What’s the word of the summer? Micro-trends. And no, it’s not quite as minor as the name implies.
Everyone knows that the world moves extremely quickly. From social media to online news outlets, information is thrown at us from every direction, making it difficult to know where to look.
Though the same thing happens in fashion—it always has and always will— there’s no denying that styles are coming and going faster than ever before.
According to an interview in Vogue Business, trend forecaster Agustina Panzoni said these so-called “micro-trends” would be better dubbed “internet aesthetics,” due to their quick turnover rates and reluctance to dedicate themselves fully to any past trend.
Rather than facing multiple seasons, as trends normally do, these fads tend to appear for mere weeks, fading as quickly as they come into view. What’s worse is that, according to Vogue, 61.7% of consumers appreciate when brands engage with micro-trends and as much as 28.9% say that they often are influenced to buy something that they see on social media.
Promoted endlessly on TikTok shops is the black unitard, one of the micro-trends that’s most popular as of late. Sweeping the nation—though for how long, no one can be sure—is the epitome of athleisure. Similar to the black biker shorts from the summer of 2022, this trendy bodysuit is the choice of the summer for nearly everyone.
Athleisure is nothing new, but this piece doesn’t seem to bring anything fresh to the table. Rather than an innovative solution to a past trend, the black unitard only perpetuates the tendency for everyone to look exactly the same.
Fashion is, and clearly should be, about expressing oneself. Instead of a one-piece, branch out and experiment with spandex and a fun top, or maybe even overalls. There are many options for anyone looking for practicality and comfort; one simply has to look within themselves to find what will fit them best.
Something that has already passed, but no doubt is still fresh in everyone’s minds is the coquette trend. Bows, frills and ballet flats galore, this micro-trend gave everyone a new perspective on the term “girly.”
The issue, however? It’s already over. Say goodbye to bow-covered puffers and skirts, because we’ve only left it behind in our desperate scramble to get to the next best thing.
Unsurprisingly, the exact same thing happened to the cheetah print and the Y2K aesthetic. We ran from this moment of nostalgia and fun, choosing not to pay homage to the past, but instead to pay for entirely new outfits.
$100 for a pair of worn jeans, $25 for a hat and at least $70 for a sweater—sound familiar? That’s right, here comes the “eclectic grandpa” aesthetic.
Though this trend attempted to emulate the wonderful myriad of items that take a lifetime to collect, it mimicked it all with far-too-expensive copies of items that lacked any sort of meaning or sentimental value. The beauty of a grandfather’s closet is the memories and emotions that it brings with it. Without real feeling, this micro-trend is nothing more than an empty price tag, ready to be retired within the month.
Lastly, the water bottle micro-trend. Recently, a certain water bottle has been gaining popularity: the Owala FreeSip. It’s only going to be collecting dust, however, when something new takes its place.
Arguably the most ironic micro-trend, the water bottle trend defeats the purpose of having a reusable water bottle to begin with. From Stanley Cups to Hydro Flasks, items that are supposed to last you years end up being thrown out with all of the other disposable bottles.
When it comes to micro-trends, two things are true. First, we’re moving too quickly to put the necessary time and energy into new styles. Brands have been frantically trying to incorporate vintage and modern, falling spectacularly short.
Second, fast fashion is at an all-time high. The fashion industry works quickly, meaning that closets fill up and clothes are thrown away without a second thought. Making smart fashion choices doesn’t simply mean buying from responsible brands; in addition to this, it’s about treating your current clothing—even the items collected through micro-trends—with the love it deserves, for as many years as you can.
Sustainability is the best trend out there—it’s time to act like it.
