From sneakers to hand shaking, how has etiquette and fashion changed during the Covid-19 pandemic? Two experts weigh in

From smiling behind your mask to not immediately sanitising after a handshake, etiquette has proven to be as relevant as ever, says one expert

Fashion, too, has relaxed during the Zoom age, but people should dress up if it makes them feel their best, as etiquette is about putting your best foot forward

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Smiling underneath your mask helps you to communicate with authenticity. Two etiquette experts weigh in on how etiquette has changed during Covid-19. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 4:15pm, 14 Mar 2022

To those who haven’t contemplated the role of etiquette in their daily lives, the concept might feel foreign, or worse, dismissed as pretentious.

But that impression should be eradicated – after all, “manners are your best accessory, one that you should never take off”, writes Haya Maraka in her etiquette book A Lady Knows: Modes and Manners.

Since the onset of the pandemic, etiquette has proven itself to be just as relevant as ever. “I mean, it’s kind of funny that they had to tell the whole world to wash their hands,” Maraka jokes. “What, were you not washing your hands before? What is this society?”

Of course, certain etiquette rules have been highlighted or evolved because of Covid-19, but its principles – treating people with politeness, kindness and compassion – remain universal.

For example, greeting people by shaking hands, kissing on the cheek and hugging one another has been minimised, but people learned to focus on facial expressions and body language to express themselves instead, according to Olga Iserlis, an etiquette expert and luxury events planner.