When you’re trying to survive a zombie attack, fashion really isn’t a priority, and a global pandemic comes pretty close. After getting comfortable living in a pair of hand-me-down pyjamas and a teeshirt, thinking about clothes feels like the last thing we would care about.

But we have a way of constantly drawing inspiration from the situations around us. Be it the society, the tragedies, the pop culture or, in this case, all of the above. In the last few years, super extra, fancy styles took centre stage, but with the way things are going, our fashion perspective could change considerably. And maybe, give us a chance to live out our Walking Dead fantasies! (We’re not the only ones, right?) 

Let’s simplify it. Apocalyptic fashion takes a pretty scary phenomenon to create resourceful, stylish looks (minus all the blood). Dark colours such as khaki, black and navy blue work best here, and remember those cargo pants that you thought you could never pull off? This is your time to shine. (You’ll see) Other items such as tank tops, leather and army-inspired jackets, boots, silver jewellery, face masks, spikes, asymmetrical designs and lots of layers will come in handy.

The concept of apocalyptic fashion has taken shape thanks to modern-day pop culture, specifically science fiction. While in television series such as The Walking Dead and The 100, we see simpler styles, there are movies like Mad Max where we see OTT looks accessorized with machine guns (fun fun fun). Such influences have not only had us plain Janes intrigued, but celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Taylor Swift too have quickly adapted to the trend glamorously. 

Plus, when we see multiple fashion houses presenting these looks on the runway, we get a glimpse into the more quirky ways of rocking the trend. Chanel hosted an iconic show in 2011, ‘Apocalypse Now, and I’m not saying it is a conspiracy. Still, designers have already been preparing for doomsday (Hey, we’re no friends of the Earth). Apocalyptic fashion does not have to be limited to the Gucci disciples (Or to near-death scenarios). This is the time where all those years of hoarding dark clothing despite your mom’s objections could be worth it. With a quick dig into your closet and some brainstorming, you can easily find a way to glamorize the look. 

 Disclaimer: The below looks might and definitely will involve lots of chopping, layering and dusky clothing.

 The Comfortable Biker

You could pair a sweatshirt (crop for an edgier feel) with joggers/cargo pants and a wallet chain. Match it with a pair of boots and throw on a bomber jacket or your dad’s oversized coat to defend yourself from harsher weather. Pull the look together by accessorizing it with a fun belt, some gloves, a fanny pack to keep that pocket knife and a snazzy necklace which btw, you made out of safety pins. Lastly and most importantly, add a face mask because safety first.

The Trendy Warrior

Dig up your skinny pants and a tank top. Then grab a pair of scissors and convert your old wrap dress/top into a quirky jacket to give it the ultimate Lara Croft feel. Finally, add a pair of sneakers and level it up with bold accessories such as neon bags, tape belts and stacked silver jewellery.

 The Resourceful Tomboy

 Layer a turtleneck with a cropped button-down (chop-chop!) and pair it with a pair of ripped jeans. Add a smart leather jacket, boots and a spacious backpack for storing your food and ammo. Next, accessorize with a leather bracelet and some blade-turned-jewellery earrings to keep it interesting. Finally, DIY your way to a gas mask to tackle dirt and chemical attacks, and you’ll be good to go.

 To quote Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “If the apocalypse comes, beep me.”