The Devil Wears Nada.

TikTok is the epicentre of micro-trend setting.

From the ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ to various “cores” including ‘Ballet-core’, ‘Cottage-core’ and, interestingly, ‘Bloke-core’, the trend cycle is speeding up and bulking up. This has given rise to ‘micro-trends’. These are harmful, as they encourage fast-fashion and waste. Moreover, they discourage individuality, as often people’s personal styles are pushed aside in favour of what they see peer’s wearing on social media.

And, it seems like nobody is safe. Do you still wear your Shein green swirly top from 2020? Or your micro-mini Uggs from last winter? The churn of what is considered fashionable is impossible to keep up with. We can see it now. Everyone is wearing long, gingham skirts and larger-than-life scrunchies, paired with mesh ballet flats. Most, concerningly though, is the recent influx of the ‘office siren’ aesthetic.

We have Gisele Bundchen to thank for this. Her character, Serena, in the Devil Wears Prada was seen sporting sexy, square glasses and a sleek, black blouse. Not unacceptable to wear in a magazine HQ in the mid-2000s, but the modern-day TikTok interpretations certainly are.

Influencers, who have obviously never set foot in an office block, are encouraging their followers to wear low-cut camis and mini skirts with stockings to work. It’s a chat with HR waiting to happen. Not only will this embarrass these impressionable trend-followers, but they will most likely never pick up their cropped waistcoat or pointed kitten heels again. It perpetuates this harmful trend succession.

So, what can we do about it?

Firstly, you need to be able to identify what a micro-trend is. Do you really like the outfit you’re seeing your favourite content creator wearing? Or, is it just something that is hyper-fashionable this week? Ask yourself if you’d have worn it a month ago, or can see yourself wearing it this time next year.

Next, before immediately buying the clothes, give it some time. Sure, you can scroll through ASOS and pop things in your basket. But, maybe leave them in there for a week or two. Sit on them and see whether you’re really interested in buying them, or whether you were just buying into the micro-trend.

Finally, think about investing in timeless pieces. Instead of copying outfits you see online, why not develop your own style? Purchasing a few high quality basics is never a bad idea. Levi’s 501 jeans will never be out of style, and neither will a COS clean-cut white t-shirt. These, along with your favourite pieces of jewellery will always be on trend!