The Trend Cycle

History has a way of repeating itself, and fashion is no exception. Trends that were once popular  often come back around, and in recent years, the cycle seems to be moving faster than ever.  

We’ve all seen the resurgence of the '90s Rachel Green hair or the 2000s Juicy Couture  tracksuits. Typically, these trends return after 20 to 30 years, but the 2020s seem to have sped  things up. Whether it’s the pace of time or the rapid comeback of trends, something new is  always trending. Even the styles of the Tumblr era like teal chevron and chunky jewlery, which  dominated teenage fashion barely a decade ago, are already making a return to the mainstream. 

Social media has played a major role in accelerating the spread of trends and microtrends. The  moment something becomes popular, it’s quickly replaced by the next big thing. From blueberry  milk nails to the clean girl aesthetic, mob-wife chic, cheetah print, and bows, trends come and go  in a blink. Instead of enjoying a style for months, we’re now in a constant loop of what’s in this  month versus the next, often feeling judged for wearing something that was trendy just a few  weeks ago. 

The fashion cycle, once a fun way to revisit past styles, has now become a race to stay relevant  in an ever-changing landscape, with new "hot trends" popping up weekly. But here’s a reminder:  you don’t need to chase every trend. Save your money and focus on finding your own personal  style. Don’t feel pressured to buy what everyone else is wearing—it’s likely those same items  will be discarded in less than a year.  

Written by: Emily Arabo