The rise of microtrends is old news, and the notion that fast-fashion brands trip over themselves trying to keep up is common knowledge. That said, it still baffles me that people try to keep up with these fashion cycles with no end in sight. Whether it be vintage Mulberry purses (which, admittedly, I do love) or wearing the same coral pink hue that was in every store this summer — people can’t seem to get enough of what their algorithms tell them to buy.
This is not the fashion penal code — in no way do I believe I am qualified to give any advice on what people should wear, and neither do I believe that people should look up to me for fashion advice. If you know me, you’ll know that I’ll wear the same pair of jeans and ballet slippers for months on end with no shame. Wear whatever you want to; who cares? This is a log of what I think isn’t worth my time, money, or attention. Let’s get started.
To begin with, I will be controversial. I will never wear athleisure or loungewear in public. Whether it’s for lectures or just walking around, I get the appeal, but it looks lazy rather than active. Parading gym clothes for hours before or after you actually go to the gym feels odd to me, like wearing my swim cap and goggles for lunch when I had practice at 7 in the morning. It has always been strange to me, and I can say I will not be investing in any Alo matching sets to strut around campus.
Next, this is a trend I will never be able to wrap my head around: the apparent uniform at this university. Stripes or polka-dots. Uggs. Red scarves. If you don’t believe me, go on campus and try to spot someone with any (or all) of these in one outfit. I promise you, it won’t take you long. I am not sure when this style was established or why it took over, but I am sure I will not be indulging. Whether it be the subconscious desire to not be like everyone else, or a general dislike of the style, I know that I won’t be hitting any of those marks any time soon.
Finally, this is a trend I did admittedly subscribed to, but have now retired. I loved rocking chunky gold jewellery in high school, and I really liked how it looked on me. I got compliments on the heavy stacks on my wrists, and looking back at photos, it didn’t look bad at all. I don’t mind the trend, since I cannot judge what I partook in. I have since moved on from wearing multiple rings and matching necklaces, replacing them with long-chain turquoise. This happened not because of a sudden distaste for the aforementioned trend, but because my style naturally grew. I’m sure some people find my current jewellery to be dated or “too much,” but it is something I enjoy, and that should be all that matters.
My words are not law, and you are free to disagree with everything I have said. Once again, who genuinely cares? Wear whatever keeps you comfortable, creative, and confident. My wardrobe could easily be filled with everything in your trash can, which is okay. At the end of the day, individuality is the best style everyone can rock.
Illustration by Clara MacDonald for The Student
