Can we all agree that it’s a weird time for clothes?

It goes without saying that it’s a weird time for everything, but in most other times of crisis, people tend to keep getting dressed. It’s usually a constant; but right now this constant has come to feel a little irrelevant. If you’re not going anywhere all day, why wouldn’t you just wear a hoodie and pyjamas? Another ‘new normal’ lots of 20-somethings are coming around to is being back living with our parents. Whether an unexpected change in situation has forced you home or you wanted to be close to the fam while you isolate, it's a big adjustment – made weirder by the fact that you spend 95 per cent of your time around the house in a dressing gown, like a toddler after a bath. One upshot to this is that you have plenty of time to have a snoop around at home, specifically in your parents’ wardrobes. Vintage pieces have never been hotter so why not see what you can find? Previous generations bought clothes more mindfully than we do and with an emphasis on quality, so there’s everything chance that whatever you come up with will still be in great nick. We know you’re (probably) not going anywhere but this is an activity that’ll fill a quiet afternoon and, depending on what you find, may even inspire you to get out of your jim-jams. Here are five key things to keep an eye out for when going through your mum and/ or dad’s stuff.  

A great blazer

These never really go out of style but the 90s-style box blazer – think post-divorce Princess Diana – is having a serious moment.  

An oversized white shirt

The bigger the better, we say, so here’s where your dad could come in handy. A simple white or light blue dress shirt will never not look amazing with jeans.  

Ugly sandals

Don’t overlook the Velcro-strapped lads your mum has for walking on holidays.  

Woollen knits

Not the cheapy ones that you can get in any high street shop but cardigans and jumpers made of actual wool that your folks have had for years. Cosiness guaranteed.  

Costume jewellery

No-one’s suggesting you ask your mum to hand over her wedding ring but if she was around in the 80s there’s every chance she has some fun earrings, rings or necklaces that could do with another outing.