Royals and stars who have turned face masks into fashion accessories while protecting themselves from COVID-19

July 21, 2020

By Heather Cichowski

Face masks have been recommended as a way to help stop the spread of COVID-19, especially in situations where people cannot keep their social distance. Celebrities and royals have highlighted the importance of non-medical masks and face covering during the coronavirus pandemic by wearing them when they go out.

In addition to showing safety and respect for others, stars and royals around the world have demonstrated how face masks can keep people safe while serving as a fashion accessory that can highlight individuality.

Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see how celebrities are royals are staying safe while making face masks their own.

Photos: © Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images, Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Audi, Olivier Matthys/Getty Images

<h2>King Philippe and Queen Mathilde</h2>
The <a href=/tags/0/belgian-royals><strong>Belgian royals</strong></a> made quite the entrance at the National Parade in the front of the Royal palace on July 21 in Brussels.
<a href=/tags/0/queen-mathilde><strong>Queen Mathilde</strong></a> expertly matched her face mask with her pink-and-red-floral dress. A hot pink hat and clutch brightened up her sophisticated ensemble even more.
<a href=/tags/0/King-Philippe><strong>King Philippe</strong></a> was also coordinated with his navy non-medical mask tying in his dark suit.
<p>Photo: © Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

<h2>Emily Ratajkowski</h2>
<p><a href=/tags/0/emily-ratajkowski><strong>The model</strong></a> was all covered up when she walked her adorable Husky-German Shepherd, <strong>Colombo</strong>, in New York City's Tribeca neighbourhood on June 29.
<p>The newly blonde star's printed shirt highlighted the pattern in her face mask. White sneakers and a bucket hat added to the summery theme of her outfit.
<p>Photo: © Gotham/GC Images

<h2>Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union</h2>
<p>What a stylish pair! The <a href=/tags/0/dwyane-wade><strong>basketball player</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/gabrielle-union><strong>actress</strong></a> showed off two key pieces of the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks and athleisure, at the Audi Presents: Summer Drive-in Concert on July 16 in Malibu, Calif.
<p>She wore a cheerful yellow tracksuit with multicoloured face mask and sneakers while he opted for teal coordinates paired with a white T-shirt, chevron mask and navy kicks.
<p>Photo: © Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Audi

<h2>Princess Elisabeth and King Philippe</h2>
<p><a href=/tags/0/princess-elisabeth><strong>Princess Elisabeth of Belgium</strong></a>, pictured here with father King Philippe, dazzled in a neutral dress with multicoloured paisley print and a coordinating non-medical mask on July 21 at the National Parade in Brussels.
<p>Look closely and you'll see that her non-medical mask has the same floral pattern!
<p>Photo: © Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

<h2>Olivia Palermo</h2>
<p>The fashion maven was in top form on July 18 in New York City, when she took her dog for a walk.
<p>Olivia's white face mask brought out the lace hem of her slip dress, as well as the faint white stripes in her blue blouse.
<p>Photo: © Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

<h2>King Felipe and Queen Letizia</h2>
<p>On July 20, the <a href=/tags/0/spanish-royals><strong>Spanish royals</strong></a> continued their country tour in Tarragona.
<p>The group highlighted the importance of wearing face masks while visiting the Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet. <a href=/tags/0/queen-letizia><strong>Queen Letizia</strong></a> drew attention to her pale blue mask with her baby blue wrap dress.
<p><a href=/tags/0/king-felipe><strong>King Felipe</strong></a> wore a similar non-medical mask that brought out his pastel blue button-down.
<p>Photo: © David Zorrakino/Europa Press via Getty Images

<h2>Sarah Jessica Parker</h2>
<p>The <a href=/tags/0/sarah-jessica-parker><strong>actress-turned-designer</strong></a> showcased her individual style while keeping protected when she stopped by her new shoe store in New York on July 6.
<p>The former <em>Sex and the City</em> star was clad in head-to-toe black. Her mouth and nose were covered by a thick bronze-and-black scarf.
<p>Photo: © Gotham/GC Images

<h2>Queen Mathilde</h2>
<p>The Belgian queen has embraced wearing face masks and has stepped out in a multitude of masks that match her outfits. This elegant orange look was another example. She wore it to visit the Gediflora Chrysanthemum nursery in Oostnieuwkerke on May 28.
<p>Photo: © Olivier Matthys/Getty Images

<h2>Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck</h2>
<p>The lovebirds matched in printed masks when they stepped out to walk their dogs on April 16 in Los Angeles.
<p>a href=/tags/0/ana-de-aramas><strong>Ana de Aramas</strong></a>'s white mask coordinated with her white sneakers. The accessories popped against her black wrap dress.
<p>Photo: © BG004/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

<h2>Prince Albert and Princess Charlene</h2>
<p>On June 2, the <a href=/tags/0/monaco-royals><strong>Monaco royals</strong></a> wore matching protective face masks when they attended the inauguration of the new Casino place in Monaco.
<p><a href=/tags/0/princess-charlene><strong>Princess Charlene</strong></a>'s white mask worked with her light ivory outfit.
<p>Similarly, <a href=/tags/0/prince-albert><strong>Prince Albert</strong></a>'s mask brought out his crisp white shirt.
<p>Photo: © VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images

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