Medical Masks, But Make It Fashion!

Now that coronavirus has gained pandemic status, wearing masks outside of a medical setting has become more popular. Regardless of your reason for wearing a mask, it is important to understand what they will protect you from, and what they won’t. Most fabric masks worn without a filter won’t offer protection from viruses, bacteria, other disease causing particles, allergens, or even scents and smells. They might reduce the exposure, but they won’t necessarily stop you from getting sick. There are a few exceptions, but as a general rule, you can still contract a virus despite wearing a mask. Furthermore, you can pick up viruses and bacteria on your clothes, and they can then enter your body once the mask has been removed.

I have a condition called Cold Urticaria, which essentially makes me allergic to the cold. To manage this, for the last 18 months I have been wearing these masks, known as vogmasks, to prevent cold air from getting into my lungs and causing an allergic reaction. There are many reasons to wear a mask, including asthma, allergies, and protection from illness. And I see no reason why you can’t wear a mask to protect your health, but also make it fashion. Here are some tips from an old pro to get your started.

Black goes with everything

If this is your first mask, you might have opted for a neutral colour, such as black. Black masks are the first default option on online listings, and might feel the safest colour to go for. Black masks can be sleek and elegant, and go with any outfit you wear. There is every possibility that a black mask will make you feel somewhat badass. That’s fine too.

Colour matching

A large portion of my rather hefty mask collection is plain block colours. I’m aiming to have one in each colour of the rainbow, but so far they’re mostly shades of blue, with neutrals like black, white, and grey. As you start to build up a collection of masks, you can use plain block colour masks to tie into an outfit, as I’ve done here. This works particularly well if your wardrobe has a set colour palette, or you use a capsule wardrobe. You can make just a couple of colours go with every outfit you want to wear.

Make the mask the feature

There is absolutely no reason why you can’t turn your mask into the feature of the outfit. I have an array of vibrant patterned masks, such as this primary coloured paisley mask. You can pair these masks with neutral items, such as jeans and a plain t-shirt, and really draw attention to it. Some patterns, such as floral prints, might make the mask seem softer and less medical, and would make an excellent feature in any outfit. Floral prints are always a big hit, no matter the season.

Formal events

Speaking of floral print masks, I even wore a vogmask to my friend’s wedding! I was very fortunate to find a mask that matched the pattern and colour of the dress I was wearing. Masks and formal wear are almost never seen together, and you might think it inappropriate to wear one to a formal event such as a wedding or a funeral. However, you can make it work. A black mask would work for a black tie event, or you could choose a mask to match your belt, or your tie if you wear one. Or match your shoes. You could make a statement and match the mask to your dress or your suit. Masks aren’t inherently informal, and in my case, my mask was the reason I was able to even go to the wedding at all.

Disney bounding!

You may have heard of the term Disney Bounding before, but if you haven’t, it’s the practice of dressing up as your favourite Disney character without using a costume. I have lots of fun Disney Bounding as my favourite characters with the added challenge of incorporating my mask into the outfit, as you can see here with my portrayal of Mr Ray from Finding Nemo.

Accessorise It.

If you have a favourite broach, pin it to your mask and show it off! I have a little snowflake pin that I stick to my masks because it matches being allergic to cold. I also have a Cold Urticaria awareness ribbon that I stick to it. You can dress these masks up however you want to. If you can’t find a design that you want, make your own! Or you can use them as a canvas for awareness like I do, or to reassure the public that it’s OK, it’s just allergies, it’s just for your own protection and they don’t need to worry about you.

In these trying times, there is no right way to cope with the world around you. You may not be able to control these circumstances, but you can chose to control what you wear, and how you feel when you wear it. If dressing like a Disney character gives you the strength to go to the shop or to the pharmacy, then go ahead.

Please remember that these masks might not protect you 100% from contracting Covid-19, or any other virus, so practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. Stay at home whenever possible. Practice social distancing. And look fabulous while doing so, if that is what you choose to do.