by You’ve probably heard of “off-duty style”, but do you know about the “hot girl errands” look? Believe it or not, this social media trend has been going strong for months, with Gen Z influencers posting their favorite “sporty and sassy” outfits to lift the tedium of everyday tasks and, of course, to collect comments and likes. A stretchy unitard worn with an oversized leather jacket and Adidas Gazelles, accessorized with a designer handbag and a full face of make-up is a popular look. Finally, the style is expressed with the restlessness of someone who doesn’t really need to make any mistakes, because instead of posting a Zara job or buying a new lipgloss, Mom and Dad probably still do it all.
I should know; I have a teenage daughter who can’t refill the ice tray without pleading exhaustion, a modern affliction apparently called “barley paralysis”, though I like to call it “ice plodding”.
But back to the glamorous “error dressing”, which, hot or not, is becoming a pervasive term in the world of fashion beyond the lives of teenage internet stars. According to s Vogue video, Kendall Jenner’s first errand run outfit is an all-black jeans-and-tee ensemble with a red sweater by luxury label Khaite draped artfully around her shoulders, suggesting that her tasks using her weapons.
This sweater would take on a life of its own if I wore it a day running, swinging erratically around my neck like an annoying snood, constantly falling or, even worse, hitting people in the face as they fly back into position. An unflappable A-lister, it’s super chic; for a hot mess like me, it would be a shambles, like being stuck all day with unruly pets.
Among middle-aged midwives, 43-year-old Gisele Bundchen seems to be the queen of crown-friendly casual wear. The model was recently seen in New York “running errands” in a figure-hugging (completely impractical) knitted dress and long high-heeled boots. Try pulling off this look if you’re hauling parcels to the post office or grabbing a bumper pack of loo roll.
According to Elle magazine, Lady Gaga makes “chic look” running errands in mega-platform knee high boots, and US Vogue Dakota Johnson’s spring errand look – a long, sheer floral dress and slide sandals – has been described as “very attainable”. And then I was thinking that baggy joggers, soft knits and trainers were fit for purpose.
There’s a lot of pressure on girls and women to conform to existing ideals of feminine beauty, so do we really need another one that dates back to the 1950s housewife? No, we definitely don’t, but while I think this slinky dress code is obscene and weirdly regressive, I’m not on board with the idea of passively polishing my personal style for my next round of errands, if not there just to do the drudgery. all of that – the endless queuing, the bagging of carrier bags, the drop offs, the pick ups and the ticking of boxes, a little more tolerable.
It is also worth noting that this fashion trend is used almost exclusively to describe women’s dress codes, which, if you think about it, says a lot about how these tasks are perceived (according to both gender) when performed by women.
Indeed, there seems to be a need to downplay these serious responsibilities that grease the wheels of home life and instead present them as fun and frivolous, tackled with ferocity in 3in heels and/or oak skin Lycra. When you’re stuck in a queue for a prescription, wrists poised to snap under the pressure of your bulging bag for life, mistakes are fun and eye-popping. Stand next to someone like me trying to wear a sweater as a scarf, and you’ll probably find one of those too.
In my search for well-structured workwear that’s stylish, easy to maintain – because mistakes are hard work if you live in the real world – California-based designer Jesse Kamm, whose utilitarian and elegant collections, sold in London surprises me. Aimé’s boutique and its website are designed to make you feel safe, tidy and ready to take action, with good reason.
“I grew up in the country, in a rural farming community, so I was surrounded by a lot of work clothes in my childhood”, she explains. “My family was always busy building things on the weekends, and the clothes showed that. There were overalls, covers, carpenter’s trousers, jeans, all made of canvas, twill and denim. These materials and shapes found their way naturally into my work.”
The parentage also shaped Kamm’s love of practical staples, inspired by “skaters, surfers and workers” and loved by a bohemian mix of high-profile artists and performers, including actresses Frances McDormand and Emma Stone and filmmakers Maggie Gyllenhaal and Janicza Bravo.
“I no longer had the luxury of time, and I needed a wardrobe that was sustainable and didn’t require any thought; uniform if yes,” explains Kamm.
I also like the idea of a uniform that suits the actual task Doing: something that screams “I deal in solutions”, with a slightly gritty avant-garde edge. I think the boiler suit has such cool purposes. At the top of my wishlist is a tailored Danny suit in heavy cotton by east London label LF Marky, available in a variety of colors and nicely proportioned to that retro “Suzi Quatro at art college” look, which is bound to bring it to life on trip. a Superdrug.
Finally, it goes without saying that errand shoes must be comfortable. Adidas Gazelle and Samba styles are still leading the trend, but why run when you can walk in shoes that spread a little (self) love, such as Elphick’s Lover Flats Camilla, which have a heart shape through criss-cross straps -cross? The British footwear designer designed them especially for women on the go, because she is one herself. “They’re like gloves for your feet and you can walk in them for hours,” she says.
And I can vouch for that. Plus, when I look down, I feel a little more respect and reward – not exactly “hot girl”, but hot enough for me.
