The moment has arrived when even the highly respected British publication The Telegraph dedicates coverage to selecting a face covering that suits your individual style. For years we never had to deliberate over what extras to throw on, but the familiar lineup of sun hats, shades, handbags, and baubles has gained one more critical, contemporary member — a protective mask against viral spread. Granted, we cannot control global events (nor predict when they will subside), yet we are free to treat the situation as a creative challenge. Medical experts do suggest wearing face coverings to curb the swift transmission of illness. So let us explore how to stay safe while pulling off stunning warm-weather outfits.
Why Masks, Headscarves, and Bandanas Deserve a Spot in Your Summer Style Rotation
Swap your mask for a silk scarf
Take your cue from the impeccably polished Olivia Palermo, a woman who seemingly never commits a fashion misstep. She approaches every outfit with refined taste, and she tackled the matter of virus-related protective wear with her signature poise: for her outdoor strolls, she opts for patterned silk scarves in place of standard masks, coordinating the scarf's print with the hues of her clothing or accessories. Her crisp white ensemble, paired with a sunny yellow handbag, beaded flats, and a vivid yellow silk shawl, tops our list of inspiration for busy workdays spent navigating packed city streets.
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Style a bandana in place of a face covering
Do you recall those cotton bandanas splashed with paisley prints that dominated the '90s scene? At the time, they served as a defining emblem for "tough girls" tuned into grunge tracks and sneaking out past curfew. Fast forward to today, and that very same bandana is poised to stand in for your mask within a laid-back summer look built around denim and sporty separates. Dakota Johnson and Kristen Stewart have both been spotted rocking bandanas where a mask would normally go.
Essential Summer Accessories Worth Adding to Your Closet
Coordinate your mask with your outfit
Couture houses quickly recognized the appetite for what has become the year's most relevant and practical accessory — the face mask. Picture this for a standout summer snapshot: a monochromatic dress and matching mask photographed against the lush green canopy of a city park. We are convinced that 2020 will leave a lasting impression on everyone, so why not bring a touch of wit and imagination to the guidelines of our "new normal"?
Pair long earrings with your mask or scarf
The barrier that masks and headscarves create against germs has, rather inconveniently, taken away the joy of applying lipstick. A hydrating balm will do the trick, but reaching for bold color makes more sense once you are inside, whether at someone's home or the office. Cosmetic artists are forecasting a major shift in emphasis toward eye cosmetics: expect a surge in vivid eyeshadow palettes, daring winged liner, and show-stopping mascara applications. Venture into the realm of unconventional beauty looks, and remember the adornments that remain visible beneath your mask — striking elongated earrings that command instant attention.
Masks, headscarves, and bandanas rank among the must-have accessories this season
Gold earrings accented with tanzanite alongside silver drop earrings
Transform your mask into the showpiece of your look
The fashion world has already kicked off a fresh movement around distinctive masks — pieces you'll be eager to wear out of genuine enthusiasm, not mere obligation. Even during lockdown, we observed talented makers crafting their own inventive versions, complete with daring patterns, ruffled trim, sparkling rhinestones, and ornate embroidery. Now, with the universal push to don a mask, the selection of unconventional designs is expanding at such a rapid pace that this protective item effortlessly evolves into the most eye-catching element of any ensemble.
Featured image sourced from unsplash.com
