Photo courtesy of Joshua Rawson-Harris, Unsplash
As we have recently surpassed the spring equinox, it is safe to say that many of us are anxiously awaiting the onset of consistent warm weather and freedoms brought on during the summer.
Throughout 2020, many of us have felt trapped and stagnant in our lives as a result of quarantine. Both the new year and new season give us a chance to reclaim our personal power and redefine how we show up in the world.
With all of that being said, my personal favorite element of “spring cleaning” is putting all of those chunky winter clothes far out of sight and honing in on the opportunity to explore a new fashion sense.
It is no doubt that 2020 has been a wildfire across various contexts, but the 20-year rule may be shining a light on these dark times. The 20-year rule in the fashion industry is known as the reemergence and return to trends that we have both loved and later dismissed roughly two decades ago. For many of us, this means a return and general appreciation for our early childhood—without trying to sound like Wordsworth too much.
The 20-year-old Y2K fashion consisted of bright colors, shiny accessories, pleated skirts, baguette bags, low-rise pants, cartoon-based pieces and so much more. Brands like Juicy Couture, Bebe, Ed Hardy and Von Dutch are all coming back to make a statement more now than ever.
Thankfully, platforms like Depop and ThreadUp offers its users the opportunity to explore these Y2K pieces through accessible and affordable means. These platforms not only support small creators, but contribute to an environmentally conscious attitude. I personally love using Depop to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to add to my wardrobe.
It is important to remember that we are still facing the hardships of the pandemic. Therefore, wearing your mask serves as a vital component to any outfit.
A wide variety of companies and creators are now selling fun, printed masks with a large range of style choices. Some of these designs include fruit-printed, animal-printed, floral, striped, and polka-dot. Finding a mask that works for you and your style is a great way to spice up any outfit. Alternatively, you can opt for a solid-colored mask for a more classic, timeless look.
The overarching goal of fashion is cultivating a way of being that feels authentic and fulfilling to you. There is no right or wrong approach when it comes to expressing yourself, especially though fashion.
When you are true to yourself and your individuality, you will be magnetic in attracting a community of people with similar interests and styles of your own.
jbilder@ramapo.edu
