Students predict social media style will influence spring 2021 fashion trends

As spring and a new semester approach, students predict that fashion trends will prioritize comfort and be influenced by social media sites like TikTok and Pinterest. 

Jaishree Gupta, a sophomore studying environmental health sciences, said she thinks matching sweatsuits will be popular this semester, as students have gotten used to wearing more comfortable clothing since the start of the pandemic.

“It’s going to be really hard to go back to wearing jeans and dresses and skirts every day,” Gupta said. “At least, I think it will be because I can’t get myself to change out of sweatpants.” 

She said neutral colors and '90s fashions will be popular this spring, as she’s seen a lot of these trends on Pinterest. 

“I look at Pinterest and I’ve seen a lot of sweater vests,” she said. “Really just mostly '90s fashion coming back and a super girly top or bottom juxtaposed with a more masculine other half.”

Jacob Hester, a sophomore studying dramatic art and music, said he thinks puffer jackets and thrifted items will be popular this semester, as well as bold and colorful pieces.

“When people do get the occasion to go out into public spaces, I feel that they will want to make a statement because you don’t get to as much these days,” Hester said.

Although many students prefer to stick to loungewear for remote classes, Hester still plans to dress up.

“I guess there is this notion that people won’t see you if it’s a virtual class, but I personally like the idea of still dressing up for class because putting on a good outfit that you feel confident and comfortable in just makes you feel better,” he said.

Hester said he likes the idea of matching your mask to your outfit or style.

“I think it’s a really cool, almost accessory in a way,” he said. “Just because we have to wear them doesn’t mean they can’t look good.”

Damion Williams, a sophomore anthropology student, said he thinks masks can be stylish, but he prefers them in basic colors that can match any outfit.

“I stick to my masks being basic, like the basic blue ones that you can throw away or my cotton ones I order offline that are just black and white,” he said.

Williams said he has also seen TikTok start many fashion trends, such as vintage styles and cargo pants.

“You have to know what TikTok is,” he said. “If you don’t, you’re a square. TikTok is what’s now, what’s popping.”

Ellie McCleary, a sophomore majoring in political science and psychology, said TikTok has made certain trends like corsets more popular and has also increased the visibility of small businesses that create unique clothing items.

McCleary thinks students will show their sense of style through social media more often now that they are out in public less.

“I feel like social media has blown up even more since quarantine, so I feel like that will be a continued tool of self-expression,” she said.

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