When the first announcement went out, that my age group (18-34 years old) could finally head out to get their Covid-19 vaccinations, I got swept up in the relief and excitement.

For a second there, I didn’t even think about the fact that I loathe injections.

After plenty of Twitter discussions had, with people near and as far away as Romania, I was committed to marking the momentous occasion with dramatic flair. Everyone was claiming their vaccine gang online, and getting merchandise to loudly proclaim they were #PfizerGang for example.

And I wanted in on the fashion fun!

My journalist friends had scored their jabs weeks before, thanks to their media jobs’ qualification as ‘Essential Workers’, and so I was heading into the vaccination queues alone and ideally dressed up.

Not gonna lie:

imagining the judgy stares as I showed up in ridiculously ornate garb, hindered me from going all out – and so, I improvised.

Glamour and kitsch is something I’ve been working on mastering – the kind of ensembles that would make you squint, tilt your head slightly, and then think “actually…that works!”

Getting to play with my favourite fashion house’s latest offerings goes a long way in helping me explore the various flavours of my fashion tastes. For my vaccination outfit, I wanted something that walked the line of street style and red carpet drama.

The ardour which fashion house ERRE has for the female form is so abundant and overwhelming, it is gratifying to wear every time! The designers’ creations tend to reach near fetishized classic proportions and evoke a powerful & feminine disposition in the wearer.

Their latest foray into draping resulted in a flattering silhouette for me to traipse about in – comfortably waiting upwards of 3 hours in queues, and then enjoying post-vaccine catch-ups with friends.

Velvet – a material previously associated with royalty and ornate interiors, then disregarded as tacky during some decades past.

“There is a different feeling each way you rub velvet, and that can be quite calming. It can give a feeling of calmness. Perhaps you do feel more confident in it.”

Simon Curtis (2016), occupational therapist and lecturer with the Sensory Integration Network in Britain

Now though, velvet has experienced a resurgence of popularity in the last 3-4 years, and evolved from red carpets and monarchs, to loungewear and brunch style. You’ll find it on Mr. Price bodysuits and even included in the classic intrecciato pattern of Bottega Veneta clutches. I like velvet on my high heels too.

There is something about the fabric that works both in bold jewel tones, and even muted pastels that are cut just right.

The velvet wrap dress by ERRE, is in a deep maroon oak shade that does wonders for my colouring, and is cut to be a billowing waterfall dress with gathering detail on front shoulders, as well as draped sleeves.

I adore the fun and flowing presence of the dress in its straightforward iteration of the “dancing lady” emoji 💃 , but I don’t mind turning that formality into something different.

This is very much a durable piece that can be deconstructed from formal to informal with the easiest styling changes.

I pushed the shoulders into an almost off-the-shoulder scoop neckline, added 3/4 distressed jeans with pearl details, opened up the A-line front by only tying the wrap dress loosely, and completed the look with a face mask and PUMA all-white Cali Star Metallic Wedge sneakers.

Did you put careful thought into your vaccination look?