As time progresses, new ideas continuously shape and refine our sense of style. With each passing year, not only does the world transform, but so do the trends that define our fashion. So, what trends helped 2024 stand out? How have we changed?
Firstly, what is a trend? A clothing trend is an article of clothing or a style that is extremely popular in the moment. These trends, with the help of social media, have become very widespread and move faster than ever before.
Why is it that social media has helped the very idea of fashion grow into something so powerful? The answer lies in marketing. Brands target a certain audience and they will advertise their products in places that the target audience regularly observes. An example of this is Nike partnering with a large number of NBA players to market their shoes to teenage boys and men, which according to statista.com make up about 60% of all viewers.
Another sphere of influence that began with the birth of social media was the rise of influencers. An influencer is a social media personality with a large number of followers who uses their platform to advertise products or a certain lifestyle to their audience. As their name implies, they make the majority of their income convincing followers to buy the products they promote on their page. In the last five years, the number of influencers who cater to teenage girls has risen significantly.
In 2024, a popular style started taking the internet by storm. It catered to teenage girls and young adult women, called the “Clean Girl” style. This trend supported the idea of a lifestyle that was measured, clean-cut, almost perfect. It was about living life productively from all aspects, working out to stay healthy, maintaining good grades, and above all always looking hygienic and put together.
With the emergence of the “Clean Girl” style, there have also been an influx of trends to support it. Influencers like Katie Fang, with 5.6 million followers on TikTok, advertised all kinds of skincare products. This included brands like Glow Recipe and Drunk Elephant and emphasized using them every day to have clean glowy skin. In America, there has also been an increasing interest in Korean skin care brands, such as Anua, which are known for being especially effective.
As for makeup and hair, the clean girl look was often supported by a trend called “no makeup makeup,” and as its name implied, inspired the idea to wear makeup that was both light and subtle. A notable hairstyle for women that was catapulted to popularity in 2024 was the “slick back,” a hairstyle that used gel to flatten hair against the head while the rest of the hair was tied up, which was used to make hair look shiny and clean as well as emphasizing bone structure.
There are also certain clothes that come with this style. Girls often choose to wear leggings, shirts, and sweatshirts to support the athletic look, often from Lululemon. On the more comfortable side, some opt for Brandy Melville, a pricey but extremely popular brand. The style is often accessorized with Ugg slippers, puffer vests, and a simple Kendra Scott necklace that comes in a variety of colors.
And with that, the essence of the clean girl look is captured. It does not escape from criticism, however. With its rising popularity, some also think the look is too common. Sophomore, Kayla Gelle, says, “I like the actual style, I just believe it’s on the basic side because everyone wears it.” Getting its fair share of judgmental comments, the style has not yet wavered in popularity.
Men’s style takes a different approach, as many trends focus on comfortability and movement rather than how the clothes look. Nike is a popular brand for all of their athletic wear, including their Nike tech sweatsuits and their hooded sweatshirts. Leaning towards the baggy side, lots of trendy outfits include a large hoodie and baggy shorts. Some men’s clothing is also influenced by popular social media trends that on on the funnier side, like memes.
The laid back trendy look is also often accessorized by teenage boys with Nike crew socks that cover the ankle as well as Adidas Yeezy slides. Another option that is popular for footwear amongst both genders is the different variations of Jordans. While it is less common for men to wear jewelry, some choose to wear subtle accessories like a simple cross necklace or paracord bracelet.
While it is always fun to follow what clothes are trending, it is also important to remember that everyone has their own individual tastes that are just as interesting. Nobody should be judged for what they wear, whether it is extremely unique or basic. So, how do you personally define fashion?
