Let’s be real. This time is weird.

None of us have ever experienced a pandemic or let alone a “self quarantine”, and I do not think any of us were prepared for the extent of all this either. By now most of us are either bored, trying to find some normalcy, or just simply trying to find a way to face this reality.

What armor can use in this time is fashion? Fashion photographer Bill Cunningham said it best that “fashion is the amour used to survive the reality of everyday life.”

Our reality is wild right now, but fashion has definitely lifted people’s spirits in this time. For example, look at the videos going viral on Tik Tok, a lot of them are fashion related. People are showing us ways to upcycle old clothing, make new trendy pieces at home and so much more. Making tye-dye sweat suits and t-shirts, bleach dying black clothing and custom painting our sneakers have all been ways that the fashion force is keeping us busy.

I asked my friends if they felt the same about this and they too agreed. “Yes. I would say fashion is keeping us busy, a lot of people have been doing DIYs to old clothes stored in our closets,” said senior Chelsea Fanz.

For others it may not be keeping us just occupied, but it may just be keeping us. My mother, for instance, has been using it to keep her life “as normal as can be”. While interviewing her she said that she uses clothing and fashion to keep her routine, since she can no longer go to work every day. By putting a good outfit on and getting ready she feels like herself still and that she can still conquer the world, even if it’s just from the couch.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am aware of how bad things are in the healthcare community right now. However, I also like to think that the fashion community has helped lift spirits even in the harsh environments of hospitals. Seeing so many brands and even local designers use their skills to create masks and donate them shows the immense care for our community of doctors and nurses.

It shows that we are in fact in this together and that we support and appreciate all the hard that they put in. We can do our part as well by staying home, but it doesn’t have to be boring because we can stay home in style!