Ever since Euphoria returned to HBO on January 9, the show’s chaotic scenes and glitzy fashion have dominated pop culture, from Euphoria-inspired nail art and makeup to popular memes depicting its most memorable scenes. As Zendaya herself warned, season two of the hit show can be “hard to watch” at times, as addresses tricky subjects like mental health, sex, substance use, and violence head-on. But despite season two of Euphoria being darker and heavier than many viewers initially expected, the series has also brought some levity to social media over the past few weeks. Now, the show is the reason behind the “Euphoria High School” TikTok trend, a viral moment that’s bringing a major dose of humor to my For You Page.
I don’t know about you, but when I was in high school, my outfits did not (even remotely) resemble the ones on Euphoria. Apart from the occasional rave (IYKYK), I’ll admit that crop tops, leather, sequins, glitter, sky-high shoes, and bright colors weren’t typically my go-to wardrobe choices. However, in Euphoria, the sky’s the limit when it comes to breaking the school dress code. In the “Euphoria High School” TikTok trend, creators are sarcastically showing off what they’d hypothetically wear if they attended “Euphoria High” (the actual fictional name is “East Highland”). The trend involves a soundbite from a Spongebob Squarepants scene (yes, you read that correctly) during which Squidward asks Spongebob, “Why aren’t you in uniform?!” Then, he re-enters the room in a random costume.
TikTokers are now mirroring the Spongebob scene, first showing off their typical “school” outfit, then re-entering the room wearing an outrageous getup that only a Euphoria character could pull off. In each version of the trend, the text overlay shows some form of: “When you’re about to leave for school but forgot you go to Euphoria High” followed by the dramatic outfit reveal. For example, TikToker @valerie_sanders starts off wearing a pink hoodie, jeans, and sneakers and re-enters in a cutout jumpsuit that’s giving modern-day Cher Horowitz. Creator @alice_nevin goes from a beige hoodie and jeans combo to a multicolored crop top and layers of beaded jewelry, and @mariiachourio swaps out her sweats, crocs, and yellow backpack for an over-the-top two-piece outfit that looks amazing yet 100% would not fly at my high school.
I’m loving this version from @joeyposada and @amandareyngoudt where they swap their casual clothes for glitter, glam, and what appears to be a leather lingerie set. The goal of the trend is to enter the frame slowly wearing a casual school outfit, looking less-than-enthused about school, then, when the audio says “Why aren’t you in uniform?!” re-enter rocking your Euphoria-inspired look. If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to be extra and channel your inner Rue, Cassie, Maddie, Kat, or any of the show’s fashion-forward characters, this is your sign.
In addition to sparking a viral TikTok trend, the new season of Euphoria has also led to many Twitter users commenting on the show and its unrealistic, yet entertaining depiction of the high school experience. For instance, Eric Curtin tweets, “yessss just got my euphoria high school schedule” with a screenshot of sample courses like “How To: Bisexual Makeup” and “Lunch (Drugs).” Another Twitter user posts “me and my bestie showing up for math class at Euphoria High” with two women wearing super short denim miniskirts. There are, of course, an infinite number of fun memes that continue to circulate about the show, and given that we’re only a few episodes into the new season, I predict the momentum will continue.
To try the trend yourself, save the trending audio here and start assembling your most outlandish outfits. Whether it’s swapping your sweater and beanie for a cutout dress or your comfiest clothes for zebra print and glitter, this Euphoria-inspired TikTok trend is perfect for the sarcastic fashionista with a sense of humor. Give the trend a try, let us know what you create, and of course, enjoy Euphoria season two in all its gritty, fashion-forward glory. We promise not to tell the principal you broke the dress code.