Face Mask Chains Are Seemingly Everywhere – And They’re Actually A Very Helpful Accessory

Although a very convincing case was made for the disposable mask by Cate Blanchett, who’s worn them and only them with her red carpet finery at this week’s Venice Film Festival, most have upped their game since face coverings became mandatory. Olivia Palermo knots silk scarves over hers, while Kerry Washington and Alessandra Ambrosio both favour the fabric leopard-spotted kind.

None, however, have surpassed Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The Congresswoman, appearing at a committee hearing last month, wore a face mask chain from Second Wind, a New York-based brand founded by stylist Karen Perez in response to the pandemic. Since then, we’ve spotted lots of chains on the influencer community, everything from strings of rainbow-coloured beads to chunky chain-link strands.

If we’re going to be wearing masks for the foreseeable, we might as well make the most of it, right? Plus, with the weather turning cold, wet and windy, do you really want to be chasing your face mask down the street when it could be hanging round your neck? Didn’t think so.

Second Wind’s stock is currently sold out, but soon-to-be-delivered. While you wait, however, check out Etsy, a goldmine for face chain masks, or better still make your own using this video tutorial. You could also look for sunglasses chains. Just make sure they have clips at the end instead of the usual plastic loops, otherwise you’ll have to faff another with another fastening.

READ MORE: Where Can You Buy Stylish, Reusable Face Masks

If you’re heading back to work, or even just the occasional breakfast meeting, you could do a lot worse than arriving AOC-style.