Blog written by B-Six.

Leave it up to TikTok to alter our day-to-day lives in every aspect – from what we eat, to what we buy, to what we wear. While the app used to be known for its Gen Z dance challenges, it now has a hold on all of us. People of all demographics are actively using the app to discover everything from the latest fashion trends to the newest DIY beauty hacks.

TikTok is giving millions of people an outlet for self-expression, especially when it comes to fashion. Due to the fast-paced nature of the app combined with its all-knowing, addictive algorithm, TikTok is a bountiful provider of fashion inspiration and ideas. It’s popularity during the pandemic has also supplied us with wholesome hobbies such as sewing, crocheting, knitting, tie-dying, thrifting, and upcycling your grandmother’s garments.

An All-Knowing Algorithm

Unlike other social platforms, TikTok’s special algorithm makes it possible for users without millions of followers to go viral. With relatable, relevant, and realistic content, TikTok gives users a voice to share what they like to wear and flaunt their freshest creations. Posting different fashion styles without having to have a noteworthy following allows TikTokers to be trendsetters. From bringing back baguette bags to reinstating low-rise jeans and Y2K fashion, there’s no denying the power and influence that the app holds.

The Fashion Cycle: What Goes Around Comes Around 

If a trend goes out of style, not to worry – it’s only a matter of time before it’s back and bigger than ever (AKA don’t throw out your skinny jeans just yet). Various trends are introduced at different moments in history, and it’s up to the general public to establish which ones should stick around, and which ones should make a comeback.

When trends are introduced into the fashion world, trendsetters, influencers, and celebrities start to incorporate it into their lifestyles. This increases consumer demand and makes the movement gain momentum. Once the trend reaches its peak popularity, it will slowly start to decline until it’s considered outdated and eventually obsolete. During this stage, consumers will start to get turned off by the trend’s penetrating popularity, wanting their clothing to feel matchless rather than mainstream.

However, due to the cyclical nature of fashion, the rejected trend may arise from the dead and re-enter the cycle, even after obsolescence. For example, ‘60s psychedelic tie-dye prints, ‘70s sheer, as well as early 00’s Y2K fashion have all made a recent comeback. While fashion trends are consistently cyclical and changing faster than one can keep up, some have stuck around for more than a few minutes. 

10 TikTok Fashion Trends You’ll Actually Want to Wear

1. Y2K

TikTok users have helped popularize the Y2K aesthetic we thought we’d never see again. Back and bigger than ever, the late ‘90s and early ‘00s are making waves both on TikTok and in the fashion industry. Think low-rise jeans, cropped pastel tees, Spice Girls, chunky footwear, Von Dutch, and tiny baguette bags. Equally tragic and iconic, velvety Juicy Couture sets made famous by Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian have also weaseled their way into our wardrobes – and I’m not mad about it. The tacky-chic aesthetic speaks to a greater movement in fashion, where trends are shifting away from what’s new and more towards what’s nostalgic.

2. Low-Rise Jeans

While most millennials are terrified by the return of low-rise jeans, Gen Z is discovering these styles for the first time – and they can’t get enough. Whether we like it or not (not), low-rise jeans are cool again. Wear them with slinky knits, crop tops, and if you want to be really bold – belly chains.

3. Halter Tops

Synonymous with the late ’90s and early ‘00s, halter tops have come back into style. Pair it with your favorite pair of low-rise jeans or distressed flares for a flattering, undeniably cool look. A summer essential, the halter top can also be worn in winter with a wool coat without compromising on warmth.

4. Scarf Tops

You won’t need to spend your savings on this one. Simply one silk square with infinite possibilities. The DIY strapless tops have gained popularity on TikTok through the thousands of tutorials for folding and wearing them. Pair them with Nippies Skin nipple pasties for seamless, undetectable coverage. 

5. Baguette Bags

Complete with a coordinated charm, the chic shoulder bag initially gained traction in the ‘90s. Today, the Y2K bag is typically made from sporty fabrics such as nylon and is just big enough to slip over your shoulder. Enough for your wallet, phone, keys, lip gloss, and hand sanitizer, the elongated rectangle bag is the perfect size to hold all your essentials. Pair with a cropped cardigan, midi skirt and chunky hoop earrings for a nostalgic that never goes out of style.

6. Pop Punk

Low-rise jeans and Ed Hardy tees aren’t the only 00’s trends making a comeback. Along with Y2K, nostalgia for the pop-punk era of the late ‘90s is bringing back plaid miniskirts, graphic tees, fingerless gloves, chunky jewelry, smudgy eyeliner, and skinny ties. Heavily influenced by music of the same style, pop punk fashion draws inspiration from ‘00s icons like Avril Lavigne and Paramore, and now icons like Olivia Rodrigo, Willow Smith, or Machine Gun Kelly. So go on, take out your Vans and baggy cargo pants, and be the Sk8er Boi you’ve always wanted to be.

7. Tie-Dye

Along with baking sourdough and banana bread, one of quarantine’s most popular activities was tie-dying. The classic ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired DIY trend has encouraged TikTok users to revive their old clothing and add a pop of psychedelia to their wardrobes. The colorful hippie look has not only made a splash on TikTok, but it’s also made its way into haute-couture and high-fashion runways.

8. Fringed Scarves

One of this winter’s must-haves, the thick, plaid, fringed scarf is the ultimate accessory that makes anyone feel like they’re the main character. Pair it with a long, oversized coat and you’ll instantly make any outfit look effortlessly cool.

9. Shackets

This winter trend isn’t just popular on TikTok – it’s blowing up everywhere else too. The shirt-jacket hybrid is cozy, warm, and perfect for layering. Coming in chic plaid patterns and winter neutrals, the shacket can make even the laziest of outfits look put together.

10. Balaclavas

Along with fringed scarves, balaclavas are also up there as this winter’s coziest accessory. With the rise of craftcore, many have started to knit their own balaclavas and knitted hoods from nylon and wool. Coming in a number of different styles, balaclavas offer fashion and function, conveniently covering the nose and mouth. From your FYP to fashion shows, it looks like the balaclava is here to stay.

Final Thoughts

TikTok has undeniably transformed the way we discover and consume fashion. Whether you’re on the app or not, you can’t deny its impact on our society. There’s no secret sauce to success on TikTok. By posting real, relatable content that just so happens to inspire, TikTokers are becoming the trendsetters that the fashion industry has been waiting for. A playground for authentic, unfiltered creativity, TikTok is giving the industry a whole new outlet for expression.

 keep reading...

Contributing Writer: Tatyana Khashoggi