9. Waist-Cinching and Double Belts

These ‘80s inspired belts are extremely fun to wear over dresses and tunics, or with pants, skirts, jeans and shorts. The double belt styles don’t look like they can work with pants and jeans, but they do, and you can see how if you click on some of the links. You do need to wear a tight tucked top with the look for the belt to work that way though. If that’s not your cuppa tea, try it over a roomy tunic or dress.