Comfortable and practical clothes.

Comfortable and practical clothes.

Comfortable and practical clothes. Words that I find essential these days when planning my wardrobe. I was going to call this post “Comfortable capsule travel wardrobe”. However, under the circumstances, I don’t think many of us are doing much travelling at the moment.

We were planning to go down to the South of France next week however sadly that is no longer going to be possible.

However, in my opinion, we still need to keep our spirits up and there is no reason why we should not continue to wear stylish, practical and comfortable clothes if we are working from home or choosing to self-isolate. This season Hopefashionuk seems to have come up with a collection that is not only comfortable and practical but also stylish. The type of clothes that we will be able to wear for many years to come.

All the styles that I have chosen for this post are in my opinion simple, elegant and chic.

Cream cotton sweater and navy knit trousers

Above I am wearing their Cotton Saddle Stitch Knit Jumper in Cream. The subtle navy saddle stitch detail lifts the sweater from plain to special. The side splits, allow the garment to sit comfortably on the hips, delicately accentuating your curves. I can testify that the 100% cotton yarn is very soft and comfortable. I have completed the look with their Cotton Knit Wide Leg Trouser. Cream and soft pink bead and freshwater pearl necklace available at Chicatanyage Shop.

Red cashmere and wool sweater

These really are pull-on and go trousers. The 100% Cotton knit makes them very comfy. They are widish but in my opinion not too wide so would not be overwhelming if you are petite. The subtle but unmissable cream saddle stitch detail along the outer leg creates a transformative illusion that serves to elongate the leg, whilst also providing a modern-chic look. Black and white bead necklace Chicatanyage shop.

Black and white bead necklace

The splash of the bright red luxurious cashmere and merino wool sweater really elevates this outfit. Black and white bead necklace Chicatanyage shop.

These days many of us are looking to consume less, purchasing when we need something rather than because it’s “on-trend”; thus helping us to avoid impulse purchases. One of the things I find refreshing about Hopefashionuk is that they launch their seasonal collection later than most brands so that we can make our purchase when we are ready to wear them.

It was a joy modelling these clothes as they were so comfortable I did not want to take them off.

Disclaimer: The trousers and both sweaters were kindly lent to me for photographic purposes and have been returned. They are definitely going on my wish list.

PS. I am not going to specifically take about “the virus” as unless you live on a desert island with no means of communication you will be well informed. However, I am wishing you all well. Due to my age, I will be “self-isolating”. The blog will continue as I work from home. Let us keep connected and I would be happy for you to use the comments section to keep in touch, let us know how you are and to share any tips on how you are managing and what is helping you to navigate these very challenging times. I will be back at the end of this week to share some ideas of my own.

The photographs were taken by Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram

17 Comments

  1. Margo
    17th March 2020 / 12:52

    Hi Josephine. These look lovely and I agree that Hope is an excellent brand. It is one that is worth supporting at this difficult time. I am slightly younger but with a medical condition so while not completely isolating my trips are very limited and I am missing contact with my grandchildren already

    I would like to wish you and all your followers well over the coming period and would be delighted if you keep in touch with us.

    Best wishes

    Margaret

  2. 17th March 2020 / 13:08

    Thank you for your comment Margaret. I too am missing seeing my grandchildren. Facetime is the best we can do.

  3. Anna
    17th March 2020 / 15:12

    Lovely pix of you in Hope fashion, Josephine!

    If, like me, you are cooped up self-isolating, you can find lots of easy exercise videos on youtube. I can recommend hasfit,com which has a huge number of exercise programmes for all ages and fitness levels. I like the 20 minute seated exercise programme that burns 200 calories. There are also easy tai-chi and yoga programmes on the internet.

    Stay well, everyone, and stay fit!

    • 17th March 2020 / 15:59

      Thank you Anna I agree it is so important to keep fit. I will check out the seated exercises. I love my rebounder and bounce on it most days either to my favourite music or to a youtube video. In fact, I am off to bounce in a minute after my nice cup of tea and a small square of raw chocolate (my treat of the day).

  4. 17th March 2020 / 15:36

    I, also, am self-isolating. I am older than you, Josephine, and have heart problems so I have to be sensible. No reason not to dress up even if only the cat sees me or the family on Face Time. I have Readly, Prime, and Netflix installed and Younger Son is going to set up the Wi so that I can play games and exercise at the same time, .Loads of book on my Kindle Air will help also. Might even study Italian on line.

    • 17th March 2020 / 16:20

      Not sure what Readly is but have got the rest set up. Never thought of playing games but I might practice my French.

    • Valerie Hough
      18th March 2020 / 15:50

      The first time I’ve commentate though I have read your blog for several years, and particularly like your trips round the markets as I used to have an abode in Argeles sur mere. However due to arthritis I had to give it up.
      Unfortunately due to my self isolation I am married to an 86 year old and am 76 myself I have to abide by the rules so unfortunately I will not be able to attend my WI meetings or the committee meetings which I enjoy greatly. Also my Pilates and Physio in my home have to go but I will try and exercise myself!
      I recently placed an order on your website for the black and white pearls so even if not going out I will still look well presented! I wish everyone well and hopefully we can get through this together.

      • 18th March 2020 / 16:17

        Hello Valerie

        I posted your necklace this morning. Hope you like it and it cheers you up.

        My pilates class is also cancelled so I will be going for long walks and bouncing on my rebounder at home.

        keep well.

  5. BeatrizMaria
    17th March 2020 / 15:45

    Thanks Josephine for your way to make our terribles days more happys!
    Living in SAmerica and with many problems of sanity in my country and been at risk due my age I self-isolate a week ago
    Thanks again.
    Excusez-moi my poor English

    • 17th March 2020 / 15:50

      Hello BeatrizMaria
      Thank you so much for your comment. Your English is great. Wishing you well. Josephine

  6. Connie Konidaris
    17th March 2020 / 16:51

    Dear Josephine,You look great in these trousers and tops.Stay home and take care.My warm greetings from Athens, Greece.Love

  7. Angela in NZ
    17th March 2020 / 19:08

    Reading fashion blogs is the bright spot of the day when we are being drenched in news over which we have very little control. Staying optimistic and distracted from grim news is key. For those in the northern hemisphere take heart that nature is still going about it’s business and bursting with new life. For us “downunder” nature is slowing down and preparing for slumber, the days are cooling giving us an opportunity to get on top of jobs. Then it’ll be more reading, catching up on movies & documentaries and finally clearing out the cupboards of rarely used items. Oh and preparing for the day when we can safely travel again. Take care Josephine.

  8. Francie Newcomb
    17th March 2020 / 19:09

    Dear Josephine, we are self-isolating too. We are cosy in our home and walk our greyhounds twice or three times a day in completely uncrowded places. You look so nice in these comfortable clothes and I am laying out what to wear each day too in order to keep my spirits up! Let’s continue to chat online in comments on your wonderful blog!

  9. Christine Trory
    17th March 2020 / 20:09

    Always enjoy reading your posts and these outfits all look very comfortable as well as stylish. Thanks for reminding us to remain looking after ourselves and keeping up appearances! I live in western Canada in a rural community and am taking the opportunity to clear out cupboards and make lots of art.

  10. Sharon Bird
    18th March 2020 / 00:19

    So enjoy your blog! Keep well as we all get through this around the world. From Canada.

  11. Elaine Beale
    18th March 2020 / 14:08

    Hi Josephine. My husband and I returned home (to Canberra in Australia) yesterday from a two week holiday in France and we are required to self-isolate for two weeks. Our wonderful daughters and friends have been rushing around getting us a few supplies and ordering our groceries online but we got a message a couple of hours ago that our home delivery order for tomorrow has been cancelled. I’m feeling so frustrated that I can’t just go out and get what I need. My daughters tell me the shelves are bare and it’s hard to get most things. Bread, pasta, rice, tomato/pesto sauces, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, tissues and many other items are all our of stock. Even fresh meat and vegetables are being bought out immediately they go on the shelves. I don’t really understand why because everything was calm in France and the shops were fully stocked. Panic buying is making it almost impossible for anyone to get the bare necessities for a week and I am stuck at home totally dependent on others to drop off whatever they can find at the shops. All the grocery shops advertise that they’re catering for elderly people and the disadvantaged but I’m finding it a bit of a shambles. So yes, I’m frustrated but not discouraged. I hope you are faring better than we are! Those navy pants look fabulous by the way but I’m not buying anything at the moment. I have a feeling life may get tougher before it gets better but I’m sure we’ll get through this. Take care everyone!

    • 18th March 2020 / 16:10

      Hello Elaine
      Thank you for your comment. We were due to go to France next week but sadly will not be going there now. I do think they are more organised in France. We walked into our village yesterday and like you we found most shelves empty. We did get our delivery this morning but can’t log on to book another. My son can’t even find nappies for his forthcoming second baby. Very sad state of affairs I don’t think there is a need for panic buying.

I love to hear from you please leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sign up for new posts

And don’t worry, you can unsubscribe at anytime.

Disclaimer: Products featured on Chicatanyage sometimes (but not always) include affiliate links. This means that a small referral commission may be paid to the retailer (at no extra cost to you). This contributes to the cost of maintaining this blog including Hosting fees etc. Chicatanyage could not exist without these small payments so thank you for your contribution.