Are TikTok Microtrends Ruining this Decade’s Fashion?
By Stella Violet
Clean Girl, Mob Wife, Opium Core, Y2K, Coconut Girl, Office Siren, Costal Cowgirl, and Quiet Luxury are only a few examples of what fashion has become in this decade. Lately, this has become a topic of discussion on social media, on whether the never-ending and evolving trends are harmful to personal style.
Every week, a new fashion trend emerges as soon as another fades away in the micro-trend abyss on TikTok. As a woman, there is no possible way to give “office siren” and “mob wife aesthetic” on a daily basis. So am I expected to stick to one specific fashion trend and make it my entire personality? Or, am I allowed to express myself and hope I don’t get labeled a microtrend follower?
My main issue with “micro trends” are that most of these “trends” existed well before social media. And I, along with many other TikTok users, are frustrated because of the constant resurfacing of looks and labeling them as fashion trends on the platform.
“Mob wife aesthetic” is a light example of classifying someone’s life as a fashion trend. This specific look was popularized by the 1999 show The Sopranos, which focused on the life of an Italian Mobster, Tony Soprano. In the show, there are several iconic looks from the wives and girlfriends of mobsters and this look can be tasteful when done well. Though, on TikTok, I see black dresses and fur coats being passed off as the “mob wife aesthetic.” This takes away from the unique aspect of culture and lifestyle, which many people seem to look beyond on social media.
That, being a light example of rebranding past looks or trends from different cultures, goes into a deeper issue. When talking to POC friends about fashion trends, one that seems to continue to come up in conversation is the “clean girl aesthetic.” Like many other fashion and beauty trends, this one stems from black culture and has existed since the ’90s. The look can be accomplished with natural-looking makeup, slicked-back hair, gold jewelry, and a glossy lip. Many users do not think that white people, like myself, cannot take part in this “trend/look,” but that the name, and the lack of acknowledgment are the issue.
Consumerism is another issue stemming from the rise of micro trends. The height of this issue was in 2020 during COVID-19, when trends formed left and right, multiple times a week. Tiktok users would make $400, sometimes $500, Shein or other fast fashion brand hauls showcasing their new wardrobes.
Before the pandemic, people relied on catwalks and designer brands to tell them what was in for the current season. Once the pandemic hit and TikTok took off, many of these fast fashion brands quickly recreated the looks we’d seen in magazines and celebrities’ social media. The availability and the price made teenage girls spend their money on looks they had seen their favorite creators wearing for a fraction of the price, without thinking of the consequences.
Recently, articles and TikTok videos have come out of users revealing how much clothing they had to give away when these trends began to fade. This is also why fast fashion clothing has infested local thrift stores. This way of shopping was not only unrealistic for lower-income individuals, but it was unethical and unsustainable for the environment.
“Coquette Fashion” is one example of using/spotting certain pieces from a trend that will continue to be in style for at least the next year or two. Bows have been a staple in most women’s wardrobes because of the endless ways to style them. Whether you’re putting them on your skirts or in your hair, it’s versatile accessories like these that you need to look out for.
The “preppy” aesthetic or “quiet luxury” aesthetic are trends that will never truly go out of fashion because of their timeless attributes. Long black dresses, white button-ups, and plaid or little black skirts have been around for decades and used by famous designers like Vivienne Westwood. It is pieces like these that should be included in your wardrobe and noticed when new trends circulate. It is also easier to have specific staples in your closet so when you want to try out a new style you have the base of your outfit. In the end, it is all about how you wear clothes and not so much about what you wear.
Overexposure in the media is a big reason these trends die so fast, with most lasting no more than four weeks. TikTok is especially good at over posting about anything until it becomes unbearable. Some examples are TikTok audios, CapCut templates, and fashion trends. If everybody did not try to be the exact same and post the exact thoughts there might still be some originality and creativity left.
However, before TikTok, the radio would do the same thing with what seemed like five songs playing on an endless loop. Eventually, your hand would be glued to the dial, constantly turning, waiting for a song you’d never heard before. It was extremely annoying but one of the only things besides commercials that would be repetitive. Yet, when you did find that song you’d never heard before, you’d most likely, instantly love it because of its originality.
This is one example of how the internet has ruined originality. So, when you see a new microtrend forming, take a step back and ask yourself if this is something that aligns with your own personal style or if you are just doing it because everyone else is.
Avoiding these TikTok “micro trends” can save a lot of money in the long haul. It is okay to take certain aspects of fashion trends you like, but labeling yourself as a certain aesthetic closes you off to finding personal style. Pay attention to catwalks and designer brands because they are better at pinpointing trends that will last at least an entire season rather than one to two weeks.
Keeping your style original, and not being afraid to wear new things will not only make you more confident but it will also help you stand out. Do not fall into the microtrend rabbit hole, and wear whatever you want! Fashion is subjective and, most importantly, a form of art. So, do not let anyone categorize you, and ensure you do not try to categorize yourself.
