June 21st. Freedom Day. The date when, hopefully, restrictions will finally be lifted and the UK will be back to ‘normal’. Was it ever normal? Who knows.

But what we do know, is that when we finally emerge from our homes after months spent indoors, blinking into the light and looking rather pasty, we’re not quite sure how the world is going to look. 

One thing’s for sure, though, is that many of us are going to be looking a little different. Perhaps you’ve been working out in your home gym relentlessly, like a prison scene from a famous movie. Maybe you’ve been cutting your own hair with, erm, mixed results. Or have you decided to change style, so you can swagger out of lockdown with an eye-catching new look? If the latter sounds like you but you’re still seeking a little inspiration, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 6 things we’ve learnt about fashion in the last year.

COMFORT IS KEY

Perhaps the first and foremost lesson we’ve learnt this year is that we love to be comfortable. 

While some people are declaring a desire to get back into fitted, formal clothes as soon as possible, believing the novelty has worn off lockdown loungewear, we’re still all for comfortable co-ord sets worn around the home. In fact, we’re wondering if we’ll ever don something tight and fitted again.

However, wearing loungewear doesn’t mean your outfit choice has to look sloppy or ill considered. In fact, many of these so-called loungewear co-ord sets are more stylish than the majority of other types of ‘casual workwear’ like jeans and t-shirts (let’s face it – wearing denim around the home just doesn’t feel right) or a maxi dress. 

The best part is their flexibility; suitable for work, working out and even a trip to the corner shop. Transitioning from indoors to outdoors, and home office to the supermarket; we just love that sense of stylish convenience. Working from home never felt so good.

IT’S ALL ABOUT FEEL GOOD FASHION (DRESSING UP IS FUN) 

Feel good fashion is ultimately all about wearing clothes which bring you joy, no matter what size you are. We once used to dread getting all dolled up. However, in the past year, we’ve so missed getting glammed up for a night on the tiles in our favourite ‘going out’ outfit.  

We’ve missed doing makeup and hair, particularly. So much so, in fact, that like many, we found ourselves dressing up just for the hell of it. Learning new makeup and hair techniques like how to do beach waves with freestyle has been a blessed distraction from the monotony of lockdown. You too can find out how to beach waves with freestyle here.

We’ve learned to embrace and enjoy dressing up for the gratification it brings you; it can really boost the self esteem, that’s for sure! As such, we’re completely embracing Spring 2021’s Romantic Clothing trend. 

As we all know too well, 2020 took away our romance and spontaneity, and this year, fashion designers are trying to coax them out of us again in the form of lace, chiffon, silk and other soft and curling fabrics. Or, in the name of the trend – ruffles. The romantic style brings with it a promise of hope and optimism after such a long period of downtime, which translates into romance in soft fabrics, sheer silks, use of tie-dye technology, asymmetrical patterns, and fluffy and feminine woollen cuts. 

Read: 6 ways to cheer up old clothes this Autumn.

FORGO FAST FASHION FOREVER

In the last year, everything has slowed down, including the fashion world. As the Guardian writes, “production stopped, stores closed, catwalks went dark. And the reset happened in our heads, too. Without shop windows to gaze into, we shopped our own wardrobes instead, rediscovering joy in what we already had.” Indeed, fashion and all its’ seasons started to become irrelevant. 

They go on to point out that we saw designers cutting back on collections and labels “adopting a batch-production model, taking orders in advance: if 45 dresses are ordered then 45 are produced, in the sizes needed, and nothing goes to waste.“

Read: 5 IDEAL ways to forgo fast fashion

WE CAN DEMAND CHANGE 

As Vogue writes, “Clothes are a commodity, but the people who make them are human beings whose labour must be fixed at a rate that cannot be negotiated.” 

The last year highlighted the inequalities of the fashion supply chain like no other when brands stopped their payments to suppliers, with some of the world’s biggest fashion brands owing more than $3 billion to garment factories in places like Cambodia, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.  

However, campaigners from the nonprofit Remake Campaign launched the PayUp Fashion Petition, which called on major fashion brands to sign enforceable contracts and pay their garment factories for orders that were cancelled or delayed because of the pandemic. This has raised awareness hugely, and hopefully signals that, in the future, consumers can demand real change.

COLOURS MAKE US HAPPY

Let’s not deny that the past year has been a bit beige, and we’re not just talking about our beloved loungewear. We saw the rainbow being used as a symbol of hope, optimism and joy, and it’s fair to say that we all became drawn to this prism of colour.   

Moving forward, we’d like to start wearing this prism more frequently. We love joyful colours in all shades, and right now, we all need a little colour in our lives, don’t you think? For some, that means hues in the pastel category – think baby blue and lilac – and for others, there are the bolder colours like bright pink, red and orange.  

We’ve been having a bit of a love affair with pink at the moment, from brash and bold bubble gum pink hues that make a statement to more restrained, pale pastel pinks and everything in between. Expect to see us wearing the colour all summer long.

CLASSIC JEANS NEVER GET OLD

Alongside our joggers, we’ve been living the last year in our high-waisted jeans. Indeed, here at IDEAL, oversized vintage jeans and a casual top have quickly become our lockdown uniform after a brief, unproductive stint spent embracing pyjamas every day. 

The relaxed silhouettes which vintage jeans usually come in – mom or rolled-up boyfriend jeans, in particular – are really forgiving. Moreover, they’re surprisingly comfortable since they’ve been pre-worn.

Stonewash, acid-wash, boyfriend jeans, skinny jeans, bootcut, ripped, distressed, relaxed, double –  there are hundreds of ways to wear denim and hundreds of different types of jeans. The only consistency is this –  that while some fashions may come and go, denim jeans are one item that will forever be a fashion staple. As such, it’d do no harm kitting out your wardrobe with several pieces. 

Rejoice! For cycling enthusiasts all over the UK, the warmer weather, lighter mornings and brighter evenings mean one thing; more time spent on two wheels! 

We just love that sense of freedom which biking brings, shirts in the breeze like we’re sailing and the soft hum of rubber on concrete providing the soundtrack. That said, such an obsession with the thrill of cycling can lead to aches and pains, repetitive strain injuries and sometimes even long-term damage should your bike not be at the right height, your saddle not secured correctly, and your posture not primed and ready for any bumps in the road.

Fortunately, we’re here to help with all that. If you want to be as comfortable as possible while riding your bike, here’s how to prepare for a bike ride to avoid aches and pains when cycling. 

CHECK YOUR BARS

Key to a comfortable ride is having the right stack and reach, so it’s essential that you check your bars, in terms of height, width and relationship to the saddle, before you set off on any long rides.

If you’re on the smaller side, then stretching too far to compensate can cause issues with posture, and run the risk of injury to your back and neck. Fortunately, this is easily mitigated; to decrease your reach, you should invest in a shorter stem, or to avoid that expense, simply slide your saddle forward, although this can cause issues with your pedalling action.

As well as the reach, the height of the bars is equally as important. If there is too much space between the saddle and bars, it can cause great discomfort, placing undue pressure on your arms and wrists, and potentially endangering you as you cycle as you will likely be less stable. 

Read: 5 reasons to invest in an electric folding bike

CHECK THE SADDLE

While your bike is secured in place, check the tilt of your seat, ensuring that you can pedal backward without feeling like you’re about to slide forward or back. If your saddle isn’t in the centre, you will end up having to push or pull more on the handlebars, leading to undue stress on the upper body and also significant discomfort to sensitive areas – you want to avoid that at all costs!.

If this particular discomfort is occurring, try to lower the nose of the saddle by a few degrees – this can help relieve pressure on any sensitive areas. 

The correct saddle is also important in ensuring you enjoy the most comfortable ride. If the saddle on your bike is not anatomically suited to your needs, it can cause numbness and the dreaded saddle sore. For overweight cyclists, in particular, opt for a saddle with extra padding and support. 

Saddle height is also important. Always ensure that your legs are almost straight when touching the pedals. If the saddle is too high, you risk injury, particularly to the knees. If too low, you may find your pedalling impacted negatively.

The best way for beginners to find their optimum saddle height is through the heel-to-pedal method. According to the guys at Road Cycling UK, after securing your bike, either by leaning it against a wall or having someone hold it upright, ‘’Place your heel on the pedal and pedal backwards to reach the six o’clock position. Your knee should be completely straight.’’ 

Should your knee still be bent, you should increase the height, little-by-little, until your leg is straight when the pedals are at six o’clock.

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for picking the perfect bike

STRETCH 

Stretching before you set off and warming down when you finish a bike ride is also crucial in preventing aches, pains and injuries from occurring. Whilst cycling, you can end up overextending yourself and stiffening your neck and back muscles. 

Generally speaking, the longer the ride, the more your body will hurt afterwards. So, prior to and following your ride, incorporate a little stretching into your routine to prevent soreness. Stretch your neck, and upper and lower back. A little soreness in new riders is only natural, but you don’t want to put yourself off by being in loads of pain for days afterwards! And rest assured; the more you ride, the more your body will adapt. 

THE RIGHT GEAR 

Riding on long, challenging stretches will most likely cause soreness in the buttocks and groin, make no mistake. Wearing shorts with a padded chamois also known as a “shammy” can help prevent this pain. 

Whilst lycra is sometimes mocked by those who don’t cycle, it helps reduce chafing and rubbing massively when you’re cycling as it stays in place. It’s also moisture-wicking, but be warned; lycra doesn’t tend to be breathable. That said, any loosely worn cycling clothes which are breathable may get caught in the gears and will certainly chafe. Better to get a little sweaty, don’t you think?

STAND MORE 

To improve the comfort of your ride, spend less time on the saddle sitting and stand more when you’re in motions, particularly when going down hills, to ward off stiffness and keep your body stretched and supple.

NEGOTIATING ROUGH SURFACES

For longer rides, especially over rough surfaces, you want to take all necessary precautions to prevent pain in your wrists and hands. The best and simplest way to do this is to wrap your handlebars with two layers of bar tape. This provides extra padding to cushion potholes causing vibrations to shudder through your bike, with your body having to soak up the impact. If you require extra padding, place gel inserts under the bar tape. 

Reducing the pressure in your tires has a similar effect as taping up your bars. Lower tire pressures add protection when it comes to longer rides. If your tires are wide, lower pressure will allow a greater volume of air, therefore providing a better ride quality. Be careful though, if you go too low, it could put you at risk of a flat. And there’s certainly nothing comfortable about that. 

THE RIGHT BIKE 

If you’re a new rider or you’re in the market for some new wheels, opt for a bike that will fit your needs best. If you’re a commuter or mainly plan to use it for trips to see friends and run some errands, opt for a cruiser or a bike with a wider, lower seat. This is ideal so that your feet can reach the ground when you’re stopping in traffic. If you plan to ride longer distances or faster speeds, you want a bike in a more aerodynamic position so you can lean forward comfortably. If you’re using the bike for a bit of both, opt for a hybrid style. 

Since you’ve arrived at this article, can we assume that you’ve made it through lockdown as a couple in one piece? If so, congratulations! Being cooped up together over the past year certainly hasn’t been easy, and for so many relationships, things have, at times, become strained.

Now that lockdown restrictions are beginning to lift, so is our optimism, and with it, an enthusiasm to reignite that spark with our better halves. Summer’s long, balmy nights present the perfect backdrop, don’t you think?

That said, right now those spontaneous date nights, romantic weekends away and longer trips on the continent are just so difficult to conceptualise and even harder to realise. But if you’re looking for inspiration on date night ideas closer to home, then you’ve come to the right place.

Of course there are the cliches like shopping for provocative and sexy lingerie for your partner for a naughty night, or giving them flowers and cooking up a romantic meal. And these date night ideas have certainly stood the test of time for a reason and often get the sparks flying. This time, however, perhaps it’s time to think outside the box? We’ve been confined to it for so long, after all. With that in mind, here are 5 unique date night ideas for summer 2021.

HOME OPEN-AIR CINEMA 

One of our favourite parts of summer is when the open-air cinema experiences come to town. This year is no exception with summer screens set to pop up in amazing venues all over the country.

However, the problem with these alfresco movies is that we’ve seen most of the ‘classics’ that these events favour, like Dirty Dancing, Ghost and Greece, a million times before. The answer? Create your own home open-air experience. Not only can you watch whatever movie you want, but you don’t have to worry about a little PDA, either.

It’s actually surprisingly easy to create your very own cinematic experience outdoors. First, you’ll need a projector. There are tons of affordable ones out there, but the APEMAN Portable Mini Projector 4500 at £79.99 on Amazon is often touted as one of the best budget projectors you can buy on a budget, and will give you a decent picture outdoors. For a screen, a white bed sheet pegged on the washing line with something to weigh it to the ground will suffice. 

String up some fairy lights and pop a cold prosecco straight from the fridge and voila – you have yourself a great movie, a romantic ambience and a totally unique date night!

A WEEKEND AWAY ON THE CONTINENT, AT HOME?

One date night not enough? Things must have gotten bad, huh?

If you’re used to spending romantic weekends on the continent, then this year you’ll have to bring your favourite destination to your home instead. 

How does a spot of escapism sound? Yep, you can pretend you’re sipping Sangria in Spain, slurping down a bowl of spaghetti alla vongole in Italy or dining on charcuterie in France; all you need is a little effort and a lot of imagination. 

To pull off a holiday at home, you’ll need some country-specific props, of course. Start with the backdrop – use your TV to display images of your city or country of choice. Perhaps sling up some flags. Create a playlist with the very best music of that region and prepare country-specific dishes, and there you have it; a truly lovely way to spend a weekend!

CREATE A BACKYARD CAMPSITE RETREAT 

Unless you have a booking for a romantic staycation already, it’s going to be hard to secure one now. The majority of holiday cottages and camping pitches have long been snapped up as Brits look to vacation at home this year.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some time away from the four walls of home this summer. Spark a little fire in your relationship (and in the back garden) by creating your own romantic campsite retreat out back.

There’s just something about gathering around a fire with your lover, staring into it enigmatically between gazing into each other’s eyes which feels very intense indeed. Oh wait, that feeling was an errant spark burning through our socks.

Anyway, the point remains. Go further and consider renting a hot tub and stringing some whimsical fairy lights up for maximum effect. A rendition of Wonderful Tonight on the acoustic guitar is optional, however.

A ROMANTIC STROLL AT NIGHT

Taking a stroll on a hazy summer night with your lover, perhaps stopping for some ice cream along the way…could there be anything more emblematic of young love?

For an activity that will cost you next to nothing, grant some excellent exercise and work up a little sweat – nope, not that – consider taking a nighttime walk with your loved one. Holding hands whilst strolling and shooting the breeze can represent remarkably valuable time together, as it’s a no-phones, no-distractions, and no-cost zone. 

Should you be leaving the tech at home (really, you should) then of course remember to bring a map and torch, unless ‘getting lost’ is all part of the adventure for you.

Read: 4 IDEAL domestic date night ideas this autumn

A BIKE RIDE

If two wheels are more your thing, then why not head out on your bikes and cycle to nearby villages? There are so many incredible things to explore in the countryside – from churches to castles, lakes to woodlands, and often the areas closest to us remain those least familiar.

Alternatively, why not check out nearby pubs? A pub cycle-crawl, if you will. Pop in for a drink or two (remember your alcohol limits) and enjoy a change of scenery. Bliss.