How to Have the Most Style When You Wear a Face Mask
At first, wearing a protective face mask such as a white N95 or a blue surgical mask made me feel like “why bother wearing a nice outfit when it’s ruined by a mask like this?” I thought, if we have to wear masks, why not look good while doing it? So I began to explore how to have the most style possible when wearing a face mask. Age doesn’t matter. The style principles are the same for all of us. We just need to adjust them to let our true self shine even when adding a protective face covering.
As masks became scarce since the beginning of the pandemic, people began to figure out how to make their own masks. Then designers manufactured masks because their stores closed, their shows closed and they focused production on helping to provide a scarce commodity. Shortly after, almost every brand began to add masks to their inventory.
Although cloth and fashion masks are more to protect others than yourself, they are useful for extending the wear of an N95 mask that protects you from 95-99% of virus particles. An N95 mask can only be worn 8-12 hours. After that, it must be discarded in order for you to stay safe. But if you put a cloth mask over your N95 mask, you can wash the cloth mask in soap and hot water after wearing each day. Meanwhile, it protects the N95 mask so that it can be worn up to three weeks before discarding.
So how can we have the most style when wearing a face mask? Consider your mask a new accessory.
How to Have the Most Style When Wearing a Face Mask
The basic way to wear a mask is to choose one that matches the colors and/or textures of your outfit. If you want to try a more creative approach, the usual color, pattern and style guidelines apply. For some of those guidelines, you can find more information in my color combination posts HERE, my post on print mixing HERE and ways to create various styles. I have posts on Bohemian style HERE, Glam Rock HERE, Gothic HERE, Urban Safari Style HERE and much more.
Use the basic guidelines on accessorizing your favorite style and apply them to your mask. For instance, for a bohemian vibe, wear a feather design or tie-dye mask with a t-shirt and maxi skirt.
Have Fun or Make a Statement
Of course, if you like, you can wear a fun mask like the one above. Or you might like to wear a mask that says something the same way as a graphic tee.
Eyes are the Focus
Since your eyes are the only feature showing on your face, special attention to eye makeup is key. I don’t wear lipstick under a mask, just balm so that I don’t stain my mask. And using a setting powder or spray when your makeup is done can also keep your mask clean and your eye makeup from smudging against the mask.
A fun pair of sunglasses adds a lot of character to a face mask. Even better, you don’t have to do full eye makeup and the shades will inhibit contact between your eyes and any virus particles in the air.
More Accessories to Add When Wearing a Mask
Sometimes more is more! 😉
In “How to wear your hair and make-up with a face mask” at the Independent, writer Sarah Young states:
“As well as protecting your ears, the addition of hair accessories means you can still retain your individual sense of style while wearing a face covering. ‘I think wearing a mask will definitely leave some wanting to show more of their personal style whether that’s fun headbands, hair bows, statement earrings or layered necklaces,’ says fashion stylist Emily Sanchez. ‘I’ll definitely be sporting ribbons in my hair.”
A Few Examples of How to Have More Style When Wearing a Mask
3-pack Non-medical Knit Masks from Soft Surroundings
Wearing your mask in the same colors as your outfit but in different prints, patterns and textures, creates a cohesive style.
A colorful mask or an animal print will make a plain and basic easy-going outfit interesting.
Sequined or lace masks can jazz up your outfit day or evening.
Join the Conversation
So what do you think? Did you get any ideas here for how to have the most style when you wear a face mask? Please leave us a reply below!
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Angie
Great post! The first floral mask is beautiful. I like the idea of extending the life of the N95. What do you think about the R95 mask? (www.r95facemask.com)
Thanks for the compliment! I like the idea of a respiratory mask, especially for jogging and such.
The masks are so stylish!
xoxo
Lovely
http://mynameislovely.com
That’s the idea! 🙂 Thanks for visiting. <3
Great masks and really stylish. I am thinking about making some as we will have to wear masks on campus this fall. I guess we will all get used to this in the next 2 to 3 years.
If you’ll be wearing masks on campus every day, you’ll need to collect your favorite styles. I’ve been sick in quarantine at home from my husband and the world twice. Both times, it took at least a week to get my test results. Both were negative. So I have some experience with living in a mask by now. Lol!