Heading back-to-school is the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe. Trends are always changing and coming back into style, and with the new school year in tow, you may be able to find some style inspiration. Summer is just over, and we’re already looking ahead to the season of cozy cashmere, plaid skirts and pumpkin spice everything.
Last fall we were more than happy to wrap ourselves in sweatpants and fancy PJs while part time “schooling” at home, but this year we’re eager to put together outfits that are a bit more fashion forward. As we begin to slowly start incorporating more restaurant visits, sports games and hangouts with friends into our schedule, we want to be able to revitalize the style lost during COVID-19. New spirited pieces that encourage dressing up, going out, and feeling joy have just entered the shelves. For many of us there is no greater joy than walking into our favorite stores and feeling the rush of a new collection on the shelves.
Fashion is always changing because people are always changing. Over time, new fashion replaces old, sometimes trends of the past make appearances in evolving trends, like the ‘90s revival, with loose fit denim, maxi-length cardigans, white T-shirts and grungy boots. These pieces have returned as accent or statement pieces. Sweater vests, a Chandler Bing approved trend, started to make their comeback in late 2020; however, they are still highly popular in 2021.
While saturated hues have reigned supreme this year, the transition of summer to fall usually leads to the swapping of pastels and tropical brights for muted tones of navy, khaki, dark green, and burgundy. While these colors are still the definition of fall fashion, the best way to rock both of these trends is to mix and match unexpected combinations, somewhat like one uses a color-wheel. For example, wear peachy orange and bright blue or bubblegum pink and marigold to form a look that’s both wonderfully colorful and seasonally appropriate.
Jeans and trousers in multicolor and multi patterns have begun to pop-up. Unlike flowy wide-leg styles you might wear in the summer, these feature much heavier, more structured fabrics like denim, corduroy or wool and have a more tailored fit.
Platform shoes and high top sneakers have always been an essential part of many peoples' wardrobes, but this year, they have begun to become a staple in anyone's shoe collections. These shoes, like high top Converse can be paired with any simple outfit, adding a couple inches and making a bold statement in the process.
These new styles, whether revived or entirely new, have become popular due to influence. People are influenced by popular culture, including athletes, musicians, movie stars, social media, and even royalty. The stars of popular culture don’t remain stars by doing the same things over and over again. Instead, they’re always searching for a new angle to maintain their popularity. Close attention is paid to what these people wear, what people see their favorite actors or actresses wear in popular films, television shows, books, youtube videos, and music.
Advertising by major fashion companies is another key factor to fashion influence. When the general public, especially young people, see these new styles, they often want to imitate their favorite stars, leading them to seek out the latest fashion. In addition, the huge app TikTok, an internet sensation, makes it possible for people amongst generations to start trends. For example, think Heathers meets Harry Potter-- in this cross, you end up with dark academia chic.
Whether you want to embrace your individuality or keep comfort in trends you already know, there are enough styles that can help you guide yourself to achieve this. Personal style can give yourself or others an idea of your character and even boosts your confidence if you feel good about what you wear. As we reach a semblance of normalcy after the nightmare pandemic, clothing is something that can help us express ourselves to the outside world.