Syracuse style: mask edition

SU students are expressing their personal style through face coverings as they adhere to campus mask mandates.

Story by Gianna N. Prudente / Photos by Lydia Herne and Kennedy Smith

Published: August 31, 2020

Lydia Herne

For engineering & computer science sophomore Griffin Maffioli, wearing a mask is just another way to accessorize. "It's just about finding something that matches what you already like to wear. It's just adding one more piece of cloth to your outfit." Photo by Kennedy Smith.

Nutrition Science grad student Melissa Navarro shows some Orange pride by wearing a mask adorned with oranges. "I bought the mask from my friend's Etsy shop and as soon as I saw the one with oranges and I couldn't resist."

Lydia Herne

Nutrition Science graduate student Melissa Navarro shows her Orange pride by wearing a mask adorned with oranges. "I bought the mask from my friend's Etsy shop and as soon as I saw the one with oranges and I couldn't resist." Photo by Lydia Herne.

Lydia Herne

International relations and television, radio and film junior David Barbier got into Newhouse last semester and was excited to show off his new swag on the first day of classes. Photo by Lydia Herne.

Lydia Herne

Management freshman Zain Nsour dons a black mask which completes her all-black outfit—though she said it wasn't planned. She woke up late for her first class and was scrambling to get out the door, and just grabbed the first mask she saw.

Third year architecture grad student. Indra Prasasto, picked his mask to go with the terracotta tones of his shirt and backpack for a full first day of school outfit.

Lydia Herne

Architecture graduate student Indra Prasasto picked his mask out especially for the first day of school, to match the terracotta of his shirt and backpack.

Lydia Herne

English and textual studies graduate student Zayla Crocker doesn't pay much attention to mask fashion. “I think this mask was $1.50 at Target."

This year’s back-to-school accessory: the face mask. Syracuse University students must wear a face mask at all times while on campus, and some are making the most of this mandate with masks that express their personal style.

At the beginning of the pandemic, face coverings were no more than a health and safety precaution, but as people settle into the reality that they’re here to stay (at least for a while) all sorts of different style face masks have emerged. The quarantine craze of tie-dying has lived on as tie-die masks become the new trend. While some students got creative and made their own, others have shopped Etsy, an online marketplace.

Although wearing face coverings is new for most students, they’re finding a way to embrace the change. With signs on campus reminding students to do their part and wear their masks, they are following along and making it fun. Walking down the promenade, students are seen wearing masks of different patterns, colors and materials. Some masks have sayings while others show SU school spirit. As students get ready for the day, they make a decision on what mask to wear—an opportunity to showcase their personal style.