By Foster Guns, Staff Writer
2020, a year we all remember for obvious reasons. But before COVID-19, we would have remembered 2019 and 2020 for its iconic fashion trends and style evolution.
The internet would be raving about biker shorts and mini purses. It goes without saying that style has changed over the course of the pandemic. But did you know the rapid changes in fashion has something to do with the rise of affordable “fast fashion?”
Fast fashion has been around since the 1990’s. Fast fashion is when a trend catches on and stores mass-produce clothes at very low prices, just to be discarded after the “fast” trend is over. Examples of these fast fashion suppliers are Shein, Romwe, Zara and countless others.
Some of the more popular articles of clothing from fast fashion companies are split color jeans and patchwork shirts. Chunky rings and chokers went in and out just as fast as any other cheap jewelry. Fast fashion comes in all different shapes and sizes, it doesn’t have to be just clothing.
Fast fashion is quite controversial not only because of its unsustainability, but also for awful worker conditions.
Most brands who participate in creating fast fashion don’t pay their workers a liveable wage. Many fast fashion companies are not based in the United States where the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
Improperly disposing of your clothes is just as big of an issue today as it was in 2019 and 2020. To properly dispose of your clothes you can repurpose, donate or find somewhere that can properly break down and get rid of your clothes.
In 2021, there’s nothing specifically “in” right now. There are millions of different styles ranging from “new age emo” to “kidcore” style.
Neutral and vibrant colors can co-exist on clothing. I pair a purple sweater vest with a pleated white tennis skirt to balance it out. Bright colors are being more accepted and put into outfits to bring life to neutrals.
This year is a lot less about new trends and more about bringing back older styles. Some prime examples are “Y2K” style and older versions of shoes and accessories. Converse and Air Jordans have become just as popular as they were in the 80’s. 2000’s trends such as low rise jeans or cheetah print.
Style is all about confidence and being comfortable in your own skin. This year is all about wearing what you want and not what other people tell you to wear.
In 2019 and 2020, the fashion industry was running rancid with tiny sunglasses, slip dresses and plaid patterns everywhere. Kylie Jenner was wearing biker shorts in every other Instagram post, while capes were also a thing for some reason.
Some of the most popular celebrity red carpet looks happened in 2019. Some of the best examples are from the 2019 Met Gala. Billy Porter’s gender-bending “tuxedo ball gown” and Lady Gaga’s four layers of incredible outfits are two of the most memorable.
Who knew you needed an entire pandemic to let everyone embrace their individuality and gain the confidence to find their style.
Sophomore Foster Guns can be reached at 24gunsfo54@daretolearn.org.
