A new debate suggests personal style is fading as online trends dominate fashion choices
New York: There’s a big conversation happening online that’s got everyone feeling a bit uneasy. Some fashion experts and TikTok influencers are saying personal style is basically dead, and it seems like everyone is dressing the same.
It’s gotten to the point where some folks think you can figure out how much time someone spends online just by looking at their outfit. Fashion commentator Alexandra Hildreth even mentioned this to Vogue Business last year.
She pointed out that if you stroll through Dimes Square, you can spot which TikTok trends people are following. You can even tell if they’re shopping sales on sites like Ssense or Farfetch.
Madeline Schulz from Vogue Business highlighted some specific items that scream “online fashion” in New York, like ballet flats and those trendy Loewe puffer jackets.
And it’s not just New York; London’s not far behind. Stylist Evie Stothert noted that leopard print is everywhere, especially the Damson Madder gilet. You’ll also see a lot of Adidas and Onitsuka Tiger trainers, plus that sporty vibe with sweatshirts and New Balance sneakers.
Stothert also mentioned the Maison Margiela tabi ballet flats, which used to be a niche item for fashion insiders. Now, they’re everywhere, and people feel like they need them to complete their wardrobes.
The similarities between New York and London make sense. Thanks to the internet and TikTok, trends can spread from one city to another in no time. Styles from Milan, Paris, or Copenhagen can pop up just as quickly.
Influencers love this uniform style. Why stick to a unique look when you can appeal to a broader audience? Many brands are built around this idea, even if those who engage with it don’t see it as fast fashion.
Back in the day, it would’ve been tough to find those unique pieces you saw on vacation or in a movie. You’d have to put in a lot of effort to track them down. Now, everything is just a click away.
There’s a social media account called Uniform Display that showcases this trend. It features stylish young people in similar outfits, and it’s hard to tell where they’re from or what they like. They could be from anywhere, and they’re racking up likes.
People seem to enjoy being told what to do. Stothert referenced a scene from Fleabag where the character wishes someone would just tell her what to eat and wear. Magazines have been doing this for ages, but now it’s even easier with Google and TikTok shopping.
Even the minimalist wardrobe trend, where influencers like Emma Chamberlain show off their pared-down closets, is still just another trend, according to Stothert. It’s all about getting you to buy something.
Taking a break from social media can help you find your own style. Stothert suggests exploring different creative outlets like books and movies. If social media is overwhelming, maybe try deleting Instagram for a week and see how your taste shifts.
Ultimately, she believes the best way to discover your personal style is through boredom. Taking a break from social media can help you connect with your own tastes. Sometimes, you need a little boredom to spark inspiration and listen to your intuition.
