By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, contributor writer
Have you ever considered the empowering influence of fashion trends?
Today, most young people recognize the potential of their appearance, which increases their self-esteem and fosters friendships when they feel comfortable with their appearance. This allows them to express their true self through friends, family, and others.
“From an early age, I learned from my mom that dressing well isn’t just about following trends, but about expressing yourself,” Said Anhelina Andrusik, a senior student majoring in business management.
Also, popular movies like “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Zoolander,” and “Ready to Wear (Pret-A-Porter)” (1994) always had a significant impact on youth. The reason could be that the youth do not see it as just an entertainment movie but as an inspiration trend to follow, such as their traditional clothing, accessories, and specific color palettes that were used in the movies.
Andrusik also added that her love for fashion started in childhood. “I would eagerly watch runway shows on TV, dreaming of becoming a fashion designer; however, shows such as Next Top Model introduced me to the glamour and creative sides of the fashion world, which inspired me to follow more of the old money fashion.”
With advanced technology, younger generations find inspiration on different social platforms; the most popular are TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram, which are filled with influencers and celebrities showing their latest trends. When youths adopt these trends, they feel more stable and connected to the larger cultural narrative.
“Fashion aesthetics and trends have influenced the way I dress over the years. My style has evolved to show my personal growth. I used to have bright pink hair, which was such a fun and bold look. But as the years went by, I’ve tried to mature my style and related it more to the ’90s fashion,” said Tamara Olguin Alzate, a junior student majoring in clinical psychology.
Lately, there have been thirty different types of aesthetics. However, the five most popular are the vintage aesthetic, acubi aesthetic, cottage-core aesthetic, mermaid-core aesthetic, and old money aesthetic.
The vintage aesthetic is like a love letter to the past. Because the inspiration is more of the 1920s to the 1970s and celebrates timeless elegance, class, and charm. Next, the acubi aesthetic, also known as Y3K or streetwear, originated in Korea. It combines elegant pieces with unique, edgy elements.
The cottage-core aesthetic interprets rural life; it includes the simplicity, warmth, and charm of countryside living. Contrasted to the mermaid-core aesthetic, which recreates a world of fantasy and marine life; this style is like mermaids’ ethereal beauty and mystery. It’s not about the ocean but the magical creatures and tales it hides under its waves.
Lastly, the most popular among the youth is the old money style because it consists of a sense of quiet wealth, timeless elegance, and luxury. This aesthetic was born in the early 20th century, and it’s all about looking glossy and put together: quality over quantity.
Fashion clothing offers young people diverse options to find their own style, which allows them to set their outfits apart from the rest of the youth. By creating different looks that are not only unique but also comfortable to wear, fashionable clothing also helps them find a way to express their true selves with confidence and genuineness.
