Fashion is always influenced by different elements and this pandemic isn’t any different. Within weeks of COVID-19 spreading, masks became the necessary and fashionable accessory. Masks are required at grocery stores, doctor’s appointments and restaurants (yes, even if you’re picking up food). Post pandemic, fashion and the shopping experience will look very different.

Face Masks are already the must have accessary and are becoming more fashion forward. There are many sewers who started making masks due to the shortage of them for individuals and healthcare workers. Many talket have turned entrepreneurs selling a variety of masks on sites like Zazzle. Being the girl who loves her glitz and glamour, I purchased a sequin mask with a silk lining from Kate Stoltz. Brands like Old Navy, sell adult 5 packs of masks for $12.50. J.crew, 3 pack for $18 with some cute and classic  prints. Along with a host of retailers who are selling maks in the fight of COVID-19. Within the immediate feature, we will continue to see masks as a “must have”(literary)  accessary and I think we’ll see “free mask with purchase” deals, monthly mask subscription plans and  dare I say it…twin sets masks and garment.  If companies haven’t started yet, well see private and public companies creating masks with company logos.

Fitting rooms: Trying on clothes is second nature when shopping but this will dramatically change. Retailers will have to approach fitting room with delicately. Personally, I think the space will be limited to 2-3 people at a time due to the already limited space. We’ve learned that the virus lives on various surfaces for different amounts of time from hours to days. Respiratory droplets can live on fabrics as well but tend to dry faster and inactive the virus; jut think about the number of time you’ve spilled water and it dried within minutes. However, with this fabric knowledge, I believe that the clothing that could be tried on will be limited. Tried on Items may be steamed after every “try on” and taken out of rotation for 24-48 hours. And fitting rooms themselves would have be sanitized after each use (again, my opinion). There is also the possibility the fitting room may be off limits altogether.

Online Shopping: Due to retail stores being closed for 3 months, retail therapy could only be completed online. E-Commerce will continue to be the primary revenue for retailers as companies assess their losses and profits. However, online shopping will have additional benefits for a while during the pandemic. You will see deep discounts on products to make way for (already ordered) new collections, the “free shipping” threshold may be lowered and we as consumers will be more willing to write products reviews because we will be more dependent on them because product and sizes will be very limited in brick and mortar stores.

Trends and Style:  The fashion world itself  will look very different.  Fashion shows are at an indefinite halt. Trends are at a stand-still and personal style will incorporate more basic and transitional pieces.  Pencil skirts, suits and ties might take a back seat at the office and Zoom meeting for a while. Athleisure will become more common place as business start to reopen their doors. With the high spread of of the virus, consumers will opt for washer friendly fabrics, like cotton, merino wool and washable silk.  Consigning our recently cleaned out our closets will become more popular; I’ve consigned my unused pieces for many years for a little extra cash. Online consignment stores like Thredup are about to be the popular kid in the realm of fashion.

As crazy and uncertain things may be, I want to leave you with