Throughout history, numerous fashion trends have emerged, gained prominence, and subsequently declined into obscurity. These trends continue to evolve, ranging from low-rise Y2K jeans to embellished studded belts and the resurgence of leg warmers. However, amidst this cyclical pattern, a significant concern warrants attention: individuals are increasingly compromising their sense of personal identity.
The concept of “social conformity” has long been regarded as a societal standard, but this mentality is potentially detrimental to people’s individuality. To conform means adapting to the expectations of others in a group, potentially compromising one’s unique identity for the sake of acceptance. Society has conditioned individuals to seek comfort in belonging, often at the expense of personal characteristics and preferences. This desire for conformity can manifest in various ways, such as following the crowd by adopting similar attire, displaying fashionable footwear, or even utilizing comparable fragrances. Trends often serve as a superficial guide that dictates self-expression, rather than an inspiration for authentic individuality.
PB teacher Ms. Perkins notes that as a teacher who has been teaching for 20-plus years, she has witnessed all her students going through waves of style and clothing. She notes that “..Most of my students wanted to follow trends because they wanted to feel accepted.”
As individuals chase fleeting fashions, their perceptions of what looks good—what feels unique and special—often conform to what is trendy. This reality strips the richness of individuality away. It is essential to ask ourselves: how can we, as trend followers, also assert our individuality and stay true to ourselves in the face of these trends? What impact does the pressure to wear certain clothing brands have on spending habits? The answer is that we must proactively maintain our style while making informed choices that reflect our identities.
A significant representation of societal cycles is evident in fashion trends. Current trends, such as Moose Knuckle puffers, furry boots, and streetwear, dominate the scene. Sportswear and athletic clothing have always been held in everyday fashion and remain popular today. From neon leotards in the ’80s to loose-fitting, low-waisted sweats in the 2000s, to 2025 where items such as yoga pants, hoodies, athletic shorts, Crocs, sneakers, and sweatpants dominate current wardrobes, “athleisure wear” is in style. Many people want to represent themselves in ways that society acknowledges and accepts. Consequently, these trends can create peer pressure regarding how one should look or dress.
For instance, PB senior Layla Burtnick is an athlete who truly enjoys athleisure and wearing sportswear. Regarding her thoughts on the current fashion trends she expressed, “I enjoy trends because they help me to venture out and give me a chance to wear things I never thought I would wear.” Thinking such as Layla’s shows how trends can inspire people to step outside their comfort zone.
Participating in the latest fashion trends can be fun, but it is important to recognize that they come at a cost. The price of athleisure is influenced by its increasing popularity, and the law of demand—higher prices typically reduce the quantity demanded, as fewer can afford them. For instance, Maddie Boone, a senior at PB who plays softball, expressed her frustration: “I want to participate in trends, but I feel like I don’t have the money to do so, and the brands can be very expensive.”
This dynamic leads to the rise of “dupes,” or knock-off versions of expensive items, fostering a culture in which people feel pressured to project a lifestyle they cannot afford. Dupes often compromise the quality, which is a significant issue. In a fashion trend like athleisure, it is crucial to invest in clothing that not only fits well but is also made from high-quality materials. Maddie firmly states her position on avoiding dupes, saying, “As a curvy Black woman in America, it’s essential to understand how different materials, especially knockoffs will look on you. If material is intended for someone curvy or thick, it can stretch in ways that reveal too much or even tear and deteriorate.”
Cost and poor quality are two ways that fashion and trend culture can marginalize people. This means that, perhaps, being considered trendy or even the concept of fitting in might not be worth it. With everybody trying to look like everyone else or trying to pretend that they have more than they do, participating in trends seems trivial.