By: Alexa Gonzalez
COVID-19 has undoubtedly brought plenty of detrimental changes to our lives. We have all familiarized ourselves with the layout of our home as well as its inhabitants due to the fact that it became our only option for six months. When we weren’t wondering when that bookshelf became so slanted and uneven, we spent our time doing other things to occupy our attention. One of these diversion tactics included taking the time to get to know and work on ourselves. It could be argued that this was one of the better effects of quarantine (although there were very few). The time spent in isolation meant we had time to wonder what life would be like once the world returned to normal. Specifically, it made us wonder what we would be like. Therefore, some people took this time to learn new things, adopt some new personality traits, or make drastic changes to their wardrobe in attempt to better themselves. The closing of places such as retail stores, hair salons, and nail salons caused people to take measures into their own hands.
Retail Stores
While retail stores were shut down in the quarantine early on, many individuals felt the need to buy new clothing regardless of the situation. This may have had something to do with the saying, “Wanting what you can’t have,” but I’m not one to judge. That being said, stores did not close completely, but instead made the shift onto their online shopping experiences. Because of our inability to physically go ourselves, the amount of online shopping spiked exponentially this year. Although the world was seemingly put on a halt with the arrival of the stay-at-home order, fashion trends were persevering, continuous and successful as ever. On social media platforms such as TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram, people were able to share the clothing items that they had been buying. Which, in turn, set off many different trends from dying your hair bold colors to doing a 180 on clothing style preferences.
Mom Jeans
One of the popular trends that arose in the midst of quarantine was the style of mom jeans. The mom jeans or shorts style was very popular in 1980s and early 1990s. This era of old school fashion has made a comeback in recent months. This is surprising, however, because before Covid-19, the style of skinny jeans or jeggings had been the most popular style for years.
Y2K Style
Other styles such as the style called “Y2K” – or the styles popular in the year 2000 – have also made a comeback in many people’s wardrobes and shopping carts. Things such as bright colors, lots of different patterns and designs, cardigans, and other such staples are key indicators of a Y2K closet. In simpler terms, Y2K is the kind of style you would most likely find on a Bratz doll.
Loungewear
Finally, loungewear is another style that became wildly popular (and for good reason). Due to the fact that everyone had no other choice to be home, loungewear became a second layer of skin for a majority of us. Sweatpants, leggings, fuzzy socks, hoodies, and baggy t-shirts were undoubtedly used on an almost day to day basis. I know this because absolutely no one in their right mind walks around their house all day in jeans or any kind of denim in general.
Beauty Salons
As for beauty salons being mandated to shut down during quarantine, many people would assume that services such as manicures, pedicures, haircuts, hair styles, lash lifts, and facials were no longer being done. However, some people refused a world without these things and took a leap of faith in deciding that they would learn how to do it themselves. These impulsive decisions sometimes ended in positive results, while others did not turn out so well. One thing is for certain, however, which is that regardless of the end result – the experience would be thrilling.
Lash Lifts
Some people purchased lash lift kits that included all the supplies needed to learn and then try it on their own. Lash lifts have gained in popularity lately potentially because of the fact that when you are required to wear a face mask, your eyes are your most noticeable feature.
Haircuts
Some boys felt that they needed a haircut so desperately that they brought out their own scissors and electric razors and became their very own barber. Popular haircuts during the Covid-19 time period included buzzcuts as they are one of the easiest haircuts to do yourself without the worry of messing up. Other boys decided to grow out their hair instead for experimental purposes to see if they preferred longer hair.
Nails
Other people took up the hobby of learning how to do nails, which is quite a rewarding hobby as you no longer have to rely on appointments at the nail salon nor have to pay money for the service anymore. Learning how to do acrylics, gel, or perfecting regular nail polish can be time consuming. However, we had ample time through the lockdown orders, this was a very productive way to spend time learning.
Hair Dye
There have been many people who have dyed their hair in various colors and styles during quarantine. One of the most popular hair dye trends would be dying the front two strands in bright colors such as bright pink, red, blue, green, purple, blonde, and other colors.
All in all, all of these trends contributed to our quarantine experience in some way, shape or form.
The Watchdog 