By Savannah Maher

The deadline for quarantine is quickly approaching, as a New Yorker, it is frightening to be in the hotspot of the disease in comparison to the entire world. When May 15th comes around and the governor decides to open up storefronts, we can expect a new normal.

Manhattan is usually crowded with people and the hub of fashion. New Yorkers are tough, but they are also smart. Tarana Sable from the Upper East Side and current NYU student says “I haven’t been outside in two months, its ground zero out here”.

I do not think the city is going to return to its original form for a month or two, but I believe we will bounce back and NYC will be back in no time. After all, Broadway is opening on June 7th because the show must go on!

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New Ways To Shop

Many grocery stores have a ten-person limit and tape on the floor to guide customers where to stand while staying six feet apart, this is a likely reality for most retail stores when they re-open.

For the customers’ safety, I think it would be best if everyone knew their exact sizes and just bought the clothes instead of trying pieces on in the dressing room. It would cause too much of a risk if people were trying on clothes and someone that had Covid-19 passed it onto the garment. Big purchases that need to be fitted such as a wedding or prom dress will most likely be appointment only.

Sanitize in Style

The re-opening of stores will need to have responsibility from both the workers and the customers. The workers should clean the racks, cash registers, dressing rooms, and used hangers. Both the customers and the workers should be wearing gloves and masks at all times. In addition to these precautions, hand sanitizer should be at every counter.

To secure the workers’ safety, customers should try to use credit cards to avoid unnecessary germ transactions. According to CNBC, Simon Property Group, the biggest mall owner in the U.S. is promoting the use of Apple Pay as a contactless payment method.

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Support Safely From Home

Online shopping is the safest way to get your retail therapy fix-in. Many stores are taking extra time to sanitize their packages before shipping them. SHEIN sent an email out to their customers saying “We have got a notification from a shipping company that they have reduced the number of their couriers to help control the outbreak of worldwide pandemic and protect the safety of all people”.

Shoppers should expect delays on their packages but it is in their best interest. To compromise, SHEIN is giving 200 points to their customers’ accounts that will mark down the price of items. Since workers cannot practice customer service in person, store websites will have to increase their emails and point reward systems as a form of mediated customer service.

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Covid-19 Changes

Non-essential businesses have been shut down all across America in efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19, fashion has been labeled non-essential and retail businesses are hurting. According to NBC, retail sales dropped 8.7% in March, the biggest decline since 1992.

According to Forbes, Sephora is opening 100 new stores not associated with malls. This is safer for Sephora shoppers because they won’t need to go into enclosed crowded spaces like before.

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Good News for Small Businesses

Enclosed crowded spaces such as malls may be the last thing people want to be in post-Covid, outdoor shopping outlets may be the easiest way to shop for a while. While the world is feeling uneasy at the moment, shoppers will want to be in places where they feel safest.

I predict that there will be an increase in people wanting to support their local retail businesses because there are usually fewer people in the store, they know the store on a more personal level, and it is a known fact that small businesses are struggling during the pandemic.

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By Savannah Maher

Music festivals and vacations may be canceled because of Co-vid 19 however, fashion will never be canceled. Spring into this season with boho-chic looks to rock at the beach, a socially distanced picnic, or a walk in nature. The upcoming outfits are inspired by the earth’s natural beauty, after all, nature is unaffected by the pandemic so enjoy it!

Flow and Flare

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Earth tones such as brown, green, and salmon can mix and match together to create a humble boho palette. Spring can be a little chilly and we don’t have our golden tan just yet, thank god maxi skirts are here to save the day! 

The use of frills and flower patterns take us back to a peaceful state of the ’70s before there was the stress of a global pandemic. This “straight out of Woodstock” look can be completed with a fringe accessory or even a flower crown from your quarantine garden.

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Any outfit can be turned into a boho look by roughing up the edges. The boots in the photo above make this ensemble practical to go outside in and get down and dirty with nature. The flow of these clothes allows peace, body empowerment, and comfort to be achieved in each look.

The trick to achieving the perfect hippie style is buying clothes that are a bit oversized and even worn in. Rock your natural hair and don’t be bummed if your clothing tears, wavy hair, and rips are celebrated in the hippie community.

By Savannah Maher

The gown a bride chooses for her wedding is probably one of the most memorable and important fashion statements she will make in her entire life. The Coronavirus pandemic may create obstacles for brides-to-be when it comes to shopping for a gown, but don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to browse from home.

Experts suggest Brides buy their gowns eight months before the wedding, choosing the style and designer of your wedding gown is the perfect pastime during quarantine before stores anticipate opening in May.

The show must go on, fashionistas are using their creativity to give the brides the fantasy dress they always dreamed of amidst the pandemic. Alex Bolen, CEO of Oscar de la Renta, tells BAZAAR Bride”Our bridal associates are currently working with clients by sending pictures and conducting FaceTime appointments to assist with the measuring process. We will continue to fine-tune our approach regarding appointments and fittings to ensure the health and safety of our team and clients.”

Bride on a Budget

Many people have received pay cuts or even lost their jobs during the pandemic, however, there are still elegant gowns that are less expensive than usual, and fashion-forward.

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Above is a Leaf Pattern Lace Slit Skirt A-Line Wedding Dress perfect for the bride that wants to keep it casual and classy. This dress designed by Melissa Sweet recently went down from $599.00 to $499.00 at David’s Bridal and can effortlessly flow with an outdoor wedding.

Bling Bling Bridal

This satin mermaid wedding dress with crystals and beaded sheer long sleeves is from Bling Brides Bouquet, an online bridal boutique. There are many ways to shop from the safety of your home during quarantine for an unforgettable dress. This dress is for the bride that’s tired of staying in her sweatpants and wants to sparkle like never before.

Minimalistic and Modern

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The Gabriela Cutout Long-Sleeve Gown by A.L.C. can be bought at Neiman Marcus for a marked down price of $596.00, previously sold at $795.00. This look is ideal for a second wedding or a city wedding. The silver zipper would be beautifully complemented with silver diamond earrings, no need to stress over a necklace because the high neck cut already does the job!

By Savannah Maher

Blossom into your inner flower child this spring with looks that are far opposite from your quarantine sweatpants, but still just as comfortable. Trendy does not have to mean glamorous and tight, this Spring it means free and light!

My Fashion shoot layout is going to be on the theme of escapism. The Coronavirus has taken friends, family, work, and hobbies away from the entire population. One thing this virus cannot take away from us is fashion. We get dressed every day and even if you are not seeing anyone you can still impress yourself.

Fashion during a pandemic can be the most fulfilling act of one’s day. In a time where there isn’t much to do, creating fun spring looks can be an activity for everyone. I get dressed to walk around my neighborhood or even get coffee at the drive-thru because it boosts self-confidence and purpose.

My idea for the fashion shoot is to take photos in usually crowded areas such as a town village, a shopping center, or a parking lot and show how desolate the world is. The outfits will be a spring vision of hope and color in a contrasting setting of emptiness.

I plan on creating a 70’s spring lookbook. During the ’70s, hippie fashion mimicked the natural beauty of the world’s colors and patterns. The coronavirus pandemic is forcing humans to stay inside so wearing outfits reflective of the outside is serving as a creative escape outlet.

Some trends I will be showcasing are Mexican style clothing, long skirts, fringe, boots, floral, and an overall bohemian feel. Many of the outfits I will be showing can be found at Free People and Urban Outfitters. I will provide colorful looks for a bold personality, earth-tone looks for the humble fashionistas, and conservative looks for those who are older.

I predict that after the pandemic is over people will be excited to dress up more than ever because the whole world has been in sweatpants for the past two months. The hippie spring style also conveniently allows everyone to embrace their quarantine couch bodies with this flattering flowy style. The hippie look can easily be achieved by layering and mix/matching colors.

In addition to the outfits, I will be giving suggestions on how to style hair such as braids, or a beachy wave to add to the look. Fringe bags and earthy tone totes will also be displayed to complete the spring vibe.

By Savannah Maher

Fashion was used as a tool for social and political change in the 1960s. Many of these fashions that started in the 60s are still worn today such as the mini skirt, unisex clothing, hairstyles, and denim. 

It is important to understand the historical significance of these trends because these fashions were not worn with ease in the 1960s, the youth went through harsh judgments by the conservatives and wore clothes with political purpose. These bold fashionistas consequently created a more equal America for us today.

Fashion in the 1960s liberated oppressed groups because people would recognize shared trends and that created a safe community for activists to identify with allies. Even today, people tend to migrate to others with a similar fashion taste. Wearing certain clothing or designers speak volumes without the person ever having to open their mouths.

Mini Skirt

Mary Quant invented the miniskirt in 1964, this was a skirt with a hemline several inches above the knee. The images above from Getty Images showcase that the innovation of the mini skirt allowed women to feel comfortable expressing their bodies instead of always having to cover their legs with long skirts. This holds great political significance because before this women had to be careful with how much leg they showed, the mini skirt empowered women of all body types to rock their femininity and curves. 

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Unisex Clothing

During the 1960s New Left activists started to challenge strict dress codes of shopping by your biological gender and wearing only clothes that emphasized the natural curves of your proclaimed gender. Unisex clothing was also used by hippies, who were known for wearing flowers and bright colors as showing appreciation to nature and free love.

 Gender was recognized as a social construct during the mid-60s, this meant that women no longer built their wardrobe around society’s expectations. Women could now shop in the men’s section and vice versa. With both the LGBTQ, feminists and the hippie community all utilizing unisex clothing this created societal gender anxieties from conservatives. 

Political Hair

Feminists cut their hair to discard gender expectations of looking pretty for a man in efforts to be treated equally. African American women used afros to promote natural African beauty instead of the oppressive straight long hairstyle that was romanticized in the beauty industry.

Hippie women grew out their hair to portray a carefree way of living and hippie men grew long hair in efforts to revolt against the war because all soldiers had crew cuts in the Vietnam War and were seen as the ultimate masculine archetype.

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Denim

Denim was originally used for its high durability, however, in the 1960s denim became a political statement. Denim was a symbol of college students forming a unity with the working middle class and rebelling against the strict conservative dress of the 1950s. 

Historically, African American slaves wore denim because it was easy to work in. The color of blue jeans also holds African roots, the color Indigofera tinctoria is a dye native to West Africa that was brought to America during the traveling back and forth between white men during the slave trade.

By Savannah Maher

1. Stripes on Stripes

As Winter comes to an end and the seasons get warmer, most of us are running around like chickens without heads because we once again forgot to prepare the classic “summer bod”. Luckily, there is a pattern here to save the day, vertical stripes make the body appear slimmer and are the latest trend!

While horizontal stripes force the body to appear wider, vertical stripes are a classic that can be transformed into a comfy, classy, or casual look. The outfit above combines light blue, navy, and purple to add a playful spin to the professional look.

The blazer, turtle neck, striped pants, and platform booties can all be bought at Zara.

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2.Standout in Snake

Despite snakes being known for sneaking and slithering around, wearing the snakeskin pattern will guarantee your spotlight and for standing out in the streets. Those days of being bored of wearing  all black outfits but not knowing how to spice it up are over.

The snakeskin print is perfect to add to any all black, gray, or brown outfit because it is a neutral. Snakeskin is versatile, it can be seen on the streets in coats, shoes, pants, or shirts. An all black outfit with snakeskin heels for example can be worn all day to work and then to the club without even having to go home and change!

The photo above is the classic street style way of wearing snakeskin, add a chain and white sneakers to add edge to this easy look. This snakeskin skirt was bought at Shein for only $7.00.

How to Actually Wear the Snakeskin Trend This Fall https://t.co/cuzFsm082F pic.twitter.com/0Ro4ohv1Rc

— Glamour Fashion (@glamour_fashion) November 2, 2019

3.Cheetah Statements

Cheetah print is here to stay. This trend along with the snakeskin print is a neutral and a statement.  This pattern is typically brown so it can be paired with denim or balck jeans for a everyday look or even a pop of red for a night on the town. 

Cheetah doesn’t end as the days get colder, the photo above is displaying cute cheetah earmuffs that can add boldness to any outfit. The girl in the photo is also wearing a cheetah tank from Kate and Hale Boutique, but is making it season-appropriate by adding a leather jacket.

Me totally vibin with this cheetah trend going on pic.twitter.com/8qvszXK3J2

— mdeanelle (@mdeanelle) October 9, 2019

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4.Casual Camouflage

Who ever said camouflage meant strict like the military? Camouflage is in this season and comfy as ever! The photos above showcase pieces from Kate and Hale Boutique. The army print can be dressed up or down with any color added for an accessory. Camouflage has no season and can be found in stores as a jacket, t shirt, or pants.

Camouflage can be worn to rebel or blend in. Army clothes started to be worn as a fashion trend back in the 1960’s when youth counterculture was rebelling against the war. They used this pattern as political and self expression.

The photos above showcase the laid back fun side of camouflage that is a necessity to every college girl’s wardrobe. Camouflage is sold in many different colors in addition to army green, whatever your favorite color is, rock the rebellion!

From Sidewalk Streets to Stardom

Images Sources: Troi Williams and Savannah Maher

Footaction hosted a competition to shine a light on innovative young African American women from historically black universities to showcase their stylistic ideas for their 2020 NYFW presentation. Over 150 applicants competed to combine footwear with a street edge, five women won and presented their unique looks.

My favorite was Chakierrah Stinson from Tuskegee University. Her fleece was made from recycled plastic water bottles and inspired by sustainability. Stinson told Footaction “ I’m a self-taught designer who focuses on reworking unconventional objects into apparel.”

These competitors kept their artistic flare but catered to the trends of the consumer’s desires. The environment of the Footaction No 1-way program was empowering and friendly.

As a young college woman herself, I felt nothing but comfort in the Footaction environment being surrounded by audience members that were supporting hard-working females although I entered the presentation completely alone and in a new big city.

Anything but the Kitten Heel

Image Sources: IMAXTREE and Getty Images

Traditionally heels come with the expectation of being dainty and sexy. The stereotype that a woman needs these characteristics while walking above her norm was washed away this past NYFW.

Versace innovated the platform heel with a street twist. The colors and texture of these heels are reflective of your classic sneaker. Interestingly, Versace kept the expectation of the quaint strap to pull the heel together. This look is practical with the built yet daring with the colors.

Black and yellow are often paired together as a symbol of warning, Fendi knew how to turn heads with this funky heel. The spiral texture as the backbone of the heel screams “stability” while the rippled yellow “Fendi” backside of the shoe states “flexibility”. This contrasting heel speaks as loud as it stomps.

The Tamed Jungle

Image Sources: Shuttershock

Models stepped out of the comfort zone of their own species and took on the role of different animals this Fall/Winter 2020 NYFW. Finally, designers are realizing there are more exciting animal prints than cheetah and snake.

Dorothy warned us about lions, tigers, and bears… but she forgot to mention zebra! Zebra print can be seen as just as much of a neutral as cheetah print if paired with simple black shoes and accessories. To keep up with the fast-moving print, add pops of any color to fulfill the wild fun fantasy.

Classy Cutouts

Image Sources: Getty Images

Designers such as Dion Lee and Khaite stormed the runway with cutouts in all forms of clothing and shapes. Mainly the cutouts were to accentuate the woman figure at the hips and upper chest.

Brandon Maxwell designed cutouts in a simple yet effective way. Fiery red was a trend the 2020 NYFW runway shows witnessed a lot of, but Maxwell used minimalistic cut-outs to add even more heat to the trend.

The unsymmetrical cutouts on the hip force attention to the upper cutouts on the chest and the color itself. This design is sexy but sophisticated with only a little bit of bare waist showing.