30 stylish face masks you can order online now

Protect yourself and others while staying true to your personal style

As the UK, along with the rest of the world, begins to adapt to what is becoming known as "the new normal", the wearing of face masks are becoming a standard part of everyday life.

In a press conference on Friday afternoon the prime minister announced he was "squeezing the break pedal" on the easing of lockdown measures. Wedding receptions and the opening of indoor entertainment venues are to be delayed by two weeks.

The wearing of face coverings, which has been mandatory in shops for a week, will not also be mandatory in cinemas, museums, and places of worship from Saturday 8 August in order to protect others and prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

Face coverings have been mandatory on public transport and in private hire taxis in England since 15 June and most recently prime minister Boris Johnson made it compulsory for people to wear one every time they enter a shop, or face fines of up to £100.

The news came more than a week after Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced face masks would also be compulsory in shops in Scotland.

With medical-grade masks reserved for NHS and frontline workers, reusable cloth face coverings will be the go-to for the majority but, while some might be happy to opt for a simple black number, the more fashion-conscious are looking to turn them into statement wardrobe essentials.

“Whether it’s a minimal black mask, a fun tie dye version, a mask with a message, or a feminine floral print, masks will become an extension of one’s style,” says fashion stylist Emily Sanchez. “If we need to wear them, then I think it’s great that it can be a fun addition to a look and that it can be part of your outfit versus something you just have to wear.”

Luckily, face coverings have been embraced and beautified by plenty of fashion brands, who have risen to the challenge of making 2020's must-have accessory a more alluring prospect.

From luxuriously embroidered pieces to floral multipacks and summer-worthy gingham styles, click through the gallery above for The Independent’s round-up of the most fashion-forward masks to buy this summer.

Our fashion roundups are unbiased. On some occasions, we may earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to affect our coverage.