Fashion trends have come and go. As the taste of media constantly changes, a piece in fashion trends on social media hasn’t really settled. The ways in which we live and interact with the presence of our phones reflects on the influences of the trends we follow. As the majority of the people these days are constantly online, they tend to share various opinions when it comes to being involved in the latest trends.
The Difference Between Fashion Trends and Fashion Industry.
Two words following fashion are often mixed up. Understanding the difference between trends and the industry can help confusion with the meaning of the two terms that will be discussed. Fashion trends refer to styles, clothing, fabrics, or designs that the audience is interested in for a short period of time. They change rapidly with influencers, celebrities, or anyone who presents a new change in style that viewers want to follow. Trends like bucket hats, high waisted jeans, and denim skirts are some examples of previous trends. The fashion industry on the other hand is the system of making and selling fashion. These are the people who make or purchase the items. It’s typically more long-term. It’s constantly evolving but not as rapid compared to fashion trends. Fashion involves designers, manufactures, and consumers.
Why Do Fashion Trends Become Viral?
The reasons trends may go viral happen in various ways, many of which involve the power of an influencer or celebrity who presents creativity. This is done through coming up with a new brand, or simply making content out of it. The change in style captures more attention, making it seem viral, as it’s not what viewers have been seeing or know.
Positive and Negative Aspects of Following Trends
Trends give out ideas so quickly, that it’s honestly hard to keep up with. Fashion trends change almost every week, making them easily forgotten. I won’t lie, following trends on social media has its positive and negative outlooks. Following trends can lead to expressing or finding new inspiration for outfits, and different ways to express it. People find their peers or people around social media for inspiration on ways they can level up their game, or feel more comfortable with the pieces they wear.
Some people just completely don’t buy everything because everyone does. Getting pressured to get the latest items may be wasteful. Most trends found are really repetitive and basically the same thing from previous times, just with micro changes. Some people just buy items seen in the media for the reasoning that it’s viral. Not because it’s useful, or because they need it. Being influenced easily can cause you to waste time and money. If you have other items at home that might do the same purpose, then there’s honestly no point in getting a duplicate, when something else is doing just as fine. Good items are better than more items. It isn’t that bad to follow trends or what you see, but it is important to keep in mind that the money being spent while following such trends can lead to different impacts or opinions depending on the person.
Consumers Perspectives in Following Trends
Majority of the students are consumers of social media. Being aware of the trends and keeping up is normalized. People still have their differences when it comes to seeing fashion trends and participating in them. Freshmen Ava Goode shares, “I think it can be a lot sometimes cause you have to always want to like to stay with everyone you know, but also like you can have your own style too so you shouldn’t always have to keep up with what everybody else is doing just so you can just fit in.” It’s true, If people are desperately wanting to keep up, it’s really short lived and fast paced, the way trends change. Everyone should pursue their own styles and express themselves through it. Not everything is for everyone. Carys Mcgee also agrees in some way as she says “I think it’s fun to keep up with the trends but it can also cause you to spend more money and time on clothing because trends can change.” Simply finding what’s best for you overall is the best way to figure it out. I’d say, if you don’t need it, don’t buy it. While trends can be a fun way to express creativity and try out new things, your personal style and consumption should also be a priority. Trends come and go, but your style may be timeless.
Fashion is an iconic part of today’s world. It presents our personality, style, and creativity freely. It’s a way where we can express ourselves freely. Although, when you’re on social media, it’s easy to feel pressured to constantly change your wardrobe to join in on fashion trends. My advice, when you find yourself tempted to follow the latest trends, ask yourself “Do I really like it, or do I just want to follow the crowd?”
