Campuses and runways have been chock-full of new trends and styles, whether it be real or faux leather, thin stripes or thick. Still, students are becoming increasingly tired of the rapidly changing trends.
“I feel like the fast cycle is still there,” Jessica Williamson, secretary of the UNC fashion club Xpressions, said. "But people are starting to wake up to the issue that that's causing and are starting to be like, ‘Okay, let's slow down.’"
Sustainability has also become an important factor for many students’ personal styles this year. Use of apps and websites to rent clothes for events like formals have become increasingly popular. Renting allows shoppers to pick out something more bold or out of their comfort zone to wear for a night or two, without having to commit to actually purchasing something they may not reach for all that often.
“At UNC it's like a huge thing, like everyone uses Nuuly or Rent the Runway or FashionPass, and I personally love it,” UNC sophomore Annie Ascher said.
Not only does this save space in your closet and money in your wallet, but it’s more sustainable than buying brand new outfits for every nice dinner or football game. It also allows shoppers to try out trends without having to fully commit.
Ascher said her mom dressed her in timeless pieces as a kid, which has influenced how she dresses today. She said she has been more grounded in her style this year, using a mix of preppy staples and what she describes as "coastal grandmother": earthy tones, beachy linens and casual cuts.
This year's biggest trend of all might have been the idea of “timelessness.”
Miu Miu, a brand that filled their runways with “staple pieces,” was ranked the hottest brand this past quarter by The Lyst Index. Popular style influencers like Sofia Richie, Camille Charrière and Matilda Djerf have been heralded for their elegant and chic styles.
Brands that focus on staples and basics — Skims, J. Crew, and Abercrombie & Fitch — have seen higher than normal sales this past year.
