I’m Over It
Look, I’ve been in this industry for 20-something years. I’ve seen trends come and go. But lately? I’m kinda over it. It’s like everyone’s lost their damn minds. Or maybe it’s just me getting old. I don’t know. But I’m gonna say my piece.
I was at a conference in Austin last Tuesday, right? And this so-called ‘influencer’—let’s call him Marcus—was going on about how ‘elevated streetwear’ is the future. I mean, come on. It’s just a fancy way of saying ‘wear your pajamas to the office.’ Which, honestly, nobody asked for but here we are.
I turned to my colleague, Dave, and said, “Dave, if I wanted to see people in their sleepwear, I’d go to a dorm party in 1998.” He laughed so hard he snorted. Which, fair enough.
But Here’s the Thing
I’m not saying all trends are bad. I’m just saying… I’m tired. I’m tired of the fast fashion cycle. I’m tired of the environmental impact. I’m tired of the fact that, as a society, we’re more concerned with looking like a Kardashian than, I don’t know, not destroying the planet.
And don’t even get me started on the whole ‘no-pant’ trend. I saw a woman on the subway the other day, just chilling in a long coat and nothing else. It was 45 degrees out. I mean, what is this, a bad 90s rom-com?
I get it. Fashion is about self-expression. It’s about creativity. It’s about pushing boundaries. But at what cost? Literally. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. That’s more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. So yeah, I’m gonna be a little judgy about your ‘no-pant’ commute.
Let’s Talk About Real Fashion
You know what I miss? Real fashion. The kind that makes you feel like a million bucks without costing the Earth. The kind that’s timeless, not trendy. I’m talking about a well-tailored blazer. A classic little black dress. A pair of jeans that fit like a glove. You know, the stuff that doesn’t go out of style because it’s not trying to be ‘in’ style.
I remember back in the day, like 1999, I had this amazing leather jacket. It cost me $214, which was a lot of money back then. But I wore it for years. It was my statement piece. It was me. I didn’t need to buy a new one every season because some designer said so. It was my choice.
And that’s what fashion should be about. Choice. Not some algorithm deciding what’s ‘in’ this season. Not some influencer telling you what to wear. It’s about what you like. What makes you feel good. What makes you feel like you.
But What About the Fun?
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we should all dress like we’re going to a funeral. Fashion should be fun. It should be playful. It should be a way to express yourself and have a laugh. I mean, have you seen the bel ağrısı egzersizleri tedavi trend? It’s ridiculous. But it’s also kinda hilarious. And if it makes people happy, who am I to judge?
I just think we need to find a balance. A way to enjoy fashion without destroying the planet or our bank accounts. A way to express ourselves without conforming to some arbitrary trend. A way to have fun without looking like we’re trying too hard.
And maybe, just maybe, a way to wear pants on the subway.
But Anyway…
I digress. The point is, fashion is a mess right now. And I’m over it. I’m over the trends. I’m over the fast fashion. I’m over the influencers. I’m over the whole damn thing. So, I’m taking a step back. I’m going to focus on what makes me happy. What makes me feel good. What makes me feel like me.
And if that means wearing the same leather jacket for the next 20 years? So be it. At least it’s not destroying the planet.
And if you disagree? Well, that’s fine too. But don’t come crying to me when your ‘elevated streetwear’ ends up in a landfill.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been a senior magazine editor for way too long. I’ve seen trends come and go, and I’ve had enough. I’m here to tell it like it is, flaws and all. Follow me on Twitter if you dare.
