Current fashion trends and whether you should follow them
Can you be both a trend-follower and a trendsetter?
Hey there, fashionistas! Have you ever taken an interest in clothes, fashion, or even just the trends that circulate in your hometown? Then, this is the place for you.
I have always loved shopping — clothes, shoes, jewelry, makeup, hair accessories, you name it — but when I was a junior in high school, I really started to pay attention to the media and the trends of the fashion industry. While there are an endless number of discussions that can stem from this topic — such as the ethics of fast fashion, equal representation of all body types in the industry, whether something is actually fashionable or if it is just “in”, etc. — I am going to start this blog off by simply listing some of my favorite trends right now. However, I eventually want to cover all the issues above and more in later posts.
Note: It is normal and actually encouraged to express differing opinions about the following trends. Don’t be afraid to think “Wow, that’s ugly. I would never wear that.” Good! That just means you have established your own preferences and unique sense of style. What I like may not be what you like, and that is okay!
Oversized Band Tee
The graphic t-shirt is a staple piece in any grunge-fanatic’s wardrobe, and it has been for decades. Recently, the trend has been to buy them oversized to implement a baggier look. Style an oversized band tee by pairing it with biker shorts in the summer or boyfriend jeans in the winter; I also really like the look of a mock turtleneck underneath that adds to the layering look. If you are into music more than fashion, this trend would be perfect for you to simply represent your favorite band or artist.
The Vest Trend
Ah, anything resurfacing from the ’90s is a yes from me. The vest trend is very versatile and gives you endless possibilities for how to style your favorite knitted vest. You can wear it however you want! Pair a neutral knitted vest with a collared shirt and slacks for a more masculine look, or wear a cropped colorful patterned vest for a more fun and less professional look. This trend makes layering simple and allows you to be creative in whichever style you are going for.
Dad Shoes
“Dad shoes” are chunky, textured, “ugly” sneakers that can be worn with anything. This retro-inspired trend can range from complementing your favorite sweatpants to working high fashion street-style. Nike, New Balance, and Fila Sports are all popular brands to buy from if you are wanting to try out the Dad shoe trend without breaking your bank by buying designer. (Or maybe you can just borrow something out of your dad’s closet!)
Y2K Fashion
“Y2K” stands for “the year 2000,” and it means exactly that: fashion inspired by the early 2000s. This trend is less specific than the other ones I have chosen for this post, and there are lots of different styles within it. Pastel colors, lace, glitter, and animal prints are all popular patterns that have reemerged from this era. There has also been a resurgence in monochromatic tracksuits, silk cocktail dresses, and low-rise jeans. This trend lets you pick and choose which styles you like best and allows us all to embrace our inner Britney Spears.
Claw Clip
Tired of throwing your second- or third-day hair into a ponytail or messy bun? The claw clip can be styled so many ways, and provides an alternative if you are just looking to get the hair out of your eyes. On the other hand, hair clips elevate any outfit no matter how casual. If you want your claw clip to be noticeable, I recommend buying colors that contrast with your hair color. For example, if you are blonde, wear darker colored clips like black and brown; if you are brunette, wear white or pastel clips. There are so many shapes and colors to choose from, making the experience of picking out a clip that much more fun.
While some people may argue that paying attention to trends is pointless, I find it fun and refreshing. If I am ever in a sweatpants slump, I look online and try to embody different outfits or styles that stand out to me. How an individual dresses reflects their persona, their creativity, and their overall taste; fashion is a true form of expression. As I mentioned previously, the trends above are all subjective to each individual, but I am hoping you saw at least one that you liked!
While I think trends are fun to keep up with and can be a creative outlet for some people, there is also the counterargument that trends prohibit creativity and individualism.
Chances are, you have gone along with at least one trend in your life — whether it be wearing colors popular to the time, changing your hairstyle to that of your favorite celebrity, or participating in one of the more recent trends exemplified above. It is important to first accept that trends are a part of everyday life before addressing their possible drawbacks.
Let’s start by thinking about one trend that you thought was ugly when it first made an appearance. Did you stay firm and avoid it, or did you end up participating in the trend because it was popular? If you caved, then this is an example of changing your personal taste to fit the trends, which can arguably undermine your individualism.
The topic of individualism leads me to my next point. Following what everyone else is doing prevents you from having a closet full of clothes that represent you — not the trends. Fashion is a creative outlet for a lot of people who want to express themselves. Therefore, when shopping, you might want to consider buying something that speaks to you rather than just buying something to “fit in.” That being said, I think it is possible to be creative and individualistic while also partaking in the trends that you actually like.
Speaking of shopping, following trends can tend to have a rather hefty budget. We see it all the time: something is popular for a year or so, and then all of a sudden it is not. What do you do with those jeans that are no longer in style or those shirts that you just bought? Perhaps they sit untouched in your closet. Maybe you donate them. It is possible you pass them down to a younger sibling. (I know my little sister has a large collection of my “trendy” hand-me-downs.) However you go about discarding old trends, the expense can become problematic if you are constantly buying new clothes and only wearing them for a few months. The decision ultimately depends on whether the person financially responsible for the new clothes believes keeping up with trends costs more money than it is worth.
It is important to note that the decision to either follow trends or to avoid them is up to each individual. Everyone has different points of view on the topic, and points such as individualism, herd-mentality, and price only begin to scratch the surface of factors that influence a person’s decision. Whether you decide to follow trends or not, I hope that you always remain true to yourself and never let your own creativity be overridden by what is popular.
So, fashionistas, what do you think? Are there any trends that stand out to you that you particularly like or hate? Do you think following trends is fun or stupid? And lastly, is it possible to be both a trend-follower and a trendsetter? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts!
