How to mask up in style, on the double

Poet Amanda Gorman layered masks at the US Presidential inauguration. Pic/Twitter

With Mumbai's COVID-19 cases seeing a spike in the past week, and the BMC's directive urging Mumbaikars to keep their masks on and maintain social distancing, one fact is clear - masks must be our new normal for the foreseeable future. However, masking up doesn't have to be a dreary and monotonous affair. Fashion lovers around the world have devised ingenious ways of dressing up their masked looks, to strike the right balance between being fashion-forward and socially responsible.

Layer up

At the US Presidential inauguration in January, many dignitaries including First Lady Dr Jill Biden and poet Amanda Gorman wore two masks - the top layer was more aesthetics-oriented and the second layer was a simpler, more functional variant. "Just as people opt to have garments tailored for their weddings and social dos, many are also using leftover scraps of fabric to have a matching mask stitched. This makes the look more cohesive," explains designer Murshida Kotyad.

Karishma Tanna sports a quirky mask chain. Pic/Instagram

Communications professional Geraldine DeBrass, who designs face masks, says that in addition to adding an extra layer of security, layering masks allows you to experiment with thinner fabrics and other embellishments without sacrificing comfort. To make your masked look even more stylish, Kotyad recommends experimenting with colourful straps to create eye-catching combinations.

In terms of safety and efficacy, studies indicate that creating a ‘sandwich' with two masks made of more porous fabrics can offer more protection when
higher functioning masks aren't available.

Amrita Chawla enjoys pairing her outfits with complementing mask chains

Add a chain

"Last December, I bought myself a mask chain both for the aesthetics and the functionality," says Amrita Chawla, a marketing professional. The chain makes for a quirky accessory and keeps you from misplacing your mask, she adds. In addition to buying specialised mask chains, Chawla re-purposes chains intended for spectacles and sunglasses for her mask. You can convert your long, beaded necklaces or bag straps into mask chains by adding small clasps - using clasps instead of knotting the ends of the chain to your mask, Chawla says, can help you reuse the same chain for multiple masks.

For children, creating their own DIY mask chains with beads can be a fun activity. Many indie platforms are offering more dramatic mask chain styles, which can take your look from basic to edgy - make sure to keep your other accessories simple so they don't compete with the mask chain.

Geraldine DeBrass wears a double-mask look

Style it right

Since the mask will cover the lower half of your face, experiment with quirky eyewear and bold eye looks that include bright pops of colour, dramatic brows and fluttering eyelashes.