Trends Takeover Fashion

Olivia Scott, staff writer

When scrolling for hours upon social media apps such as TikTok, teens unknowingly keep track of every product they see. From Christmas hauls to PR packages, every item is silently added up in the back of their minds until they pop. Everyone has this, they think, “I also need it to fit in.” So, they fall into this cycle of scrolling and shopping, until they realize that all the Brandy Melville and Summer Fridays, Stanleys and Lululemon, didn't make them magically fit in, so they buy something else to fix it, thus continuing the cycle. And recently, this struggle is becoming something greater for many teens.  

Trends are what makes a product popular, and why everyone uses them. Social media has turned influencers and celebrities into trend starters. One viral video could make or break a brand’s image overnight. Brandy Melville, for example, has an effortless, minimalistic aesthetic that is dominating high school fashion thanks to TikTok and influencer endorsements. And with beauty influencers raving over Summer Fridays Lip Butter Bomb, it’s no surprise that now it's a must have. Even North Face backpacks are becoming status symbols thanks to viral back to school hauls. 

But here’s the catch: nowadays, trends’ lifespans are shorter than ever. With trend cycles in weeks instead of years, it's hard to keep up. What's “in” right now, might be “out” in a month from now. These constant changes leave teens chasing a moving target that they will never quite catch. 

With this year’s back to school shopping, almost everywhere you look there is a new viral product.  Social media has turned school supplies and fashion into a competition for the most views. Brands like Garage and Hollister, once outdated, seem to be on everyone’s radar this year due to viral “outfit of the day” videos. Oversized hoodies, cute crop tops and nostalgic patterns like polkadots are everywhere, reflecting what's popular online. However, these trends might not be about self-expression at all, but they might just be another way to try to fit in. 

“I look for [school] supplies that are colorful and make me look forward to doing school,” says Johns Creek High School (JCHS) senior, Sadie Trien, “because everything is pretty and fun to look at.” 

For Trien, following clothing trends is fun, even if she doesn’t watch specific influencers. She favors brands like Beyond Yoga and Free People for their comfort and cute styles.  

On the contrary, Tess Diener, a freshman, focuses on practicality. She shops at American Eagle and Altar’d State, prioritizing products that she views herself as using in the future.  

“People don’t really have their own style anymore,” says Diener. “Like everyone is the same to be honest, of course, people do have their own style and clothes, but no one really embraces it anymore.” 

With these unique perspectives, both these students provide us with contrasting viewpoints about the impact of trends. But, without a doubt, both understand the lasting effects of social media on school fashion.   

But with back-to-school season coming to an end, we must move onto the next best thing: fall trends. The season of football, sweaters, and pumpkin spice will certainly have its own array of trends. Based on past years, some trends can defiantly be predicted. Many familiar   brands will definitely be seen, like Altar’d State oversized sweaters, baggy jeans, Adiddas Sambas and Uggs slippers.  For this fall season though, we may expect some new products to come into the light: perhaps some 90’s themed clothing, cardigans, cute track pants, or bold stripes. With this season of upcoming trends, most students will continue to chase popular products, but some may use their clothing to express themselves differently.