The world may not be your oyster right now, but your clothing can be. It’s the second month of social distancing to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic and we’re getting a little bit restless. We’ve made our six loaves of banana bread, tried all of our makeup looks, learned all of the TikTok dances, and tie dyed everything white that we own. The combination of warmer weather and transitioning our wardrobes to spring summer has got us brainstorming our next destination. We might not be actually going anywhere, but we’re giving ourselves a mental vacation even if it’s just for a day. We’re taking to our wardrobes, some smart photoshopping, and a little dash of imagination to help transport us to faraway places.
#GoingNowhereButF*ckItImGettingDressed, coined by Leandra Medine, is all about dressing for something special even if you’re just going to sit on your couch or wash the dishes. We’re borrowing this mindset and letting our destination dictate what we wear. It’s all about making every day feel new again! Wake up in the morning and ask yourself Where do I want to go today? The beach? Mountains? Camping? Clothing has the power to lift your spirits and mentally take you places you want to go. If you’re craving the beach, throw on your go-to bathing suit and lay out in the sun. Missing your summer alpine mountain trips? Finally wear those hiking pants you’ve been saving on your trip o the grocery store.
We asked four of our favorite stylish ladies where they would go if they could right now. So hop on a virtual airplane (don’t worry, the security line is really fast) and meet us in Jamaica? Morocco? Ghana? Miami? The choice is yours! All you have to do is pick out an outfit to match.
Maria Alia, Freelance multi-faceted creative
Where are you right now? Mobile, AL at my parent’s home.
What place are you getting dressed for? Morocco!
Why? It's been on my bucket list for a few years now and I really wanted somewhere warm, with a coastline, and a rich and vibrant culture. Although arguably becoming a hot tourist spot, I think Morocco is a really unique country that still holds a sense of authenticity. There's so many unique cities to jump around with hidden gems that I'm dying to experience.
What’s the first thing you would do in Morocco? I'm dying to experience an authentic Moroccan souk (bazaar market) where I can practice my broken Arabic and haggling skills. Also, really down for some home cooked tagine.
What do you miss the most about life, pre-quarantine? I really miss New York City. The people, the energy, the grimy-ness, all of it! I love that place. I definitely have adapted well to living back at my parents home at this point. I'm extremely grateful to have ended up quarantining with my family. It's the longest I've ever been home since moving away 4 years ago and it almost feels like everything is as it was before my life in NYC. With this, comes a lot of uncertainty and uneasiness as I really have no idea when I will be going back to NYC and what my life will look like over the next 6 months. I'm hopeful and trying to stay as adaptable as possible.
Lillian Ahenkan, DJ + TV Host
Where are you right now? Sydney, Australia at my apartment!
What place are you getting dressed for? Ghana!
Why? I was planning to go around February, then pushed it back to April, but then bailed and bought tickets to Coachella instead (sad, we know how that went). Last year I went twice on my own as an adult – I referred to it as my homecoming. It's so life-affirming to go to "where you're from" (I was born in Australia, but I'm Ghanaian) and immerse yourself in your own culture. Every time I go I feel lighter, brighter, happier, more carefree, down to earth and special. It's lovely.
What’s the first thing you would do in Ghana? Go see my friend Sierra. She's a wonderful person, photographer and the perfect trip liaison. She knows exactly how to turn an average day into a perfect on. My best memories of Ghana are with her.
What do you miss the most about life, pre-quarantine? I miss the option of doing things outside of the house, which sounds ironic coming from me because pre-coronavirus you would have to FORCE me to leave the house. But it's not even about leaving or going any in particular, I really just like the option.
Alyssa Coscarelli, Freelance fashion writer and style influencer
Where are you right now? LA at my boyfriend’s place.
What place are you getting dressed for? Miami!
Why? I'm from Florida originally, and I think because it's spring leading into summer when I'd normally go home, I'm craving Florida beaches. My parents live not far from Miami so around this time of year we'd definitely go spend a day or a weekend there. It's always so full of life -- people everywhere, music bumping from restaurants, people walking the art-deco streets in their sexiest outfits and baring it all on the beach. And I guess that's just what I'm really craving right now, being in quarantine; I'm craving that alive, concentrated human energy and culture that we're all deprived of at the moment.
What’s the first thing you would do in Miami? I would get a huge brunch (brunch is my favorite meal and while we've been cooking breakfast at home, it just doesn't compare), walk around and shop while soaking up the sun, and lay on the beach or by the pool until the sun went down.
What do you miss the most about life, pre-quarantine? I miss all the human connection that my job typically brings me: The coffee meetings, the events, the travels and meeting of new people. I've been connecting with small brands via Zoom and Instagram since we can't meet in person right now, and trying to support them however I can. And, I've been hanging out with industry friends on Zoom as well, and we're all trying to support each other during this time.
Imani Randolph, Model
Where are you right now? Albany at my mom’s home.
What place are you getting dressed for? Jamaica!
Why? My mom is from Montego Bay and before the current crisis, my parents, my mom’s best friend (who I consider my second mom), and I were planning a trip to the island. So this is my homage to that. I selected this look because I’m a sucker for a good co-ord and the gingham feels like a fabric my grandma would’ve selected when making clothes for my mom when she was little.
What’s the first thing you would do in Jamaica? EAT. The first time I went to Jamaica I was 10 years old and so shamefully ignorant. I ate instant ramen throughout the whole trip because I refused to try the food my family was making — all I can do is laugh, because I truly played myself. I’ve since realized how bomb Jamaican food is, but I’m counting down the days until I can have oxtails and rice and peas straight from the source.
What do you miss the most about life, pre-quarantine? I miss walking out of my apartment each day into the unknown; each day in New York can have a thousand different outcomes which is thrilling, terrifying, and beautiful. But I get by knowing those days will come again and when they do I’ll meet them with a greater eagerness and appreciation.