Trends are constantly evolving. Some last for months, while others are merely seasonal. Trends dominate so many aspects of our lives. From clothing to nails to even grocery items, they constantly influence the consumer and their next investment. Trends have always played a role in providing security and acceptance to individuals. Keeping up with the trends that are in season allows consumers to feel as though they are fitting in with their friends and family. Personally, conforming to social norms has always seemed to be the easier, safer option for me. I shopped at the trendy stores, kept up with the latest nail designs and was quick to hop on grocery trends. However, this led me to realize the flaw in justifying my style.
My sense of style was a mirror image of everyone in my friend group. I constantly found myself comparing everyone’s outfits and taste to my own. Unfortunately, this is a common thought that fashion icons, designers and consumers experience. Whether it is a friend or a complete stranger, people often judge others based on their outward appearance. During trends where the conventional pair of wedges are platforms and neutral colored sweaters outshine the brightly colored ones, the latter of both raises a red flag.
Previously, trends have gradually evolved throughout the years, but they stayed fairly consistent. The subtle color schemes remained the most popular. Skinny jeans were superior to flare and boyfriend jeans. Nail designs never wavered from being simplistic, yet elegant. The reality was that in every direction you turn, you were able to identify where someone bought their jeans or what brand their boots were. It was as though everyone was a carbon copy of one another. This is one of the downfalls of trends. Recently, these trends have taken a drastic turn. In my opinion, this is a much needed change of pace.
Nowadays, the new trend seems to be the lack of a definite trend. Not long ago, the safe denim styles that used to be popular, the neutral color pallets that dominated the clothing stores and the simple nail designs that were seen everywhere were completely changed. There is no specific fit, length or shade of jeans that is currently in-style. There is no limit on the color intensity that can be seen in a sweatshirt. There is no nail design that exemplifies the hottest trend. This may seem uncomfortable at first because we no longer have a concrete idea of what styles are socially acceptable. However, this can be beneficial to society as a whole.
Without trends to live up to, everyone can focus more on their likings. Stepping out of my comfort zone was definitely something I was not a fan of. I thought that people would constantly judge the stylistic choices I made, but this was far from the case. I noticed that within my friend group, our styles were drastically changing. My choice of a multi-colored sweatshirt contrasted with my friend’s choice of a textured hoodie. The best part was that every corner I turned, I saw a unique individual showcasing their own style. It was a nice change in scenery to see the creative outfits and bold colors that were making an appearance.
Not only is it refreshing to see such a large variety of styles, but it is also mentally relaxing. When trends were specific and limiting, it was easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to another. Now, there is no ideal brand or item of clothing that is significantly more popular than another. This eliminates a set of standards that must be followed to fit into society. I feel more confident in my selection of outfits and spend less time comparing myself to others. I may not be wearing the same style of jeans or colors as my neighbor, but I am able to appreciate my taste and theirs equally. More than anything, it is so inspiring to see individuals feeling more comfortable in their own skin.
Next time you see that lilac graphic hoodie or the complex, colorful nail design, go all in. Choose a style that fits you and brings out your true self. It may not be the same as your best friend, but our differences bring us closer together.