A No-B.S Guide to TikTok’s Hottest Fashion Micro-Trends
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As the years pass and the seasons change, so do the trends. Sure, there are those pieces that make an appearance year after year, but more often than not, a season’s trends last only as long as the weather does. However, new fads called “micro-trends” cycle are popping up on TikTok and Instagram these days and moving at lightning speed. To quote Heidi Klum: “One day you’re in, and the next, you’re out.” Luckily, I’ve broken down each of the major micro-trends on my FYP to help you out so you can try ’em before they pass.
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As the name might suggest, micro-trends generally have a much shorter shelf life than more general seasonal trends. That said, they still lend themselves to larger overall aesthetics, like the resurgence of Y2K-inspired apparel or the sudden popularity of ’70s-esque maximalist colors and prints. Some only last a few weeks, but don’t let that stop you from giving them a try if you find one that really speaks to your style.
Most Internet trends don’t really require a ton of legwork—or a high price tag—to lean into. Simply add one or two pieces to your collection and you’ll be good to go! If you’re looking to be a little more sustainable with your purchases, pick up a few items that you feel genuinely fit your personal style that just so happens to align with micro-trendy aesthetics, like a plaid mini skirt that looks cute for date night and serves Preppy Academia, or a an oversized hobo bag that holds every item you need and helps you live out your Olsencore fantasy.
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Not sure what the heck I’m talking about? Read on to learn a little bit more about the top micro-trends worth trying out this season.
“That Girl”
TikTok is full of tutorials on how to be “That Girl”—but who is she? “That Girl” refers to not only a fashion aesthetic, but an entire lifestyle. She always looks neat and put-together, a look achieved through structured, neutral toned clothing, minimal makeup and slicked back hair. She probably also has a spotless kitchen (but you can skip this step if no one’s seeing yours).
This look is built on the basis of less is more—although a little gold jewelry and the latest It Bag don’t hurt—and therefore is relatively easy to achieve. Retailers like Aritizia and Mango do a great job of catering to this aesthetic with classic pieces that can be worn in a variety of combinations. Basically, if it looks like an effortlessly chic outfit you’d save on Pinterest, it probably has “That Girl” energy.
The Unhinged Fashion Girly
On the other end of the “That Girl” style spectrum is the Unhinged Fashion Girly and she is a maximalist in the best way. This trend started with acrylic rings and has grown to include bright colors, stacks of necklaces, feather trim and ugly-core shoes. Unhinged fashion is about pushing the boundaries of what may be considered an everyday outfit through colorful self expression.
Maximalist fashion videos usually get comments like, “Is this satire?” and the answer is no, not at all. Brands like Lisa Says Gah and Gucci are two examples of prominent unhinged fashion supporters. Also, it’s important to note that a lot of the Unhinged Fashion Girlies have sustainable wardrobes and the style does not just equate to buying an excess of clothes. To achieve true unhinged maximalism, focus on the items that speak to you the most and then wear them all at the same time. Icon status, unlocked.
Olsencore
Whispers of the return of the oversized leather hobo bag have been circulating throughout TikTok, a tell-tale sign of the return of Olsencore, a.k.a. the aesthetic worship of fashion’s favorite twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley. The look can be achieved through soft messy waves, oversized sunglasses, floor-length coats and an unbothered attitude.
I predict that working from home has helped many people discover their own Olsen Twin fashion sense—because let’s be honest, brushing your hair before a virtual meeting is low on the priority list. While the look is unruly, it is also incredibly chic. Play into the aesthetic by layering a black t-shirt, sweater or blazer and pretending it’s The Row, and order a vintage hobo bag before they skyrocket in popularity.
Preppy Academia
Don’t disregard your plaid skirt just yet! The Dark Academia micro-trend is evolving into Preppy Academia. Preppy Academia takes a lighter approach to academic inspired style—think less school girl and more east coast extracurricular. Rugby striped shirts, fisherman sweaters and popped collars are the core staples of this trend, but in order to achieve the look, pair them with sporty street style pieces.
For example, a rugby shirt with cargo pants and white sneakers is what a preppy-academic would consider a ‘fit. Brands like Rowing Blazers and Aimé Leon Dore specialize in this style, but a great (and affordable) place to start is in your dad’s closet.
Tumblr Famous
I’m not sure what we did to deserve a resurgence of the 2014 Tumblr Girl, but my TikTok FYP warns me at least twice a day that it’s coming. How can you prepare? Pull out your One Direction t-shirt (this is the only part that I’m truly excited about), pull up your knee-high socks and get an over-sharing inspiration quote ready to post. Basically, it’s time to dress with the goal of being the girl your younger self was enviously reblogging as a tween!
This trend has a lot of hype but not a lot of action yet—if you thrived on Tumblr, now is your chance to be one of the first to bring it back. The new Tumblr Girl aesthetic will thankfully include way less galaxy print and will focus on other era-defining items like the platform heel. Brands like Versace and Jeffrey Campbell seem to be on board with the trend, and it’s only a matter of time until we’re referring to “retweets” as “reblogs” and “likes” as “notes”.
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