While this year has been tough for many of us, it has taught us to reevaluate many things, like figuring what truly makes us happy. It has given us a moment to reflect on our personal style and has allowed us to take a step back to focus on the little things that spark joy, whether it's learning a fun TikTok dance or binging a new TV show. Staying at home has also helped us rethink whether we need to hyperfocus on things like trends or just wear what makes us feel good. Social media apps like TikTok have pushed this feeling to the forefront, and it has introduced us to relatable stars like Emma Chamberlain, Claud, and Taylor Cassidy along the way.
We've found things that have provided us solace and given us a little joy, whether it's trying out a fun TikTok hack or embracing your culture and dressing up in traditional outfits [1] just for the hell of it. (Personally, staying at home with my family this year has allowed me to go back to my roots and discover an array of South Asian men and women [2] who I feel connected to within my culture.) We talked to some of our favourite Gen-Z stars to get their take on how style has evolved at this time.
"I think the cool thing about [TikTok] is that you can see so many different things in such a short amount of time."
"I've definitely taken some inspo from TikTok. I think the cool thing about it is that you can see so many different things in such a short amount of time. So, it's inevitable that you're going to see something that's cool to you whether its clothing or home decor," Emma Chamberlain told POPSUGAR. With TikTok taking the reins, we've discovered a plethora of stylish new musicians to listen to and follow as well. One such artist is Claud, who's song "Easy" [3] has been ingrained in my head for the better part of the year now. Not only is their music amazing, but there's something so relatable about their easy-going style. When we asked about how they view trends, Claud revealed the dichotomy of the concept itself: "I think trends are still relevant, but I also think there's less social stigma or shame for wearing something that was trendy a few years ago. I think it's even a trend to not follow trends."
Similarly, another musician who has caught our attention is the London-based singer Arlo Parks. Arlo manages to stay true to herself with her soulful music, where each song almost feels like a poem. The "Hurt" singer [4] revealed that music has helped inspire her style at this time. "I feel like making and sharing music has inspired a sense of confidence and fluidity in my style. Fashion is another form of self-expression to me," Arlo Parks told us.
"I think when trends start happening, it's already a little bit maybe overdone, but maybe that's just me trying to be a 15-year-old trendsetter."
With so many of us staying home, binge-watching shows and movies — as well as rewatching hits — has been bringing us an escape along with inspiration. Watching and rewatching these shows has influenced the way we've dressed, maybe, more than ever. You can see the influence as TikTok stars translate those memorable looks from TV onto the platform. One show that we've seen splashed all over our feeds is HBO's Euphoria, which exposed us to so many new trends when it first aired and captivated audiences with its cast of new faces, including Barbie Ferreira. The actress's sense of style [5] is not only unique but authentically her. When we talked to Barbie about her style and her take on trends, that became more apparent: "For my fashion inspiration, I look at vintage photos and editorials. Do you know what really inspires me? Indie designers and what comes out of the brain of these geniuses who make cool, layered, textured clothes. They create their very specific worlds with their clothes that don't follow any of the trends. I don't really like trends. I like to play with them sometimes, but I like to think of what's the next trend? I think when trends start happening, it's already a little bit maybe overdone, but maybe that's just me trying to be a 15-year-old trendsetter. I like to think outside of the box. A lot of these new designers that I like design clothes that are for expression rather than comfort. I love comfort, but it's more of an art piece."
At the end of the day, the changes in the fashion industry, and all this time at home, has allowed us to re-envision how and where we want to consume fashion right now. While in the past, we've often looked to runways and magazines to learn about new trends, we're now turning to screen style and social media apps, like TikTok, that allow Gen-Z stars to connect with their audiences in a new and authentic way. Ahead, we're talking to some of our favourite rising stars to learn more about how and where they're finding inspiration and style right now. Keep reading to learn more from our interviews ahead.
