For ages, clothing has been used as a form of self-expression. However, it seems that contemporary fashion has been reaching a low and individuality is becoming a thing of the past.
The idea of wearing what’s “in” at the time is nothing new. Conformity has always existed within fashion. Although conformity is not inherently adverse, the idea has been exacerbated by social media. From once being trickled down from high-fashion runways into common use, trends now see their emergence and decline faster than ever before.
Applications like TikTok and Instagram are perpetuators of “micro-trends,” fads that see a rapid rise and decline in popularity within months or weeks. Innumerable micro-trends have seen a rise and fall through social media, such as the pink frills and bows of coquette or the 2000’s inspired “olderbrothercore.”
“Yeah, I like clothes,” said junior Lucas Reese. “I just don’t like when people wear tails and stuff.”
Reese raises an interesting perspective, individuals who wear clothing or accessories that are not seen as “in” are viewed as strange.
However, expressions of individuality should not be condemned. Rather, they should be appreciated. Trends begin with one person trying something new.
Trends and microtrends aren’t only harmful to individuality, they also pose a threat to the environment.
According to biomedcentral.com, “85% of the clothing Americans consume, nearly 3.8 billion pounds annually, is sent to landfills as solid waste.” With trends cycling through the fashion industry in months or weeks, overconsumption is reaching a new high.
Trends are meant to be followed and will be followed. However, by shopping second-hand and adding a unique twist to outfits, fashion trends can be followed while being ethical and maintaining individuality.
