It’s undeniable the internet has caused a surge in trends. Two weeks ago, Jean Paul Gaultier-like mesh tops were ‘must-haves’, but now it’s all about flared leggings. You guessed it, next week something new will be pushed at a rapid rate.
What’s in style will always be determined by trends, and it’s undeniable the speed garments go in and out of popularity is unsustainable. 4% of the entire world’s waste was caused by the fashion industry in 2018. As trends change at an accelerated rate, it raises the question — should we, as consumers, change the way we interact with trends?
A variety of catalysts bring about major fashion trends. Often it’s sociological and economic changes, mixed with the work of fashion designers. Right now, as we dip in and out of lockdown, we can see this with loungewear and the desire for comfortable fabrics. However, as the internet becomes more prevalent in our lives, it seems consumers are deciding which items are ‘must-haves’. Over the past week I’ve seen countless TikTok videos predicting GAP sweatshirts will be the next best thing and encouraging everyone to buy one. There’s no doubt people will feel pressured to do so, only to discard it a week later.
As more consumers are becoming unable to keep up with trends, are we outgrowing the need for them? The fashion industry will never banish them, so we should approach them as opportunities; maybe, as times change, we should take a step back and decide what we like for ourselves, divorcing from the idea that we ‘must’ have something because it’s deemed fashionable.
Ultimately, we can’t get ‘rid’ of trends. Instead, we should slow down and realise we don’t need to participate in every single one. There’ll always be crazes which catch our eye — I personally have a weakness for shoulder bags. However, as sustainability becomes a necessity, we must be more mindful of what we consume.
Edited by Katie Wheatley