The Masked Singer

The other day I found myself perusing the aisles of our locally owned supermarket when I paused to take in our new normal. With maximum capacity of 30 people, six-feet social distancing guidelines and enforced facial covering, I felt like I had suddenly transported into The Handmaid’s Tale. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge proponent of science so whatever medically trained professionals advise, I’m all there for, it’s just a stark contrast to the life we used to live. As restrictions slowly become more relaxed, one thing is for sure, the world we return to will be very different than the one we last saw in mid March.

A few weeks back, even before the designer face mask hit the market, I imagine what a New York Times Style Section Bill Cunningham collage would have looked like. It was only a matter of time a tool of self expression. Now everyone is on board (excluding those mouth breathing, flat Earth protestors) which means so many of our favorite retailers are offering their own iterations.

The question then becomes, how many of these will we inevitably need? Will they be like earrings and scarves, where we coordinate them to our outfits? Or are they more like winter jackets, that we use for their functionality and pair with whatever ensemble we don that day?

I’ll be honest that it feels a little strange to round up PPE, it’s kind of like me telling you which bandaids to buy. But since they inhabit such a prominent space on our bodies, and since the world doesn’t look like it will be returning to pre-Covid status for a long while, it can’t hurt to have a few stylish options on hand.

Sanctuary

This is the set I personally purchased because at 5 for $28 there’s really no beating it. Not to mention the patterns are stupid cute. (They also have sets for children and men, and a set of 3 organic, washable masks for $24)

Tuckernuck

I’m obsessed with these (I already have this and this in my cart).

Bonus a portion of the proceeds are being donated to Mount Sinai in NYC and No Kid Hungry

Rag & Bone

I’m smitten with gingham so Rag & Bone’s face masks really speak to me. This one is my favorite.

Clare V.

These fun face masks are sure to put a pep in anyone’s step!

Outdoor Voices

For the New Yorkers of the group this all black set of 5 is everything.

Etsy

Etsy has ample options, if you’re interested in going the handmade route. This set is absolutely everything