The Odyssea of Personal Style

With the undeniable influence of social media on people’s personal style, and even it’s perception, it’s hard to know how much of what we wear is truly a reflection of our own tastes versus simply following mainstream trends. This raises an important question: Are we cultivating our unique tastes, or simply mirroring the people on our feeds?

Historically, people have always participated in fashion trends, from the bell-bottoms of the 1970s to the world dominance of skinny jeans of the 2010s. However, social media has intensified the speed of this cycle, creating “micro-trends” that emerge and die within days. This phenomenon is further used by the fashion industry’s strategic use of social media personas, such as influencers, to shape consumer demand.

In today’s world, It feels like people are increasingly losing the ability to think for themselves when it comes to forming a personal opinion. Social media often pushes aesthetics and influencer-approved wardrobes onto the masses, which creates risks for authentic personal style, which in my opinion should be an expression of one’s identity and life experiences, becoming homogenized. As Chris Black mentioned in GQ, people often look for instant gratification through expensive and wanted pieces, showcasing their wealth and taste through them.

From personal experience, a person should always be cautious about what styles and silhouettes suit them and build on that. As said earlier, the experiences and wisdom you take on throughout your life help you get a sense of discernment. Personally, the goal is to make something my own – wear it on my terms, rather than letting it dictate who I am and fully copy someone else’s idea.

While these platforms offer a great access to inspiration and creativity, they also pose a risk for individualism. The key here lies in navigating this digital landscape with intentionality, making sure that what we wear is an extension of who we are.