Keeping Up with The Latest Trends And Why It's Ruining Womens' Confidence
Ever-increasing exposure to the latest trends, for the first time in outfit history, has transformed the average female into a fierce and relentless Fashionista. Or as loveable Ross Geller put it; a regular 'Fashion Monger.' In a desperate effort to keep up with the trends, the millions of clothes we've already bought, borrowed, or inherited through our older siblings fall to the wayside or the beloved Salvation Army. This is a waste of clothes, a waste of the Earth's space, and not to mention, a complete waste of our time.
So, why do we still find ourselves scouring the internet like mad women for that adorable romper everybody is wearing during rooftop happy hour? Even if said-scourer, is, and always has been, dangerously claustrophobic and despises off the shoulder vibes (I'm speaking for a friend…of course). Because, well, we can't help ourselves! The temptation for the next best thing, for the next best post, is just too strong – thanks a lot Instagram and all your dopamine surges.
What a lot of women fail to recognize, is how harmful keeping up with the ever-changing fashion culture is, and I'm not just talking about our diminishing bank accounts. The women psyche, like it doesn't have enough to worry about it, is undoubtedly compromised. The reality is everybody has different styles, body types, and comfort levels. Not every trend will necessarily flatter every figure, and not every woman will love everything that is trending. By wearing clothes that you don't feel your best self in, you are increasing the chance that you will develop poor self-body image. Eating disorders, over-excessive workout habits, Body Dysmorphic Disorder; these are all the result of an unhealthy approach to dressing yourself. Online shopping has skyrocketed over the years, and trend turnover is at an all-time high. This societal pressure to be perfect ultimately leaves women fashion lovers everywhere feeling like they have to have it all - when they already do. They have what their beautiful mamas gave them!
No generation before us has ever had to face this falling down the retail rabbit-hole, everyone-in-shopping-wonderland existence, where everything is just a click away - before said items spin back into orbit only to return a few seasons later, in the perfect Fall suede. Alice In Wonderland references aside, the upkeep is plain exhausting and not going anywhere anytime soon! We've even started to mirror previous eras, adapting their styles alongside our own. Let's review the facts: the 70’s had bell bottoms, the 80’s had leggings, the 90’s had high-waisted slacks and chokers, the early 2000’s had ripped jeans (at times bejeweled and patch-worked, don't ask me why) and 2019, well, we have had all of the above and more. Don't believe me? Take a quick trip to Urban Outfitters - the trend time machine of our generation.
Creating ensembles for a weekend-outing or special occasion, even dressing for a typical workday can start to feel like a daunting task. We as women always want to be up-to-speed with all the latest looks and innovative designs. Whether it be high-waisted shorts or low-rise skirts, or crop-tops and off the shoulder blouses, everyone wants to fit in, so they force their bodies to fit in it.
