Keeping up with the fashion trends might be the last thing on your mind when going out during the pandemic era.
When going out for work, school, and grocery shopping, the primary concern is to stay safe from the virus — not to look like an Instagram influencer. As long as you have decent clothes on plus a protective accessory (mask, face shield, gloves) and you’re good to go. Any piece of clothing will get messed up by your ugly blue face mask anyway so why bother?
But what if we tell you that it’s possible to look fabulous while staying safe from coronavirus?
Check out these pandemic era fashion tips to step up your game and express your personality the safest way possible.
1. Get creative with your face masks
Face masks are already a streetwear accessory in recent years, especially in Asia. They’re also worn in public as a way to deal with pollution problems. Now, face masks are a necessity. In some countries, you can be penalized for not wearing one.
But who says protective masks only come in those flimsy, white, and blue variants? You can find a protective face mask that suits your fancy. For instance, top fashion brands have developed masks that do the job while giving you a wide array of design options.
Want a minimalist look? A solid black mask may be perfect for any of your signature outfits. Love striking patterns and designs? There are infinite options available for you, including quirky patterns and prints, floral embroidery, and bold hues.
2. Use your face shield and goggles as a fashion statement
If you’ve always loved the futuristic look of visor eyeglasses, now is the perfect time to wear them. Today, oversized glasses and goggles aren’t just a fashion statement – they can also be used as a layer of protection from the virus.
3. Scarves make an elegant face covering
If you’re looking into edgy, boho-inspired face coverings, you can use a scarf to cover your nose and mouth. Of course, scarves are only designed for aesthetics. Make Sure you’re wearing a protective face mask underneath and simply have the scarf as your top-most layer.
4. Invest in stylish PPEs
At the beginning of the pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided solely for front line workers. As the lockdown restrictions ease and personal hygiene remains a priority, PPEs have become an area of investment.
Designers are coming up with pieces that combine fashion and function. They create clothing pieces made with waterproof, anti-static, and dust-resistant fabric. PPEs also have a germ-resistant layer underneath. With good ventilation, they can release sweat.
5. Step up your activewear
If you can’t afford legitimate PPEs, activewear, which is often made of waterproof and non-absorbent materials, is the closest you can purchase. Look into sports and outdoor gear shops and find clothes that have antibacterial fabrics and finishes.
6. Rock laid-back, homewear wardrobe
Since the pandemic took the world by storm, the need to dress up to impress has declined. Today, comfortable “homewear” clothes are the new normal. We’re seeing lots of loose and comfy shirts, tights, crop tops, streetwear clothing, and gym clothing. Gone are the days of the strappy heels and brogues as we say hello to flip-flops and sliders.
Experiment with different styles and prints to take the comfy, laidback fashion trend to the next level.
7. Go for minimalist garments that are easy to remove
Of course, you can’t always wear your loose crop tops and sliders to work. If you need to dress up for a business or smart-casual setting, go for minimalist clothing.
Even before COVID-19, minimalism was already a thing. Purchasing timeless pieces in a simpler, cleaner aesthetic, however, has become more important than ever as customers may have less disposable income.
When purchasing minimalist clothing for work, opt for pieces that are easy to wear and easy to remove. These include classic button-downs, maxi dresses, tops with zippers, and looser tops. The virus may stick on clothes and you want a piece of clothing that doesn’t touch your face when you try to remove it.
8. Opt for sleeveless or short-sleeved tops
If you’re looking to protect yourself from the virus, you might want to ditch long sleeves. While it sounds counterintuitive, the explanation is that the virus is more likely to stay in you and get transmitted if they stick on surfaces that aren’t regularly sanitized (like your clothes). It’s better to bare your arms and hands and then wash them frequently.
The more you bare your skin, the better. If you’re using your sleeves as a layer of protection, be mindful of what you touch or rub against. When you get home, remove your clothes immediately and wash them. Make sure you’re also taking a shower to keep your home virus-free.
Stay safe and fabulous!
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a savvy writer for Northern Menswear, an online streetwear fashion website for men, delivering clothing and footwear products from top UK brands such as Unforgivable, Jameson Carter, Loyalti, Rose London, and Avora London. She loves sharing tips about fashion and lifestyle for trendy gents.
