By Emma Crannell
In the new age of social media, with short-form content dominating every platform, users are constantly overloaded by niches and aesthetics that push us to consume more content, purchase more products, and ultimately abandon our interests for fleeting fads. It is impossible to escape trends, especially in the fashion and beauty industry, but social media and some of its influencers only perpetuate this concept of constant “aesthetic” changes. I often find myself in thrift stores coming across clothing from Shein that would have been popular in the VSCO girl era of social media, but if it were worn by someone now, it would be considered” cheugy”. Before leaving for college, I went through my wardrobe to determine what I wanted to bring to school and landed upon many pieces that hadn’t been worn in years, such as my green army jacket, combat boots, and flannels that were my entire world in the Tumblr girl era.
As social media users, we are constantly encouraged to click links in bios, search for dupes on TikTok shop, use this code when we purchase a new makeup palette, paint our nails oat milk latte brown, and dye our hair cowboy copper. We have to find out our aesthetic and determine if we are a clean girl, coquette, coastal grandma, or dark academia. And once we determine our aesthetic, we then have to search for a capsule wardrobe, of course, and refrain from shopping on fast fashion websites like Shein or Romwe, when just a few years ago those were the places where we’d find the most trendy clothes.
Many of the trends and aesthetics are seemingly appealing and fun, but once you can identify the pattern in which these trends and aesthetics come and go, you realize the danger and damage they cause not only to our wallets but also to our mental health and our society. This relentless cycle of consumption can negatively impact our mental health by creating an environment where self-worth is often measured by material possessions and if are “on trend”. This constant need to conform can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-esteem. And the pressure to fit into an ever-changing mold can create a cycle of self-doubt, making us question our worth based on our appearance and alignment with fleeting trends. When our identities become tied to aesthetics rather than our authentic selves, it can lead to a loss of individuality and purpose. The joy of fashion and self-expression can quickly turn into a burden, as we chase after trends instead of embracing our authentic identities.
That's not to say that it's wrong to participate in new trends, it’s perfectly okay to enjoy aesthetics and niches! They can be a fun way to express creativity and explore different facets of our personalities. The concept itself is multifaceted because it is also crucial to recognize that this exploration of new trends often leads to unsustainable behaviors. Constantly purchasing new clothing to fit into the latest trends contributes to a cycle of overconsumption that harms not just our wallets, but the environment as well. Instead of feeling pressured to keep up with every new aesthetic, we can focus on cultivating our style more mindfully and sustainably. The key is to approach these new aesthetics with a sense of playfulness rather than pressure. Embrace the styles that resonate with you, but remember that they should enhance your uniqueness, not define it.
So, as you navigate this world of ever-shifting aesthetics, remind yourself that your worth isn’t tied to trends or comparisons. Celebrate your individuality and let your style be a reflection of who you truly are. The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence, which is more powerful than any new aesthetic.
댓글