Many of us are staying indoors these days to keep ourselves and others safe. So it’s no surprise that we may not be dressing up as much as we normally do. After all, it might seem pointless to wear our nicest clothes when we won’t be around a lot of other people. But that doesn’t mean we should give up and just start wearing shapeless sweatpants and old, oversized shirts.

I believe it’s best to strike a balance where you are casual and comfortable, but still look as great as ever. The truth is, the clothing you choose each day can help you stay mentally healthy during a time that may be challenging for many. Looking your best and feeling good go hand in hand. Keep reading for my advice to help you look and feel wonderful.

Limit how often you wear leggings. I love a good pair of leggings as much as anyone, but it’s a good idea to limit wearing them to a few times a week. Since leggings, joggers, and similar pants are so nice and stretchy, you may not realize if you gain a few unwanted pounds. Your health matters, and wearing pants with a zipper and a non-elastic waistband is a small but impactful way to gauge whether you need to eat healthier or get a little more exercise each day.

Instead, slip into your favorite denim. A soft pair of blue jeans is your best friend right now. They are casual enough to wear every day, and they can easily be paired with a top and a few accessories to create a nice look. You can’t go wrong with a comfortable pair of skinny jeans, but if you want to mix things up, the spring lines of denim feature fresh takes on great vintage styles. Look out for high waists, straight legs, stonewash denim, cropped lengths, and flares.

Relax in a casual top (and add another layer). You can’t go wrong with a soft cotton tee or another basic top with long or short sleeves. If you’re in a cooler climate, you can even layer it with a lightweight cardigan, a duster, or a zippered hoodie.  

Boost your mood with a splash of color. On a recent cool and rainy day, I decided to use color to lift my spirits. I wore a turquoise sweater and a matching necklace, and it worked! Every time I looked in the mirror that day, I felt pretty and uplifted. You can do the same by choosing a cheerful color. This is a great time to wear orange, lime, turquoise, or any bold color that inspires you.

Put on shoes and add a few accessories. Accessories help build an outfit. Take a few seconds to put on a simple pair of earrings and a bracelet or watch when you get dressed. Or wear a pretty necklace and slip on a headband. And don’t forget about your feet! A pair of slides, a cute pair of sneakers, or some flats will help your look feel complete.

Apply a touch of makeup and/or nail color. A little tinted moisturizer and a swipe of lip gloss is all you need to feel like yourself. Add a little mascara if you wish to brighten your eyes. And again, embrace color by painting your nails in a cheerful spring-like color.

Treat yourself to a dress-up day! We all could use a more substantial pick-me-up from time to time. Anytime you want, go right ahead and wear an easy spring dress, or a pretty blouse with a casual skirt. You might enjoy doing this on a day that you are planning to go out into your community for something essential like a trip to the grocery store or a doctor’s visit. If you do venture out, don’t forget the most important accessory of all: a mask.

Enjoy the coziest sleepwear. Right now your focus should be on creature comforts, and that means falling asleep in soft, plush pajamas. (And no one would blame you for lounging in them on a Sunday morning sipping coffee!) Treat yourself to a new spring pair of pajamas, a cozy robe, and a pair of slippers.

Just in case you need reminding: You are getting dressed each day for you! Even if no one else sees your outfit, your hairstyle, and the sparkle in your eyes, you can still enjoy the feeling of being dressed in an outfit that brings you happiness. It’s a powerful way to claim a bit of normalcy in this very unusual and temporary situation. Choose to wear something that feels good and comforting to you. It’s a loving expression of self-care that matters now more than ever.