Performing fashion

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brings into sharp relief the performative aspect of the way we dress Those who are fortunate to be working remotely are likely to be conscious of their screen pres-ence, which reveals only the top half or third of the body Staring at one’s own face among many others during the online meetings and classes requires new makeup and dressing routines Makeup and hair matter, as do tops, but bottoms and shoes take on a diminished importance Combining nice tops that are in view with sweatpants for the part of the body that (hopefully) no one can see reveals that dress is, after all, performative: we dress not only for ourselves but also for others;for the public gaze Children, too, are being asked to attend to the public gaze as they learn remotely online Many schools are asking or requiring online pupils to dress at home as they would if they were in the classroom © 2020 Intellect Ltd Introduction