In a world that is growing more fast-paced and accessible by the hour, it is not a shock that fashion is a victim of microtrends and online shopping. Social media has made us easily bored with things that don’t last longer than a month or two, and it has us constantly craving something new and exciting to give us a dopamine boost.
These microtrends have created an atmosphere for style and shopping that feels never-ending and impossible to keep up with. Trying to keep up with the latest trends makes people feel like shopping isn’t fun anymore and like having personal style is not realistic.
TikTok and Instagram have made this problem worse, with the introduction of their own stores linked to the app. TikTok Shop, as it’s called, in particular is able to pay influencers to push out advertisements in the form of videos to promote certain trendy products.
TikTok and Instagram shops are also very convenient. With a simple double click of your On/Off button on your phone you can pull up Apple Pay and buy a trendy top or sweater in a matter of seconds. You don’t have the time to even consider if you really need it or not; but obviously you do — it’s so in right now, and you want to keep up with the times, right?
It is killing our environment, but also killing our sense of individualism
Not only are microtrends in fashion impossible to keep up with, but they are also extremely detrimental to the environment. These short-lived trends are causing more and more shoppers to indulge in overconsumption, a habit that is well known in our current environment. From fast food to beauty products, overconsumption of any kind or service is not good.
If we keep shopping like this, there is going to be nowhere to put all of these “out of style” clothing pieces. We have already run into issues of landfills being too full, and microtrends are certainly not helping.
I don’t think it is easy to escape from the cycle of overconsumption and microtrends, but for the sake of our environment I think we all need to start doing more as individuals to cut back on fast-fashion. Thrifting is a great alternative, because you can find things that you like — even some that are trendy — and style them to make the perfect outfit. This is also a great way to get to know your own personal style a little more. You can try things that are cheaper in cost and test them out to see if they work for you.
Overall, I think that we need to stop becoming victim to microtrends and overconsuming at such rapid rates. It is killing our environment, but also killing our sense of individualism. Do you want to be a zombie wearing bows and holding a Stanley Cup? Or do you want to be you?
oparisi@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Edgars Kisuro, Pexels
