Styled by: How Social Media is Transforming Personal Aesthetics

instyle2324
Nov 28, 2024
3 min read

MAHAK CHAUDHRY for MacInStyle

Wednesday November 27th 2024

Cherry nails. Ugg slippers. Leather jackets. Cheetah print. Social media trends have dominated fashion, giving rise to a multitude of popular aesthetics. While these fashion trends often share common elements, the creativity and personal expression involved in adapting them to individual style is truly impressive, showcasing the unique ways people make these trends their own. Lately, my personal favorite trend has been anything burgundy. My closet is now filled with everything from sweaters to my Adidas Sambas in that popular color.

Common trends like “clean girl,” cottagecore, “rich girl,” and so many others have shaped and influenced the way people dress, with many striving to keep up with the latest fashions to stay on trend. Fashion icons like Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner have a major influence on personal style. Hailey Bieber popularized glazed nails. Sofia Richie is known for her ”old money” fashion, and Bella Hadid has become a go-to reference for chic street style.

Clean Girl Aesthetic

A major downside of these trends and the influence of social media is the homogenization of style, where individuals feel pressured to conform to current trends or what is considered popular at the moment. This pressure makes it more difficult to develop a unique personal style and can limit creativity, as people often find it harder to stray from the aesthetics embraced by celebrities and influences. The desire for validation through likes, comments, and reposts encourages individuals to blend in with popular trends, rather than explore beyond what is currently being worn.

Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's incredible for helping people discover new styles they might not have encountered otherwise, allowing them to recreate and adapt trends to fit their own tastes. For example, I was never a fan of Ugg slippers, but after seeing them on social media, I can now confidently say they’re my most worn shoes–comfortable and convenient for my lifestyle. On the other hand, I’ve also realized that cheetah print is one trend I’m not eager to embrace. While social media has helped me explore new style choices and understand my preferences, it has also made it harder for some people to step outside of trending aesthetics and try something more unique or unconventional. The desire to follow these influencers often comes at the expense of personal taste, as individuals prioritize fitting in with popular trends over expressing their own unique form of expression through fashion.

Pinterest Boards

Pinterest is a unique platform that lets users pin their favourite trends, aesthetics, and color palettes. However, its “Pinterestification” leads to an oversaturation of popular looks, which can limit the opportunity to experiment with new and unconventional styles. With the rise of Tiktok, trends can emerge overnight, quickly influencing fashion, from jewelry and clothing to shoes and makeup.

As I sit here with cherry red nails and an Aritzia Super Puff on, I want to conclude by saying that social media has undeniably revolutionized fashion, opening up on countless possibilities and inspiring people on a global scale. While this influence has many positives, there are also downsides, particularly when it comes to limiting personal style and individuality in the pursuit of fitting in. Ultimately, our goal as a society should be to celebrate self-expression and individuality, staying true to ourselves even amidst the constant flow of trends.

Until Next Time,

Mahak Chaudhry