With the rise of social media, many trends are being shared on social media – mini skirts, leopard print, low-waisted pants, foldover leggings, and thousands of others. But what kinds of trends are and aren’t present at Skyline currently, and why?
The Influence of Comfort
One of the many reasons people don’t follow the viral styles has to do with comfort, and shoes can play a big role in that. A pair of shoes can look really good but hurt for walking around school all day. Is it really worth it?
“Birkenstocks,” says Jada Bruce (‘27). “I mean, I would wear them, but… they kind of hurt, but they’re cute.”
When it comes to choosing the right style there are lots of factors that go into creating the perfect look. Textures and materials are a big part of the clothing choices people make.
“It’s the sensory thing for me,” says Shelby Eaton, an English teacher at Skyline, “Any trend that has something with a weird texture fabric, I’m not going to do it.”
Comfort in fashion isn’t the only thing that prevents people from wearing what they like. You’ll often hear people say “That’s just the price of beauty.” So what else is holding us back from being who we want?
The Influence of Judgment
Opinions play a big role in how we express ourselves. When someone says something negative about certain fads like, “That’s too short,” or, “I don’t like that pattern,” people won’t take part in those trends, in order to fit others’ standards.
“I like dressing up and going all out for the holidays… but would be too scared… [due to] people judging,” says Shriya Patel (‘27). Others are more focused on how they view the clothes they wear on themselves.
“I like jorts,” says Julia Zhang (‘27), “[but] I don’t think they look good on me.”
Some people prefer to stand out rather than fit in. Too much of the same thing can get boring and repetitive after a while, claiming the title of “basic,” which can play a big part in how people dress. “I see one pair of Lululemons on everybody… throughout the week,” observed Bruce. “Every day I see Lulu leggings, I see Lulu keychains everywhere.”
Current Trends
Some other common items currently seen around Skyline include athletic wear such as leggings and other tight-fitting clothes.
“Leggings…have been something that’s coming back,” says Eaton. “Crop tops I think are really in right now too.” Eaton also states that she truly doesn’t care what others think about her style, “I don’t really follow trends. I just wear things that make me happy. I don’t care if it’s popular or not.”
In contrast, some people take on outfits that are mainly style-based. “I’ve noticed jeans have become more popular,” Zhang claims, “and off-the-shoulder [tops].”
Where to Shop
In the current world, there is a wide variety of stores in which people choose to shop from. Some people prefer to help the environment through upcycled clothing.Eaton recommends Risk Thrift, a store downtown Ann Arbor. “It’s really cool because [the owner] takes thrifted clothes and changes them up and sews on things and patches and stuff…I love everything that she does.”
Others prefer simple dainty basics in-store or online. Patel says, “I buy my clothes from Brandy Melville, Garage, Hollister, and Amazon.”
