Fashion is a way in which students can express their personality traits beyond the classroom environment. A popular trend has recently arose throughout the fashion world: color coordination and color blocking. Pieces such as the Staud Mariah Feather-Trimmed Crepe Top are expensive examples of this craze.

“I feel like fashion was always determined by how much money you had and how high end you dressed. Now it’s more about unique clothing and how it connects to how you want to express yourself,” said Taylor Mui ’20.

Within celebrity culture, people like Kanye West have created brands based on this monochromatic style. Many other designers place an emphasis on “matching” outfits in recent years, something that was not in style a few years ago. Kanye entered fashion with his brand, Yeezy, as a relatively young African-American man and completely revolutionized the meaning of high fashion.

Taylor Mui ’20 gave her opinion on the importance of youth participation in fashion. “I feel like fashion was always determined by how much money you had and how high end you dressed. Now it’s more about unique clothing and how it connects to how you want to express yourself,” said Mui. To her, this is an important shift.

The monochrome trend also falls under the umbrella term of “street style.” This British-born way of dressing did not originate in a specific high end studio. For this reason, many consider it to be an interesting and creative way to incorporate one’s personal preferences into how they dress. Street style is used as a broad guideline; it is a relatively new way that people have incorporated fashion into their own clothing style.

Street style influences the wardrobe of many like Keya Dutta ’20. “I like wearing graphic tees and layering them with a shirt underneath. I think matching certain aspects within your clothing makes it eye catching, and I find it interesting.”  Luc Macris ’20 shares his opinion on the importance of street style in popular culture and the media as well. “I think it’s a creative source for people who don’t necessarily get to explore this side of them otherwise,” said Macris, who has gained inspiration in his clothing from his older sister. “The aesthetic of street style is really great.”

Thrifting has also made a comeback in recent years, especially within the teen and young adult age groups. Mass consignment stores such as H&M and Urban Outfitters lose popularity as people focus on not only what is practical, but also what is positive for the environment. With the environment in mind, young activists have been urgently coming forward and proposing that lawmakers need to address the issue of the lack of environmentally conscious fashion; people have shifted towards change. Thrift stores such as Buffalo Exchange have even been encouraging shoppers to bring in their own bags to shop with in order to decrease each individual’s carbon footprint.

Recycled clothing can allow one to create their own unique, runway-worthy styles. Wearing vintage clothing is a way of dressing which, unfortunately, companies have capitalized by making vintage style extremely expensive. Though it is understandable that pieces such as these are likely one of a kind and hard to find, making these items unaffordable isn’t a solution.

Other types of fashion trends allow shoppers to be more eco-friendly as well as save money. Matching bold colored items of clothing and jewelry is a fun way to add uniqueness to one’s wardrobe.

Saachi Patel ’20 noted, “I like wearing things that make me confident.” Thrifting—more specifically, matching aspects of clothing, whether it is jewelry, accessories, or more standard clothing items,  is a way to be environmentally conscious, express oneself, and develop an own sense of style rather than letting others determine what the broad term of “fashionable” means. You define it for yourself. It is a power.