By Grace Shaw
Micro-trends rise to popularity very quickly and leave the fashion cycle even quicker. They are often driven by social media platforms such as TikTok, and can have a negative impact on the environment due to increased consumerism.
It seems that each week social media creates a new ‘must have’ item for fashion fanatics, which encourages the quick buy and wear of these trends that soon never see daylight again. Staying on trend is important to some people but it can often be difficult to keep up with fashion and beauty trends financially.
Amelia-Rose Ellis, 24, nail technician said “I mainly shop at SHEIN because they are always on trend and they’re cheap.” Maintaining an up-to-date social media presence also plays a role in the desire to constantly consume new trends, Ellis says. She can’t wear the same outfit more than once on her Instagram page because it would be ’embarrassing’ and she strives to look on trend in each post.
SS23 micro-trends
Some of the fashion micro-trends that are predicted for SS23 are aviator bomber jackets, sheer tights, sequins, zebra print, and pointed-toe sling backs. 1990’s highlights, slicked back hair, molten metallic and gothic glamour inspired by Wednesday are the beauty micro-trends dominating SS23.
Micro-trends are limiting your outfit choices
Buying niche items of clothing can limit your wardrobe massively because you could fall into the trap of having a lot of clothing yet no outfits. By keeping up-to-date with trends you may look fashionable, but you could be limiting your choice of what to wear, especially if you don’t plan on wearing the item very often.
Uju Sahadeo, 36, a personal shopper based in Essex, said: “A lot more people are shopping for longevity and durability. I try and help people shop for staple items that are timeless and steer away from buying into the micro-trends that don’t seem to be stopping.
“You don’t want your wardrobe to be filled with mix-match pieces that only work with certain outfits. Your wardrobe should be versatile and express your personality and micro-trends result in the opposite of that – just following the crowd.”
Buy and donate preloved items
Creating a wardrobe full of items you love is more sustainable for the environment and ensures you will have pieces that you can wear more than once. Donating preloved items and shopping at second-hand stores also gives fashion a new lease of life, which continues the sustainable fashion cycle.
Max Densley, 21, fashion sales assistant said: “I don’t care for trends. I just wear what I think is cool. Although I work at Urban [Outfitters] I usually get stuff from charity shops – fast fashion isn’t really my thing.”
Trends going viral
Though many micro-trends originate on social media, some trends gain popularity through TV shows, movies and celebrities.
Last year, fans of the teen drama Euphoria rushed to the internet after the Season 2 premiere, looking for duplicates of outfits worn on the show. Searches for the most popular outfit, “black cut-out dress”, worn by Alexa Demie’s character Maddy Perez, increased by almost 900%.
The makeup on the show also sparked its own trend which saw many trying to recreate iconic looks from the show and producing their own looks with the show as inspiration. The Euphoria makeup trend consisted of wearable rhinestones, graphic eyeliner, bold colour palettes and plenty of glitter.
But will wearable rhinestones and glitter still be on trend in five years – or even five months?
Buy it because you love it, not just because its trendy
Trends come and go but individual style is for life. Shop sustainably and effectively by consuming fashion and beauty products you will use more than once, to save not only time and money but also the environment.
Life’s too short to be ‘trendy’.
Leave a Reply