Billy Warden shares his tips on how to make this season’s hottest accessory work for any occasion.  
by Billy Warden

COVID-19 is a hot mess, but the mask may be the coolest thing to hit fashion since sunglasses. Like shades, masks grace your face with a touch of mystery. They can also express moods, ideas and personality quirks. And while pre-pandemic cosmetic surgery was prohibitively pricey, I can now tuck away my less-than-chiselled jawline for just a few dollars. Here’s how to embrace the new normal with timeless style.

POOLSIDE

Diving ‘face naked’ into a cool pool now counts as a kind of skinny dipping. But back on land, get properly attired—and make a stylish splash—with a floral mask and hat band. Then throw in enough bright orange to make the sun squint.

COCKTAILS

#RetroPatio: throwback lounge shirt, tiki glass cocktail and—when not sipping—a David Bowie mask ($25; Edge of Urge). Sure, the eras don’t match up, but what a blast to relive those happy days when a “virus” merely meant an infected computer.

QUIET TIME

Stay sane while staying safe by meditating in a white mask adorned with homemade peace-and-love doodles, a linen shirt to let in the breeze and, to complete the communion with nature, a flower. I call this one the pan-ZEN-ic look.

BLACK TIE

Even at a formal socially distanced wedding, your mask can still pack a little ‘tude. Before landing on this model ($12; House of Swank), I tried a black-and-white VOTE mask—but had to abandon it when folks took it as an invitation to talk politics (something that’s rarely healthy).

BUSINESS 

Look like a ‘demic-era boss for that rare in-person business meeting in a mask that adds a third dimension to the ol’ matching tie-andpocket square combo. If you can line up all of this, you’ll no doubt kill it on deal points.

OUT & ABOUT 

An invisible virus lassoing and corralling our lives is dang frustrating. But instead of rebelling by going maskless, opt for an outlaw look via the bandit bandana. Pair with a cap representing the MLB team you’d most like to see filling stadiums again.