In the fast-paced world of consumerism and fashion, it is inevitable that we have all fallen prey to the whims of “microtrends.” Microtrends are items with ephemeral allure. Perhaps they’re creatively posed to you by your favorite social media influencers, through a flashy Instagram aesthetic in your daily feed or the girl you see in your English class. The markers of a microtrend are tied to their boldness, rendering them practically unusable after their short-lived moment in the spotlight. Although I have fallen prey to many microtrends throughout my teenage years (hello cycle shorts, hello ballet flats), I also acknowledge that they often have the tendency to leave us in a closet wilderness cluttered with garments that were once “in” but are now firmly in the “What was I thinking?” pile.
I do not seem to be alone in this revelation, as there seems to be a growing disillusionment among self-proclaimed “fashion gurus” with microtrends and instead, a call for a return to timeless, elegant pieces often identifiable by their neutral color palettes and clean designs. Before dissecting the benefits of a neutral, high-quality wardrobe composed of only a few elegant pieces, it is important to acknowledge the draw of microtrends and the role they play in our modern fashion discourse.
Microtrends are regarded for their exciting novelty and ability to push typically boundaries of fashion. However, their short lifespans creates an endless cycle of disposability. The piece that garnered endless compliments yesterday is already irrelevant today. The impact of these microtrends are not just a cluttered closet, but a cluttered Earth. The environmental effects have led people to look to brands such as Aritzia, Abercrombie and Alo. Although very expensive, these brands boast their versatile, high-quality pieces as an investment rather than an impulsive purchase. The argument in favor of investing in high-quality pieces is that overtime, you spend the same amount when you purchase cheap pieces with high frequency as you do when you purchase expensive pieces with lower frequency. This revelation has led to the rise of current high-profile influencers who live by this fashion motto, and fittingly, a glance at the past.
One of the greatest examples of this style is Carolyn Besette Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. Alongside her notable lineage, she is widely lauded for her unique style that is defined by “neutral, basic high-quality fashion centered around clean lines, simple silhouettes and a muted color palette.” She was often seen sporting sleek trousers, turtlenecks and minimal jewelry. This minimalism is an emblem of sophistication – a concept largely lacking in the world of microtrends. Overall, Kennedy’s fashion choices were a testament to the theory of “less is more.”
In the present day, Kate Middleton is a wonderful example of why striving for elegance is instrumental to achieving “high-fashion status.” Although she sometimes deviates to bolder color choices, she sticks to a multitude of “classy rules,” such as ensuring each clothing piece is tailored, choosing understated accessories, and sporting natural makeup. Through these choices, she is able to make a statement without being overly flashy, proving that style truly comes from within.
As we begin to turn away from microtrends and toward the revival of elegant minimalism, we simultaneously affirm the following principles: authenticity, sustainability and personal expression. Through choosing to prioritize timeless pieces over fleeting trends, we will not only elevate our individual styles but assist in elevating the health of our world through creating drastically less waste. May we begin to appreciate the value of our fashion not through its fly-by-night trendiness, but by its greater allowance for authentic self-expression and appropriateness.
