A recent personal reflection published in The Temple News offers an insightful account of how social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Tumblr shaped and, to some extent, hindered the development of individual fashion identity during adolescence. The author, a young woman who grew up immersed in the fast-paced digital fashion world of the 2010s, describes how constant exposure to curated style trends and online aesthetics affected her ability to cultivate a unique wardrobe.
She recounts spending countless hours scrolling through posts and videos of influencers such as YouTuber Emma Chamberlain, which inspired frequent and impulsive purchases of trendy, cheaply made items from fast-fashion retailers. The reflection reveals that this approach was ultimately unsatisfying: many purchased pieces were ill-fitting and lacked durability, failing to reflect a genuine sense of personal style. Instead, her wardrobe became a patchwork of popular “aesthetic” labels, such as “Art Hoe,” “Tumblr Girl,” “cottagecore,” and “coquette,” terms popularised on social media that often pigeonholed wearers into predefined fashion identities.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 intensified these trends, as increased online activity among teenagers led to an exponential rise in the popularity of these stylistic labels. The author notes how this phenomenon provided a way to experiment with outward identity virtually but ultimately led to a wardrobe largely based on imitation rather than self-expression.
A turning point came when she chose to delete her social media apps, realising how deeply they had influenced her clothing choices. This decision prompted a thorough reassessment of her wardrobe. She began decluttering items amassed through impulse buying that failed to resonate with her actual tastes or lifestyle. Rather than accumulating more garments, she opted to donate many of her belongings, including items that were poorly fitting or purchased for one-off occasions but left unworn.
From this process of deconstruction emerged a new approach to fashion: one that prioritised authenticity, quality, and timelessness over transient trends. The author sought inspiration beyond the online sphere, observing everyday people’s attire and exploring vintage fashion through movies and thrift shops. A literary influence came from Joan Didion’s essay “The White Album,” which describes a minimal yet versatile packing list emphasising simplicity and coherence. This philosophy encouraged a shift away from mass consumption toward curating a smaller wardrobe of cohesive, enduring garments.
Shopping secondhand became particularly valuable in this pursuit, providing access to unique pieces with historical character and charm. An example cited is a five-dollar olive green midi skirt purchased at Goodwill, which contrasted sharply with quickly outdated fast-fashion purchases and offered lasting style. Through these efforts, the author found a wardrobe that truly reflected her individuality rather than the transient, collective aesthetics amplified by social media culture.
Her reflection underscores the complex relationship between adolescence, self-expression, and digital media in contemporary fashion culture. While social platforms can offer inspiration and community, they also risk cultivating a homogenised sense of style defined by rapid trends and labels. This personal journey illustrates the challenges and rewards of navigating these influences to ultimately discover a more personalised and sustainable fashion identity on the threshold of adulthood.
Source: Noah Wire Services