“Pandemic fashion” is certainly not a trend we could have foreseen before this year, but with face coverings now firmly a part of everyday life, it was only a matter of time until our whole wardrobe got a socially distanced makeover.
Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall wore a rather extreme socially distanced outfit to present at the EMAs on the 8th November. Whilst two-metre long spikes will definitely ensure you maintain your personal space, they probably aren’t the most practical for your morning commute. Luckily, this year has seen designers from all over the world come up with fun and functional solutions. From extra-wide tutus to dresses with masks built in, here are some of our favourite pandemic-proof pieces.
Photo: Getty Images
Dubbed a ‘preventative fashion accessory,’ Multiply’s two-metre perimeter petticoat dress is certainly one way to socially distance in style. The main focus of this design is practicality, with each dress coming with an easy-to-carry bag so you can take it with you wherever you go. Inspired by Victorian ball gowns, kilts and pop up tents, the dress is lightweight, easily washable and foldable. It even has pockets!
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In what would have been an unlikely collaboration in any normal year, the Dutch National Ballet joined forces with G-Star RAW in June to produce some socially distanced tutus. The 3 metre wide denim tutus allowed the dancers to stay 1.5 metres apart, as they performed special choreography inspired by ‘the new reality.’
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In October, the Birmingham Royal Ballet company followed suit, designing their own socially distanced tutus in order to return to performing. The extra-wide tutus featured two-metre trains which were designed to work as part of the set, with images projected onto the skirts during their performance of ‘Lazuli Sky.’
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After model Lottie Moss was pictured wearing Pretty Little Thing’s £15 black long-sleeved mask bodycon dress in October, the online retail giant quickly sold out of their Covid-appropriate dress. Due to popular demand, Pretty Little Thing has since widened the range to offer the dress in five different patterns, including leopard print and PLT’s own logo pattern. With an ear strap at the top of the roll neck allowing the fabric to be pulled into a face mask, this dress is a great solution to the very 2020 problem of finding masks which match your outfit.
Photo: PrettyLittleThing
Dramatic silhouettes have also dominated the catwalk this year, showing a wide array of outfits perfect for keeping people at arm’s length. From Off-White’s hoodie tent dress hybrid and Balenciaga’s red lampshade look to Comme des Garçons’ bulbous skirt and lace shroud combo, it certainly looks like we will be seeing the influence of Covid-19 on fashion for a long time yet.
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- Balenciaga Spring 2020 Photo: Filippo Fior (gorunway.com)
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- Comme des Garçons Fall 2020 Photo: Alessandro Lucioni (gorunway.com)
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- Off-White Fall 2020 Photo: Alessandro Lucioni (gorunway.com)
What is your favourite Covid-safe fashion trend? Let us know on Twitter @Fashion_North!
