It’s Time to Be Your Own Style Icon
Image Courtesy: Unpublished
In a time of microtrends galore, every person who hopes to go viral on social media finds it necessary to follow trends. We’re in a weird time where everyone wants to be an influencer, and they plan on becoming one by any means necessary. However, the easiest way to gain some sort of attention without speaking is by expressing yourself through fashion. Something that has arguably been personal has turned mainstream.
So, you want to copy every single one of Emma Chamberlain’s outfits that she’s worn once and make it your personality trait for the week? You’re not alone. Microtrends are short-lived trends that go in and out of fashion every two weeks. Here’s how it works: some influencer wears something out of the ordinary, their followers feel an unexplainable urge to copy them, the followers' friends become influenced by them, and many participate or think about participating in said microtrend. While the subconscious practice of being influenced is somewhat inevitable in this age of technology (or should I say TikTok), people have strayed away from individuality in hopes of looking as good as their faves in whatever they have been wearing.
The ‘Ins & Outs’ list has been an ongoing trend for a while now, and they could be the fuel to the microtrend fire. This list, sometimes done at the beginning of the season change or the beginning of the year, is meant to show a person’s likes or dislikes. Whatever they like or want to see more of is considered ‘in.’ Whatever they don’t like or don’t want to see more of is considered ‘out.’ However, these lists and the ongoing cycle of microtrends have been stressing the girlies out since it’s almost impossible to follow every trend without a disposable income and a lot of time.
Twitter user @nanastudioz tweeted, “people talk about upcoming trends like they will die or be burnt at the stake for not following them.” Seeing as platforms such as TikTok rely so heavily on influencers to influence (duh) their audience, people have become so obsessed with looking a certain way that they have lost sight of what fashion really is about: individuality. The app’s algorithm is meant to show you something similar to what you’ve interacted with beforehand. Therefore, if you like a TikTok talking about the Miu Miu ballet flats, that's probably all you will see for the next two days. The algorithm's videos remind users that the product exists and looks good– leaving them more inclined to get it than if they saw the object only once.
An obvious downside to participating in microtrends is overconsumption. Fast fashion companies such as Shein and FashionNova thrive off the existence of microtrends and their constant demand. As most of us know, harmful work conditions and dangerously low pay are linked to these companies, usually resulting in child labor. Also, microtrends cycle so quickly; so many wear an article of clothing once and then throw it away or donate it to their nearest thrift store. This is when you ask yourself: is it worth buying if it’s not trendy in the next two weeks? Plus, do you really want to wear something that everyone else owns? I'm looking at you mini Ugg boot girlies… we live in South Florida! It was cold for a total of 5 days this winter, and you did not have to give in to that.
Image Courtesy: Highsnobiety
The most interesting thing about Bella Hadid style-wise is that she’s not afraid to wear something out of the ordinary. As the trendsetter for all the Bella-bots out there, she has inspired many to get out of their comfort zone when it comes to styling outfits and layering. While TikTok has made it hard for us not to follow trends and subconsciously absorb information, people like Bella have made individuality sexy again. While some may argue that individuality is insufferable, it demonstrates personality well and establishes identity. This is especially true for people who like the same things and have similar personalities, as they're more likely to dress somewhat the same.
Don’t let yourself be influenced by the temporary hype that comes with following a microtrend. After all, if it genuinely satisfies your sense of style, microtrends are an excellent way of incorporating new ideas into the clothes you already have in your closet. Giving your existing outfits a fresh vibe is vital to saving money and helping save the environment.
Strike Out,
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret
Boca Raton
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys listening to sad music, doing some retail therapy, and eating pasta. You can reach her at emily.fiorini710@gmail.com
