Trends Are Arbitrary: Great Style Is Everywhere
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Microtrends rule fashion. It seems as though every time a celebrity or influencer promotes something, a movie or show comes out or resurfaces, or TikTok deems another aesthetic the best one, people rush to replicate the look, only for another trend to take its place as quickly as the last one appeared.
For me, I even find difficulty in dressing for each season. Not only are there microtrends that follow specific niches, but they also appear seasonally, too. When autumn rolls around, I dig through my closet to find my sweaters and pants, only for them not to fit in with the “fall vibes” the internet has decided are the most stylish. So I buy new clothes, only to spend a fortune on polyester fabrics that are out of style in a month or two anyway. And I’m expected to do this four times a year? Pass.
Thrifting is a great way to remedy this. There are many positives to shopping secondhand: better materials, timeless pieces, vintage finds, and less textile waste.
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When I shop at a trendy retail store and see “100% polyester” on the tag, it drives me slightly insane. Polyester is plastic. I don’t mind it in more inexpensive or casual clothing, but I do not want to pay top dollar for plastic clothes. I also find that polyester often doesn’t last after a few wears, with the clothes looking dull and feeling uncomfortable after a couple of washes.
Thrift stores offer better fabric options. My philosophy is, if it is still good quality at the thrift store, it’ll last when I wear it too! Older clothes are usually made of cotton, which I find much more comfortable and long-lasting. Inspect the tags at the thrift store– cotton, linen, and silk are the best options.
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Thrift stores are also great for finding timeless pieces. The staples in my closet are all from thrift stores. I don’t have to worry about their trendiness because they hold up. Things like chic black dresses, good denim, and a reliable leather jacket will always be in style. Timeless pieces like these are always at the thrift.
Remember this when thrifting. It can be overwhelming, too, and it can be difficult to know what to look for in a sea of second-hand garments that don’t quite fit your taste. Having your staples in mind helps. Vintage clothing is another thing second-hand shopping can offer, and vintage clothes are always in style. There’s nothing wrong with following trends, but because they move so fast, wearing vintage clothing takes the pressure off keeping up with them and adds originality to your wardrobe.
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It is highly unlikely that two identical tops will be found at the same thrift store, making the selection original every time you go. This is completely different from fast-fashion stores like Shein, which add about 10,000 new items to their website daily. It isn’t just Shein, though. Many brands rely on the cheap, rapid production of clothing to keep up with trend cycling. However, with the mass amounts of clothing being made, there’s also lots of room for waste. Roughly 92 million tons of textile waste are created each year by fast fashion brands. Thrifting counters this, though. Instead of ending up in landfills, clothing gets a second life.
Even though fashion shifts endlessly, our personal wardrobes don't need to follow suit. While participating in trends can be enjoyable, they shouldn't dictate our personal style or force us to buy new clothes every season. Shopping secondhand offers a refreshing way to step away from the relentless churn of microtrends and curate a collection that truly reflects your identity. Whether you discover a classic vintage piece, a well-loved pair of denim, or a statement jacket that effortlessly elevates any look, authentic personal style isn't found in the latest viral collection. Ultimately, the most special garments in your closet are often those that carry a story from their past.
Strike Out,
Writer: Anna Bullock
Editor: Abby Marshall
Graphic Designer: Gianna Graziano
Tallahassee