Clothing overconsumption is being fed by ever-changing fads churned out by social media, especially TikTok. We’ve seen the rise of micro-aesthetics, from the strawberry girl to the coastal grandma. Unless you pay zero attention to online fashion content, you’ll recognise and likely own some of the accessories and garments associated with these trends. More alarming than this oversaturation of narrow niches is the rapidity with which such arbitrary fads come and go – an even faster turnover than Lizz Truss’ premiership! However, in hindsight, many of these short-lived micro-trends are more classic than mainstream influencers would have you believe and can be assimilated into a capsule wardrobe.

“Many of these short-lived micro-trends are more classic than mainstream influencers would have you believe”

It was during the good old days of the early pandemic that micro-trends first proliferated, thanks to the rise of TikTok. One of the greatest cultural shifts during Covid was the transition from skinny, high-waist jeans (*Cough* The Topshop Joni jeans) to baggier mom jeans. Thankfully, I didn’t embrace many of 2020’s micro-trends like sweater vests, vibrant colours, prints or patchwork denim as they weren’t my style. However, apparent fads like mom jeans, brown clothing, mini shoulder bags and oversized vintage jackets can be adapted to fit current trends with the right styling.

Micro-trends I did adopt include an argyle cardigan (yes, the viral Brandy Melville Elizabeth one), a white tennis skirt and a dupe of the Urban Outfitters criss-cross top. These clothes I still use today due to their wearability and the remaining relevance of 90s/Y2K fashion. For me, there is a difference between classic pieces that surge in online visibility and “one hit wonders” like cow print that soon look dated, even with styling.

2021 saw many of the previous year’s micro-trends expand. Think sweater vests emblazoned with hearts and mushrooms and bright colours alongside maximalist prints (seen infamously on the many psychedelic swirl dresses and co-ords). More wearable fads included tennis skirts alongside sweatshirts (bonus points if they were vintage athleisure or green/brown with location names) with a collared neck peeking through.

“The year’s defining aesthetics were indie-kid-core and preppy”

The year’s defining aesthetics were indie-kid-core and preppy. Anything ruched or crocheted, fluffy bags, mesh tops and hibiscus prints ruled the day. Even at the time, many of these pieces seemed gimmicky. Indeed, the micro-trends of 2020-2021 were mostly fads born from lockdown boredom and consequent experimentation with fashion choices.

2022 wasn’t without dated micro-trends. However, many are more wearable today than those of 2020-2021. Some were practical like leg warmers and cargo pants; others less so, be that parachute pants or cowboy boots. The resurgence of vintage items continued with Afghan coats, Juicy Couture, velour tracksuits, Uggs and double denims – all of which can still be seen around Sidge. Most of these clothes are easily found second hand, demonstrating that micro-trends can be less environmentally damaging than your typical Shein release.

Micro-trends I embraced included puff sleeve dresses and corsets (thank you Regencycore for popularising non-bodycon silhouettes for going-out outfits!). The Josie top is one micro-trend that anyone can still wear today. It can be dressed up or down, comes in numerous colours and is universally flattering. As well as cut-out tops à la Julia Fox, we saw cargo micro skirts and denim maxi skirts – neither of which are very practical but can be adapted to your individual style unlike previous micro-trends.

“The need to constantly invent trends to boost consumption has stripped them of any originality”

2023 had the greatest assortment of micro-trends, with many having a strong retro influence or recalling niche internet aesthetics like balletcore. We saw the return of classics like ballet flats, bomber jackets, basket bags, fur coats and leopard prints. All were given new monikers associated with internet fads: “mob wife” for leopard faux coats, “tomato girl” for basket bags. It seems the need to constantly invent trends to boost consumption has stripped them of any originality, resulting in new terms that gaslight buyers into thinking they aren’t keeping up with the latest styles.

Other fads included jorts, sambas and the Brazil baby tee – all components of “blokecore”. The latter may be a massive micro-trend (some have dubbed it “Sheincore”) but can also signal identity, whether that’s an affinity to Brazil’s football team or something else entirely in the case of adapted designs. For instance, someone I know at Jesus owns a Madeira baby tee to rep the tiny island she calls home, while I wear an Australia tee to represent my second nationality.

2024 has seen an eclectic mix of micro-trends, from putting bows on everything to cosplay corporate wear that would get you dress coded at work. Many of the most viral items – Oddmuse’s replica of Kate Moss’ “office siren” dress from the 90s or Tom Trunks’ pastel striped linen trousers – come from small businesses. Not only are these companies more environmentally friendly than fast fashion, but the garments are higher quality (so can be reworn more times than other micro-trends) and easier to style.

Classic clothing pieces have returned, with micro-trends instead centring on footwear and accessories like boho eyelet belts, fun coloured/patterned tights, rectangular glasses and large bags. These allow you to update what you already own rather than buying a new season’s worth of clothes to only wear a few times.

My friend and I were comparing which micro-trends we’ve adopted and we both agreed we suited more timeless styles. Unlike my friend, I still wear most of the pieces I bought due to trends as I only purchased items I genuinely liked rather than simply what was popular. That is my ultimate advice: rather than following trends, wear what you feel most comfortable and believe you look best in.