Last spring and summer saw the emergence of many fashion microtrends that quickly rose and fell. From certain patterns to clothing cuts to jewelry, many summer styles will be left behind in the colder months ahead. Now, many stores have warmer clothing along with fashion styles that belong to the 90s and 2000s. In addition, completely new looks are also being introduced. Many trends are fading while some new ones are beginning to flourish – will these new trends outlast the ones that pass?
Trends that are falling behind
While it may seem difficult to guess which clothing and accessories will be popular in the future, the cycles and trends of the fashion industry can be easy to follow. Many high-status names in fashion release their fall trend forecasts in mid-to-late summer in order to build excitement and draw attention to particular items. The summer fashion scene saw many short-lived trends that won’t survive more than a few months. With the massive production capacity of the clothing industry, it is now easier than ever to order clothes online and have them at your door within days. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, online shopping has skyrocketed. Not only did store closings force consumers to gravitate toward online ordering, but social media trends introduced the “microtrend” into fashion.
For those unfamiliar with the new fashion term, a microtrend can be defined as “a style or item of clothing that explodes in popularity, only to become old news a month later.” Loud psychedelic prints, puffy “cottagecore” items, patterned crochet tops, and oversized acrylic rings all received viral attention on TikTok, spread to stores everywhere, and now flood clearance sections and thrift stores. However, there are obvious downsides to microtrend cycles. First, they socially encourage overspending on items with a short shelf life. Second, they exacerbate the damage of the fast fashion industry and damage the environment as well as exploit workers. Third, they perpetuate an idea of ”right clothes” and “wrong clothes” that change weekly or even daily.
Thankfully, late summer has seen a pause in the ongoing cycle of fashion micro-trends, with many consumers now aware of the futile loop. Microtrends thrive in the summer months thanks to the popularity of bright summer colors, loud patterns and flashy accessories, and as we head into fall, we head into new fashion cycles.
Reversal of trends
According to Vogue magazine, some of the specific items that will gain popularity in the fall are leather jackets, baggy jeans and loafers. The preppy punk scene is bringing more plaid skirts, over-the-knee socks, combat boots and black layers. After all, a mix of fitted clothing and oversized clothing that combines the trends of the 90s and 2000s will be considered stylish. The re-emergence of certain trends is no surprise, as it is a general rule of thumb in fashion that trends repeat themselves every 20 to 30 years.
Grungy ’90s styles and colors are making a comeback just in time for fall: instead of focusing on statement pieces, fall fashion lends itself to more staple-based outfits, including bold-colored jackets, jeans , sweater, jacket and leather. These items take center stage in fall and generally come in muted or neutral colors that can be worn in more combinations and therefore thrown around less often. Because of the weather in the colder months, fall and winter fashion also prioritizes function and uses accessories to spice up outfits. Hats, scarves, shoes and puffer jackets are where color and variety is expected this season.
Along with the popularity of boots, vintage Converse shoes will be seen on many feet. Jewel-toned blues and greens along with brighter yellows will add a lighter feel to darker outfits. 90s influences will be seen with zippers added to the clothes, extra long sleeves and mesh materials. Trends in the 2000s will include babydoll tops and halters, along with tighter silhouettes.
Criticism of the fashion trend
While the return of trends from years past is a natural cycle in fashion, many are not so happy with the resurgent trends of the 90s and 2000s. In recent years, fashion has shown a greater acceptance of types and sizes of different body types, in contrast to more vintage clothing that aimed for a specific look. The fit silhouettes that are making a comeback feature low-cut pants, clingy dresses and tighter materials, all of which have been criticized for bringing back the negative ideals of an earlier time period.
While one type of “body type” is considered “stylish” now, the 90s and 2000s idolized taller figures with slimmer waists, especially women. The return of clothing made with that idealized, very specific frame in mind is detrimental, unless fall fashion trends are re-imagined to flatter everyone. Associating fashion trends with only certain body types creates the idea that body types are in fashion and one day your figure will be seen as desirable and one day it may not be. Detaching the “ideal body” from our ever-changing fashion is essential to demonstrate that bodies are not trends and should neither be idolized nor condemned.
After all
Autumn will bring back the classic look, while hopefully leaving negative habits in the past. The return of more staples and cozy colors is sure to make for some great outfits, and new trends are sure to develop over time. However, it is important to pay reasonable attention to fashion alone as there are greater consequences for overvaluing clothing. The most important lesson is to look at clothing as a form of self-expression and above all, have fun with what you wear.