The world is on fire, making it all the more important for us to look for the positives in our daily lives and the universe at large. Many changes are currently happening and, if we’re solely focused on the news channels and social media timelines, none of them are looking all that promising. That’s why we all need to take a step back from time to time, look around our immediate environment and practise gratitude for all the wonderful things that are changing: our perspectives on things and our drive to do better, the seasons, our appreciation for this life, this planet and the people we love most in it. Just keep your eyes peeled for all the good things in your life and you will find them, because they’re always there.

This attitude may sound a little too unobtainable, unrealistic even, with the threat of another lockdown hanging over us like a dark cloud. But we have to remember that, we’ve gotten through one before, and many of us have learned the greatest lessons throughout that tough but manageable period: it’s the little things that matter. It’s the daily “luxuries” we need to celebrate – having breakfast together as a family, without feeling rushed to race out the door; embracing new activities, on your own, as a couple or a family unit; practising the kind of self-love you usually don’t make time for. The latter, especially, has been super beneficial to those who usually spend their days tending to everyone’s needs but their own – their bosses’ or business, their clients or homes – often forgetting how healing it can be to take a long, hot bath or dress up for no one other than ourselves.

Make sure that you’re prepared for whatever this winter season brings – be it low-key get-togethers reduced in numbers or a home-sweet-home kind of ordeal. One way you’ll always be able to perk yourself up and take on the day with a confident, can-do spirit, is by dressing the part and, fortunately, the autumn and winter bring with them just the right kind of fashion style to hone that attitude. Here are 5 winter wardrobe essentials from the Fashionomics Africa Shop, all of which are guaranteed to get you smiling, feeling fly and into productive-mode – at home or elsewhere!

Lola Kaftan Dress by Jideka It’s not easy to find the perfect combination between stylish and comfortable, lest you’re happy to be dressing up your yoga wear on the daily. With this beautifully soft Lola kaftan dress by the South African brand, Jideka, however, you’ll get everything you could possibly want from a home-office garment: made from a rich pearl satin fabric, it’s light and breezy with and elegant flowy fit to make you feel like lockdown royalty. Available in a mossy green and autumn yellow with contrasting bindings, the loosely fitted Lola kaftan will have you reliving your summer days whilst keeping you warm and cosy worn with a pair of leggings underneath.

Inkingi Pleated Skirt & Top by Moshions No time to get lazy with your fashion senses now that we’re back to Zoom meetings and conferences – the bottom part of your outfit is just as important as the top that is actually visible on screen. No cheating with fancy tops and pyjama bottoms! Instead, treat yourself to this incredibly flattering and unique Inkingi pleated skirt and top combo for a look that is not only seasonally on trend, but also super comfortable to wear in as well as outdoors. These garments are total lookers without being too busy, meaning there’s no need for over-accessorizing. Just pick out the right pair of earrings and you’re good to stun your clients, bosses or family during your next screen meeting.

Prescilia Knit Top by Ara Emporium The fall and winter season is all about natural tones that complement the changing seasons. In other words, Ara Emporium’s Prescilia Knit Top will fit right into your autumn and winter wardrobe essentials in its neutral tone and, most importantly, the gorgeous cashmere feel knit with an elasticated sleeve that can be comfortable pulled to ¾ length or worn as a full sleeve depending on the day’s preferences and temperatures. This is the perfect home-office top with its sophisticated cold-shoulder look and oh-so snuggly material, seemingly made for those chillier days.

K-Daki Brass Ring by Adele Dejak Jewellery It takes some time getting used to switching from in-person meetings and presentations to the online format, especially if you’re someone who relies heavily on body language and a lot of gesturing throughout your conversations and showcasing methods. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize that you can say a whole lot with just your facial expressions and hand gestures, all of which come across strongly on screen. Draw even more attention to you gesticulating hands by bedazzling them with this K-Daki recycled brass ring by Adele Dejak Jewellery. It is an immediate eye-catcher and an absolute must-have for power dressing in your home office set up.

Beautiful Floral Ankara Fabric by Sarahmond Designs Remember how we discussed the benefits of taking on new hobbies during lockdown? How about sewing? This floral Ankara fabric by Sarahmond Designs comes in wonderful fall hues and will make for the perfect sewing projects – perhaps some seasonal face masks for when you venture out into our weird world or a nice kimono to keep you styling during your home office days. Made from 100% cotton, this fabric comes in a 3 yard cut so you can always calculate how much you’ll need for your personal sewing project. And, if you’re not up for sewing, use it to add a splash of colour to your office – drape it over your chair or hang it from a white wall for a warming effect.