To be completely transparent I believe coming out of of the pandemic, people will be the least concerned with what they are wearing. But inevitably we will be wearing clothes and making different choices in a post pandemic world. Here are a few trends that are expected to reign into the new normal.
Masks
These are necessary or at the very least have become a social expectation especially in densely populated areas like Chicago and New York City. Many people have been wearing what they can find such as the generic disposable kinds to customized faux designer ones. Although the virus is expected die down amid the summer heat, until the vaccine is released people are likely to continue to protect themselves with masks. What ever the style, these are likely to stay in place until the end of the year.
Nails
Long nails have been popularized by celebrities like Cards B, Rosalia, and Kylie Jenner to name a few, but I predict shorter styles will takeover at least for this period. Long nails are more likely to harvest germs and therefore much of the population, including essential workers ,are likely to opt for shorter styles. I expect to see shorter nails with pastels or muted tones- simple and clean looking styles. It’s important to note how trends reflect our culture as a whole. In recent history, longer nails have reflected years of economic prosperity, as have most flamboyant trends. It’s a sign of status for some as it insinuates the person can afford the cost of maintenance. As we brace for an economic downturn, this may be one area people will cut costs.
Pastels & Neutrals
As we enter into summer, inevitably color seeps back into our wardrobes. Pastels are a calm serene tone that are a stark contrast to the neons and bold colors of previous seasons of maximalism. As stated before, the fashion choices we make display general sentiments of society collectively. The pastels represent the summer season but in a laidback and relaxed fashion. The bold colors from past seasons are likely to take a backseat as we spend this summer in more relaxed ways than before. Neutrals will also comeback as the all white look has been an expected trend for summer of 2020. They are also considered more practical and minimalistic, a style that has taken an upward trend in recent years.
Lounge wear
Since most time is being spent at home anyway people are investing in higher quality and cuter loungewear. This has been popularized by influencers who continue to produce content in quarantine-fashion, from their homes. It’s very relevant to everyone who continues to stay home during lockdown.
Vintage
Reflection of culture. In the past, trends have trends have been revived due to the glamorization of better times. This is one of the reasons the late 80s to Y2K trends came back. Enough time had passed for millennials, many of the influential people in fashion currently, to look at the past in awe. Activities that have resurfaced to to the pandemic like like road trips and drive ins are reminiscent of youth culture decades before, another reason leading to the nostalgia that will drive up the vintage trend.
This may be wishful thinking, but I’m predicting a surge in second hand sales. It started to really take off to the mainstream platform due to up-cycling in the mid 2010’s, as somewhat of a counter culture trend towards the capitalistic market. The market favored fast fashion, which in many aspects is considered unethical especially due to its environmental impacts. Buying vintage counters the waste that fast fashion produces. The online platforms that allow for up-cycling like Depop and Poshmark also support small businesses, another aspect consumers are looking to for post-pandemic.
What You May Not See This Season
Neon colors- these were popularized by festival, travel, and club looks. These events are likely to have been canceled this year. Plus the neon trend was popular for the last few summers and tends to die down since it is such an apparent trend.
Loud Patterns- there are patterns that remain popular such as simple flower patterns on quaint sundresses or tiger and leopard prints following the snake print trend. But patterns such as the chain trend, a maximalist trend popularized by Versace, are most likely to retire this season. The auspicious tone that symbolizes wealth is not the vibe post-pandemic. Not to mention it was seen as a vacation or night out look as well, most of these events have been cancelled.
Fashion is a reflection of the collective mood of a society during a particular era. This is a time of hope but a with somber reality underlying it. This will be expressing that through clothing. Historically throughout times of financial turmoil, conservative, conspicuous clothing surfaces to mainstream culture. This is not going to be an immediate bounce back, as once anticipated. The healing and tranquility I expect to be expressed through styles that favor casual, comfortable, breathable fits. I believe the light colors will reflect the optimistic outlook for a brighter future.
Jaylinn Reports 