The COVID-19 pandemic, which started half a decade ago, has dramatically reshaped the style and fashion landscape, altering how individuals think, socialize, and dress. In the isolated early days of the pandemic, a new trend began to rise, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. With more people confined to their homes and deprived of the usual connections with friends, TikTok emerged as the go-to source for fashion inspiration.
Associate professor of advertising and public relations, Juan Mundel, explains how TikTok became influential in fashion trends during the summer of 2020. "Because we weren’t being exposed to our friends’ purchases and decisions, TikTok became the source of information on what was trendy and acceptable," Mundel said. This influence is multifaceted, with social media exuding a powerful pull on its users. Likes and follows on posts create a feedback loop that encourages individuals to emulate popular trends in hopes of achieving similar recognition.
Junior Lily Stroub, majoring in apparel textile and design, points out another critical factor: the speed at which trends cycle has dramatically increased. Platforms like TikTok, combined with the convenience of online shopping, have expedited the pace of fashion. “Because of TikTok’s short content style, it’s pumping out very fast fashion trends,” said Stroub. “These trends change week to week, it’s toxic.” Such rapid shifts can make it difficult for consumers and students, in particular, to pause and think critically about their purchases.
First-year elementary education student Emme Davis advises her peers to consider needs versus wants when shopping. “I would encourage people to take a step back and ask themselves if they really need something or if it’s just something that everyone else has,” Davis said. “Ask yourself if you’re still going to use it when it’s done trending.” Stroub echoes her sentiments, noting that fast fashion retailers like Shein cater to these rapid changes, often at the cost of quality. “Nowadays, clothes are made out of much cheaper materials and they’re not made to last anymore,” said Stroub. “If you’re really wearing an item it won’t last more than a year. The places we buy from aren’t thinking about those things.”
The mass production abilities of brands like Shein raise ethical questions as well. Amid consumer crazes, there are growing concerns about the labor practices employed to support such a rapid turnaround of fashion items. “I think it can be good for people who are looking for something on a budget, but ethically, it’s not really great to shop from fast fashion websites,” Davis remarked.
As we find ourselves halfway through the 2020s, defining fashion trends appear absent. Stroub reflects that previous decades showcased distinct, memorable looks, but today’s staples seem fleeting and less impactful. “Sometimes you look back and you’re like ‘wow, that outfit is straight out of 2020,’” Davis commented. In contrast, the continuing rise of social media platforms fuels a cycle of trends that, while popular today, could easily fade away tomorrow.
Mundel stresses the need for growing awareness regarding the influence of social media on consumer behavior. “The same way that we learn math and language, we need to learn the effects of social media,” he said. “We need media literacy so we can protect ourselves.” As the lines continue to blur between social media and everyday living, this media literacy becomes essential.
As there are changes in fashion influenced by social media, a similar fascination is observed with runway styles as we dive into the spring of 2025. The spring/summer fashion shows reveal a variety of skirt trends that are predicted to captivate shoppers this season.
The first trend is the return of preppy pleats, sweeping the runways from Miu Miu to Saint Laurent. This nostalgic style is characterized by either midi or mini lengths, offering a fresh take on a classic look that can easily be paired with a collared shirt and jumper for a polished appearance.
Next is the luxe leather trend, spotlighted prominently by design houses like Alexander McQueen and Ferragamo. A leather pencil skirt embodies timeless elegance, effortlessly marrying tradition with modern aesthetics. Such pieces evoke the sensual silhouettes of the Nineties and pair beautifully with understated tops.
The bohemian maxi skirt trend continues to fill the gap with long white skirts, which, while still reigning, create a relaxed and effortless vibe. The styles this season channel bold patterns, and voluminous silhouettes from Saint Laurent's paisley prints to Chloe's multi-tiered options reflect this resurgence of the Bohemian spirit.
For those looking to embrace a more edgy style, asymmetric hemlines are making a statement this spring. Designers like Tory Burch are championing this tricky yet fashionable cut, which can be balanced with classic tops and knee-high boots or casual sneakers for versatility.
Lastly, party skirts remain a noteworthy option with sequinned and embellished designs highlighting the celebratory nature of fashion. Following Gucci's spring/summer showing, these statement pieces are perfect for anyone looking to stand out.
As consumers prepare to refresh their wardrobes in light of these emerging trends, understanding the cyclical nature of fashion and the impact of social media becomes critical. While influencers and designers chart the way forward into spring, it’s essential for shoppers not to lose sight of their personal style amid the rapid whirlwind of trends.
