BE “IN” OR BE YOU

Trends create a culture of conformity; if one does not stay up to date with what is “in,” they are quickly categorized as “other.” Fashion is an ever-changing industry that constantly provides new trends and new ways of thinking to the forefront. From the runway to streetwear, fashion trends remain an integral aspect of our existence, influencing the way we dress and how we choose to express ourselves.

Our desire to conform to the trends of society has in itself become a uniform. For many, Y2K was a high point in fashion. Throughout the 2000’s, outfits featured everything from clunky shoes and bright, graphic colors, to bandanas and low-rise jeans. These items have made a huge comeback, with models and influencers fully embracing Y2K staples. Trends create a culture of conformity, with the presence of social media inducing a ripple effect as fashion, food, or even sounds go instantly viral. Whether a pair of jeans or the infamous tomato and feta pasta, trends move from the internet to reality at an alarming rate.

One might question whether there is anything original at all in this world. Mark Twain famously suggested that “there is no such thing as an original idea,” and while old ideas can be transformed into new, curious combinations, these ideas are ultimately the “same old pieces of coloured glass that has been in use through all the ages.” As clothing becomes an inseparable aspect of our lives, fashion has a significant influence on society, and we see the reclaiming and reinventing of previous fashion trends on the daily.

While changing fashion trends create a competitive environment that continues to inspire the next generation of fashion designers and fashion followers, individualism is increasingly lost. Given an excessive orientation towards new fashion trends, traditional designing practices and associated cultures can be lost as we exist in a society seeking to fulfill a capitalist desire at the quickest pace possible.

Whilst one may argue trends promote uniformity, clothing trends have simultaneously been instrumental in challenging the status quo. The rise in gender-neutral clothing, with many opting for fashion that does not adhere to gender binaries, provides our current generation with the freedom to express themselves in a way that feels most authentic and personal.

Clothing trends act as a form of uniform, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among individuals. Trends play an important role in promoting identity and inclusivity. From rising interest in sustainable and ethical fashion to genderless fashion, by selectively choosing the trends we follow, we can shape the future of fashion.

However, if trends are blindly followed without any thought to personal style of expression, they can reduce individuality. The school uniforms that spurred so many arguments have taken a new form in our allegiance to trying to keep up with the next best thing. We have to recognise how social media has drastically influenced the way we present ourselves to others. The endless pool of information we have access to encourages our uniformity, and we must develop a clothing belief system to define ourselves divorced from online influence.

By Mae Brennan