There is no doubt that the pandemic has certainly altered the way we dress. I for one, have never been closer with my tracksuits. What with being confined to closed quarters all day long, dressing for comfort has never been more acceptable. However, while loungewear and leisurewear have been in high demand lately, there is never a bad time to throw on your favourite outfit and simply dress up for you.

Over a dozen of our wonderful VCFS 2021 models have thrown together some of their weekly outfits to show us what they wear in a week! Each outfit is a personal creation reflective of the person who wears it. Even in times like this, if given the chance, what we wear can say a lot about who we are.

Each set of outfits below are ordered in the sequence of Monday through Friday. Enjoy!

And, until next time, stay safe.

A message from our Head Model, Amanda Gimera:

Over the last 6 months, the model portfolio has entirely shifted their focus to creating unique content on VCFS digital platforms. They have redefined the role of the VCFS model and have overcome numerous challenges, adjustments, and setbacks over the course of the year. Yet, they remain driven to put their creativity first and facilitate greater reach and engagement through authentic content creation.

Keep an eye on our social media in the coming weeks for more home-shoot content and promotional work leading up to the virtual show in March!

Amanda Gimera // Head Model

I would have to say, one of the most unique components of my wardrobe is all the coats that I own! I currently have about 30 coats/jackets/parkas that have been bought, thrifted, and gifted over the years that I incorporate into my wardrobe everyday. I always love to change it up throughout the week, but unfortunately with Covid, staying home has resulted in way less coat action and way more sweatsuits on the daily. Now, even though my personal style has become a little more comfort-oriented, I always love adding a statement coat to dress-up and add flare, even if I’m just going to the grocery store!

Celine Petrossi // Model

This pandemic has definitely changed my style for the worst, but I took this opportunity to finally get ready again. However, I could not bring myself to put makeup on… although it was fun to put together outfits again, and finally put jeans on again.I got these FAUX leather pants for christmas and nowhere to wear them just yet so at least I can show them off here!

Amrit Brar // Model

If it’s even possible, my love for comfy clothes has grown stronger since the start of the pandemic. On days that I want to be comfortable but look dope, I resort to my silk long sleeve top and trousers. On days that you need a pick me up, this is THE outfit for you because you will feel elegant and expensive! Alternatively, I love wearing my jeans, specifically my mom jeans, since I’m able to cross my legs while sitting on my chair, which is important because I sit weirdly!

Marcus Sorrell // Model

I believe that incorporating an additional thought process to seemingly mundane things, like what to wear during an isolating pandemic, adds purpose to your day. During the lockdown my wardrobe has begun to shift from fitted clothing / sleek looking leisurewear to baggier and comfort centered clothing. Each day I dress up for myself, and not necessarily for public appearances. This shift in mindset has helped me alot with being at a distance from friends and family.

Emily Gwin // Model

Picking out an outfit every day is truly what keeps me feeling productive - through the pandemic, I find that when I look lazy, I feel lazy. That being said, on mornings when I don’t really have motivation, I rely on my staple pieces to make getting dressed feel easy - that means lots of jeans, cardigans, and big pants. I love matching sets right now, and the Zara tan button down and wide-leg pant set has been on rotation non-stop since I purchased it - they make you look so put together in so little time. Love!

Kyara Andrews // Model

Although these days I usually end up in my sweats by 4pm, I loved putting together some of my favorite outfits for this blog post! I never know how to describe my style, but I love funky patterns, layering different textures and spicing it up with unique thrifted items. Hope you enjoy!

Ruby Luhtanen // Model

My goal for most outfits is versatility. I love being able to layer pieces and change them throughout the day to create different looks without having to change my entire outfit. This week, I tried to combine some fancier items with more casual compliments to create outfits that can fit multiple occasions!

Jade Leanord // Model

I really haven’t been getting dressed up as much with nowhere to go, so here’s a collection of some favourite outfits I would wear in a week! I’m usually cold no matter the temperature so I tend to layer a cardigan over most outfits. I like sticking with earth tones and mixing patterns, and usually have a couple thrifted items in all my outfits. I take a lot of inspiration from skate culture and business casual looks, and love finding a balance between the two :)

Lena Malizia-Kelly // Model

Even though this year we’ve all been at home every day, I really see the importance of getting out of those pjs and dressed everyday. I am my most productive self when I follow a routine and picking out a fresh outfit for the day is a part of that. I’m human, so I definitely do have those days where I wake up and change out of pjs into new pjs, but hey, it’s still a ‘new outfit’, so pat on the back. During Canadian winters, I always love to layer pieces together because it allows for more versatility and warmth of course!

Brealey Carragher // Model

I have spent so much time trying to figure out my style and I have gotten nowhere. My current style ranges from camp Counsellor to a femme cottage core boho mix to looking like a little skater boy, and honestly, I’m living for it. I originally was going to do one day where I go all out, but that obviously didn’t happen. So, instead, I’m serving you a 2$ thrifted sweater, old Ugg’s I cut into slippers and lounge shorts because that’s just more real. I also think everyone should own a shoelace belt.

Carolyn Mahr // Model

To me, the most important thing I look for in my wardrobe is comfort. I believe the saying "beauty is pain" is ridiculous. Beauty is being able to be present, to feel confident, and being comfortable with who you are. I also believe that one's style isn't confined to a particular look or vibe. This week, my wardrobe aims to combine these two elements-- comfort and variety-- in each outfit.

I'm an advocate for high-waisted jeans, mini skirts and all things cargo pants. I've recently adopted a sustainable lens to my outfits; most items featured this week have either been thrifted, are hand-me-downs or clothes I have loved for years. The shoes featured are all sustainably made (peep the Allbirds), and high ponytail hairstyles help keep me on my game, especially on gloomy quarantine days when I need a bit of an energy boost.

On the surface, the pandemic can be tough on fashion as it inhibits the immediate display of self-expression. However, I think it presents an empowering opportunity for us to dress up for ourselves and think about how we want to feel in the clothes we wear, regardless of the audience :)

Madeleine Smith // Model

My closet is probably 50% turtlenecks! I love layering and dressing for warmth, especially in these cold winter months. I mostly wear darker colour palettes and classic shapes, but I love having a few unique pieces, like my snake hoop earrings or fun t shirts (the Talking Heads/Borat inspired one is my favourite, by @critical_thanos_theory).

Ashley Ngo // Model

During my first two years of university, I would only wear neutral toned pieces because I wanted to match the aesthetic of the clothing store I worked at (Oak and Fort). I think it’s safe to say quarantine has encouraged me to branch out and try new colour palettes. Most days, I typically leave my room in a t-shirt and sweatpants… but lately, I’ve been trying to get in the habit of dressing up to make myself feel productive. Even when it’s -15 degrees outside, I think the benefit of not having to leave the house is getting to wear a dress or skirt whenever you want. As you’ll see in my “outfits of the week” (I say this loosely because two of these pictures were taken months ago), most of my inspiration comes from Pinterest boards and TikTok. My favourite fashion icon at the moment is Amanda Steele.

TICKETS ARE OFFICIALLY ON SALE FOR THE 24TH ANNUAL VCFS FASHION SHOW. This year, VCFS will be hosting an 100% online, virtual show! Our show will run from March 26-27 and your proceeds will go towards supporting Almost Home Kingston. To purchase tickets, visit https://linktr.ee/vcfstickets

All proceeds collected from ticket sales will be donated to Almost Home. Almost Home provides housing and support to families with children receiving medical care at local hospitals and clinics. Other medical issues that bring families to Almost Home include children receiving treatment for cancer, children who have suffered an accident, and youth with ongoing challenges who might stay at Almost Home intermittently for years.

Mikayla Bergamin // Press and Media Editor

WHAT I WEAR IN A WEEK - VCFS MODEL CHAPTER