By: Fiona Murphy
Fashion is constantly evolving, with trends shifting from the flappers of the ‘20s to the hippie and disco vibes of the ‘70s. While change is an integral part of fashion, one has to wonder: has it gone too far?
Reflecting on the past century, it’s easy to identify standout trends across decades: poodle skirts in the 1950s, mom jeans in the 1980s, etc. The last two decades, however, have brought an overwhelming array of styles. The rise of social media has amplified this phenomenon, enabling diverse influencers to shape what we wear, what we eat, and even what we think. With influencers constantly promoting new products and brands racing to keep up, the fast fashion industry has created a fast-paced market where trends can fade in just a few weeks.
I am sure we all remember the hold Emma Chamberlain and her oversized sherpa jacket had on teenage girls in 2018. People flocked to Urban Outfitters to buy one of these jackets, not necessarily because they loved how it looked, but because they wanted to emulate Emma’s aesthetic. Today, fashion often feels less about personal expression and more about following popular creators. This herd mentality can lead to a cycle where individuals jump from one trend to another, often forgetting about or disregarding the items they bought just weeks prior.
Escaping the grip of microtrends is hard, especially when they dominate your feeds. I am sure if I scrolled through TikTok right now, within a few minutes I would see a pair of cheetah micro shorts, a camo hoodie, and something with a bow on it. While these creators may rock these pieces, the jury is out on just how long they will rock them. How do you separate what looks good on someone else from what looks good on you? How do you know if a trend will last a whole season or be gone by next week?
First, you have to know what looks good on you and what you like, which is a lot harder than it seems. With the amount of options available on the market today, it is easy to get overwhelmed and just default to the most popular style. But by doing so, you are subjecting yourself to an excessive cycle of shopping and wasting money.
Before getting tempted by the next Tik Tok Shop sale, consider how –and if– that one piece fits into your overall sense of style. Visualize it on a mood board: if it sticks out like a sore thumb, you probably won’t be wearing it in the next few weeks. Micro trends are not inherently negative; in fact, a lot of them are extremely stylish pieces, but it is up to you to decide whether the trend fits into your own unique style.