How to socially distance in style – fashion offers fun and functional solutions
Multiply’s petticoat dress, modern crinolines, breathable ‘facewear’ and giant hats can look cute or cuckoo, but all keep encroachers away
By now, I’m sure you’ve heard the news: the summer holidays are cancelled. As the heat and humidity have set in, so has the reality that most of us aren’t going away this summer. So instead of packing for that annual trip to the south of France, Maine, or anywhere else, it’s time to think about summer essentials and make the best of staying home. Frolicking, of course, while being eternally grateful for our good health.
Staying home doesn’t mean being stuck indoors if you’re lucky enough to live in a community easing out of lockdown. The tricky part is getting fresh air and vitamin D while beating the heat and practising social distancing. The Hong Kong government’s coronavirus.gov.hk website tells us to “Maintain social distance, keep a distance of at least 1 metre from others.” Here, fashion can help.
I loved the viral (sorry) images of the Italian man wearing a giant cardboard disk around his waist for a trip to a market in Rome, and children in China returning to school in creative, one-metre hats, but I might not go to the same lengths.
Or would I? I’d wear the petticoat dress, “designed to answer the question of social distancing” by Multiply, which provides a two-metre perimeter around the wearer. A voluminous Rosie Assoulin sleeve should keep some germs at bay. I’m also reconsidering the modern crinoline skirts by Area, Off-White, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Puppets and Puppets, and Comme des Garçons.
We still have to wear masks in public, no matter how much perspiration accumulates. (Great. A new sweat stain to be embarrassed about.) The first step to a happy summer staycation in the time of Covid-19? Masks with greater breathability! Sportswear labels such as Adidas, Reebok and Under Armour have released plain, branded versions.
While fashion labels Tanya Taylor, Re/Done, Citizens of Humanity, and Christy Dawn, among many others, have made pretty, patterned fabric masks. Should we start calling it facewear? I’m coming around to coordinating outfits and masks, though I’ve been loathe to admit it. As for mask tan lines, only sunscreen can save you.
I’ve also finally found a sane reason to don a ridiculously large hat for the first time since Jacquemus introduced its La Bomba hat for spring/summer 2018.
Two years on, the oversized-hat category has grown to include all sorts of treasures by Sensi Studio and Self-Portrait, not to mention affordable, “inspired-by” hats at Asos. If anyone so much as raises an eyebrow, I can explain it’s for health reasons.
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Indian man wears US$4,000 gold face mask to protect from coronavirus
I can wear it by the pool, on a junk trip, or at the beach, where Covid-19 amnesia seems to have taken over judging by the lack of social distancing I’ve been seeing recently.
I probably won’t splash out on one of those Plexiglas boxes by Italian company Nuova Neon Group 2. I find my large beach blanket by Frog Warrior keeps even the most aggressive encroachers at a safe distance.
My anti-beach tent stance remains firm, but I could be swayed by a pretty Business & Pleasure Co fabric tent and colour-coordinated beach umbrella.
Now, the latest swimwear – crinkly seersucker, ruffled one-pieces, and crochet, for example – is more likely to attract than repel. So consider wearing one of The Nice Fleet’s chic, 120cm (3.9-foot) inflatable rings at all times. You’ll look cute or cuckoo. Either way, people will keep their distance.
Finally, don’t forget to set an alarm. You’ll want to get up and out at the crack of dawn to avoid the hordes and enjoy the best of the day outdoors. Welcome home.
