Social media has been shaping fashion for years. Fashion magazines and malls have given way to influencers, algorithms, and online shopping. Trends come and go constantly – microtrends, major trends, and even past trends resurface and become popular again. The cycle repeats itself. This makes me wonder: does social media inspire creativity, or does it make everyone look the same? In other words, how big is the impact of social media on the way we dress?
Apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest have sped up the pace of fashion trends. Many people change their aesthetic, the stores they shop at, and how they dress based on what they see online. This can contribute to overconsumption and fast fashion, but it also creates excitement about what’s new and trending.
“Social media is literally where everyone gets their inspiration from,” senior Kaia Pienkosz says. “Pinterest makes it easy, providing links and targeting each person. Nobody is original anymore; it’s all trends.”
Celebrities and influencers constantly push new styles, and brands pay said influencers to influence their viewers. This creates fast-moving trends and encourages more consumption. How long can a trend really last in this fast-paced world? Does what we see online shape our personal style, and how does that affect individuality?
Nostalgia and trend recycling also play a big role in today’s style. Styles like Y2K, 90s streetwear, and even flared jeans from the 70s often come back into fashion. Social media helps these trends resurface, and it frequently feels like what’s “new” is really just a reimagining of the past. Different apps also influence trends differently: TikTok creates quick, viral trend cycles, while Instagram focuses more on aesthetics, brands, and ads.
Sophomore Bella Kowalski shared her perspective: “I love using TikTok and influencers as a place for inspiration–it’s where I get almost all of my outfit ideas! But I do think trends go in and out of style super fast.”
At the end of the day, is style truly original, or are we just influenced by what we see online? I strongly believe that social media has a significant impact on the way we dress. I enjoy using social media as a source of inspiration. If I like it, I like it—and to each their own.
