Being a college student and living on a college campus itself, I am exposed to the major fashion trends that companies want to market. It is here that I discovered what Hokas were or what an Owala is. I see cheetah print tank tops paired with bows in the hair and bright red Adidas sambas. I am surrounded by what the internet deems “trendy.” I am not here to discuss and define micro trends, as that is an easy Google search away. I want to bring up the conversation on how all these so-called “trendy” outfits, aesthetics, and colors are all things we have seen in the past.
In the 70s, flared pants were all the rage. They were the style. It paired well with the big, chunky belts and the flowy flower-power tops. As of recently, they are making a comeback. They are easy to style with boots, as the bottom of the pants fit perfectly over a pair. They are form fitting, but are not skinny jeans. Flare pants are simple, yet interesting, which is why they are still in present fashion.
Shoulder-pads. Chunky blazers. Business wear galore. That was all the 80s. Now the present time is not as drastic but still has that inspired look. We love that boxy look that was the rage during that time. Our hair is turning back to becoming bouncy and straying away from the straightening. Chunky loafers are being paired with the big bottoms and tops to complete the look.
Any Millennial or early Gen Z member knows about the straight leg, skinny, and low-rise jeans that were popular in the 90s and 2000s. We can look back at photos of Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child, or even the Backstreet Boys to see these trends. In the present, baggy jeans paired with crop tops are coming back as “street style” to low-rise jeans are now being paired with longer tops.
So how are these trends being brought back from the dead? I can name two reasons that pop up immediately: Pinterest and thrifting. Pinterest, a form of social media, allows users to create boards filled with images. This can range from outfit ideas, inspirational quotes, cute mugs, or even ideas for a room renovation. Mood boards have become increasingly popular, as users can create outfits with a certain style in mind. All it takes is one search to create an outfit, head to toe, that is inspired by the 80s. The other reason is thrifting, which is when people go to places like Plato’s Closet, Goodwill, or Salvation Army to buy used clothes for a fraction of the cost. That is why these old styles are coming back in fashion because they are being cycled through closets again.
So what? What is the purpose of me showing you different examples of what you are seeing now? I will just say it plainly. Since fashion will always be cyclical and everything out of style will eventually be in style again, why are we worrying about the trends? Everything in some shape or form will come back in a slightly tweaked version. Yes, looking back at old middle school pictures of you in Uggs is cringy, but look at you wearing the same product yet again! There is no need to be caught up in your outfit staying on-brand or fitting into some box. Your style should be reflective of your personal life and not of the times.