The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably presents an era-defining challenge to public health. Its political consequences, both short-term and long-term, are less well understood. In between that, there are some latest COVID-19 trends that you might be missing out on.
The possibility of a pandemic has been a well-known global concern for many years. Still, no one could have predicted the exact timing or existence of the current coronavirus epidemic.
This is often the way with COVID-19 trends: major shifts are well known. There are many weak signals. But it’s hard to know exactly the bell curve’s timing and form that most COVID-19 trends follow. Are they going to stay niche for one year? Three years? Or, unexpectedly, see accelerated mass adoption due to some external cause?
That’s why it’s useful to be able to look at COVID-19 trends that were already ‘out there.’ What are the latest behaviors which early adopters and pioneer brands have now embraced?
Here’s a list of 10 latest COVID-19 trends. The list provides strong early signs of what people can trust and their priorities in the world.
As you scan these COVID-19 trends, ask yourself: are we prepared for these latest behaviors? Are we ready to meet these new expectations?
1. Comfort wear
The industry has introduced a modern style of fashion. At the same time, it acclimatized to the present scenario. Work-from-home has become a new normal now. Women are selecting fashion pieces that are simple, breezy, and comfortable to wear. They also keep the style in mind.
In the early 1970s, it was proclaimed that there should be no rules in the fashion game. It led to a decade of fashion full of freedom of speech. Styles such as print-on-print, jeans, color block, athletics, floral and flowing silhouettes, lounge linen, polka dots became common during those days. Each of these COVID-19 trends is making a big comeback now. It will certainly be in demand for a while. Clothing with multifunctional importance will remain at the top of the popularity charts.
2. Creative Face Masks: To give a spin to a necessity
The days are gone where we used to freak out over peel-off or charcoal face masks. Vanity was taken over by security as safe face masks became required. But the creative spins on these masks have increased.
DIY and designer masks in different fabrics, complete with quirky designs, floral embroidery, prints, and colors, are the newest additions to the fashion accessories of 2020.
3. The era of digital transformation
Digital Transformation is a business trend that has achieved immense attention over the past few months.
Some companies invested significant time, money, and digital resources due to the pandemic. But, most were not too concerned with digitalizing their offerings. However, Covid-19 has forced companies across the globe to take radical measures. They had to implement technological advancements to secure their company.
Almost all industries, including retail, healthcare, hospitality, and education, would need to transform their business models to remain viable. Companies can no longer enjoy the ease of conducting ‘business as usual.’ Even though an organization is ahead of its competitors today, it still needs to:
- Be prepared to embrace uncertainty
- Take measured risks
- Keep up with changing business COVID-19 trends
- Leverage the latest digital technologies
Failure to do so could disrupt their whole business model
4. Plant-based food boom is expanding beyond the bun
Globally, 56 percent of plant customers seek to eat more plant-based foods and drinks.
Demand for plant-based protein products is increasingly expanding beyond mere burger analogs to fresh and novel products. These include alternative seafood such as shellfish and shrimp, Plant-based cheese, and more.
Alt meat products are also starting to develop, with new technologies such as 3D printing. And protein fermentation playing a part in driving creativity. Fresh plant-based meats on the horizon feature whole-muscle products. These include beef and chicken breast, lunch meat, bacon, and more.
The alternative dairy group, an early leader in plant-based foods, is rising to include other formats such as milk, ice cream, cheese, spreads, and creamers. To stand out in the dairy aisle, products must provide more protein than conventional dairy products. They must have a nutrition label that is fortified with vitamins and minerals.
5. Digital Transition helps you prevent anyone from leaving behind
With the sudden turn to remote work, internal contact tools are under urgent review. Common internal communication methods, such as print newsletters, town hall meetings, and conventions, are no longer viable. When every message is of vital importance, it is no longer appropriate to be unable to track whether it has been obtained.
Of course, not everyone operates remotely, and this carries with it its problems. Some workers will go to the workplace. Others will be working from home. But wherever they might be, they must be contactable at all times in the event of an emergency. Organizations need to equip internal communication channels that can reach people instantly.
6. Eye makeup beats the makeup of lip
At the beginning of COVID-19, our makeup routine has taken a back seat. The only time people choose to make that happen is either during work video calls or for the limited time we spend outside. Since masks are necessary, it makes no sense to apply lipstick. But doing your eye makeup creatively can add life to your half-hidden face. Interestingly, the price of eye products has recently increased.
7. Nutrition Hacking and Immune Health Above Everything
Increased interest in nutritional knowledge has given rise to a generation of fitness sitting expert customers in the U.S. The pandemic has only escalated consumer interest in functional diets. The emphasis is on the specific health advantages of food and drink. Overall discussions on food for medicinal/nutritional purposes have risen 17 percent in Tastewise. In 2021, we expect to see customers want ‘curated’ food filled with nutrition-packed ingredients. By the end of 2020:
- Consumer interest in immunosuppressive foods and beverages has increased by 23 percent.
- Consumer interest in vitamins and prebiotic-rich foods and beverages has increased by 7 percent
- Interest in gut health has increased by 2.5 percent (with a significant 40 percent boost in the last year)
The Bottom Line
At the beginning of a decade, it might have been a disappointment this past year. But COVID-19 trends are determined to turn things around in their direction. They’re giving us irreverent characters out of tragedy. They give us nature out of self-isolation. And they’re giving us our symbols of speech out of confusion. Every year, the Covid-19 trends will still bring change. And we will decide whether this is better or worse for us.
