I came across a TikTok from @pigmami (i think) who referenced trend consumption as a conveyor belt that you pick and choose from, like the sushi train. Instead of buying into every trend & micro-trend and thus, over-consuming, we should be assessing all the options and picking the ones we want most. She, and whoever came up with this analogy, were onto something! It pays to do a quick check-in with ourselves about our decision-making process for the fashion trends we choose to participate in. Not only are we able to avoid wasting our “food”, aka clothes & money in this instance, we can also get clearer on what types of styles we actually feel good in and enjoy putting on our bodies. Especially in today’s environment where there are so many aesthetics and trends being revived and produced, any bit of personal direction we can possess helps to avoid waste. Afterall, wearing what you feel represents you and your energy that you’re conveying at that time.
In spirit of this analogy, I reflected on the trends I participated in this year and those that I let pass me by (but still appreciated and enjoyed them on others as they did)!
Clothing
Baggy low-rise denim
This is a trend I appreciated every time I saw it on others. I personally love a baggy look as I find myself wearing more street style outfits with 90s & Y2K R&B influences. I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a pair of jeans – what did Kimberley from The Sex Lives of College Girls say? Oh yeah – “no pair of jeans should cost more than $40”! I know that’s right.
I purchased the BDG Bella Baggy Jean from Urban Outfitters & sized up two sizes from my original waist size to get that baggy low-rise look. The dirty wash denim adds a nice grunge touch.
Carpenter Pant [+ Camo]
I wasn’t really interested in the carpenter pant on its own, but I have been looking for a more earthy/neutral camo pant and came across the Men’s A&F Baggy Workwear pant in a more washed camo.
Once I tried these on, I was sold! Tbh, I think I’m kinda triggered by the traditional camo print after the colorful camo pant trend of years past… However, this more neutral, softer camo I can work with. This exact wash may not be available anymore, but I’ve linked a similar pair!
Footwear
Footwear has had an incredible run this year. We’ve freed ourselves from the shackles of Nike Jordan 1s, Dunks, and AF1s. Don’t get me wrong, these definitely still exist and remain as substantial pillars of streetwear fashion, but the general masses have transitioned onto their next victim. And I must say, it is refreshing and exciting to see more distinct differences in what shoes people are wearing these days. After all, shoes have the opportunity to make or break an outfit – and definitely transform it.
Some notable shoes we saw on people’s feet this year: Hokas, Adidas Sambas, Birkenstock Boston, Converse Run Star Motion, Kitten Heels, New Balances, and more!
Here are the ones that served me well and those I appreciated from afar:
Clogs
So I actually purchased two different pairs of clogs… walk with me.
First, I have these studded leather clog Birkenstock Boston “dupes” from Pull & Bear.
I enjoy the silver-metal details on the shoe + that the sole is black. It gives me a nice happy medium between the Birks and the Toga Pulla Black Sabot loafers. Oh and most importantly, the price is super affordable at $59.90. They also have this shoe in all Black leather!
On a more declarative note, I’ve been looking for an orange shoe to add to my wardrobe of secondary colors & neutrals. Ever since the Charles & Keith Rainier Platform Mule in orange sold out in my size, I haven’t been able to find another orange clog!
Once I saw these orange Sorels and tried them on in Macy’s, I had to get them. I’ll admit that these feel like a growth opportunity to style… but I’m committed to the vision.
Tasman Ugg Slippers
Ok so we know these and the Tazz styles have been all over social media and on everybody’s feet. I didn’t personally care for the Tazz nor for the original colorways to be added to my closet. However, I’ve been trying to refresh my shoe game in order to incorporate more color into my wardrobe. As a heavy solids, neutrals, and texture wearer, footwear is where I look to elevate and add complexity to my fits.
Lucky for me, I came across the Pridepop Tazz slipper this summer and was impressed. By far my favorite purchase of the year. 10-10-10s across the board.
Unfortunately, since these were part of their 2023 Pride collection, they are no longer sold on their website. But don’t give up! If you’re interested in these, they are still listed on Amazon and on second-hand sites like eBay and Mercari.
Western Boots
This is a trend I did not participate in this year, but truly appreciated and contemplated as it passed me by. So many different variations, there really was a pair for everyone! I personally enjoyed the way the girls, gays and theys were taking a rather unexpected style of shoe and dressing it up and down. Y’all really made me want a pair of red cowboy boots! But ultimately, I could not justify buying them for myself as I didn’t see the longevity of them in my closet. I did go on a date with a guy who really thought I could have pulled them off! That counts for something??
Moto Boots
A bit more recent to people’s closets is the moto boot. Now I too have been visualizing these on my feet and in my rotation. I really like these! No notes. However… because I already have a knee-high lug sole black boot that I love and wear regularly, I am reminding myself that I don’t need another pair of black boots that would serve the same purpose for me. I’m trying to be conscientious! I don’t need both! One may even argue that the moto boot is an adjacent cousin to the cowboy boot???
Hair
Boho Knotless Braids
Ok now listen… these ate downnn on every person I saw with these. Extra shoutout to all those that were doing this hairstyle on themselves, y’all are more patient and talented than me. I too do my own braided hairstyles, but I knew better than to even attempt this style on myself. Not only does braiding my own hair really test my patience, but I like braids for the effortless serve it provides me for weeks. I recognize my limits and stay within those boundaries.
Although I watched this trend pass me by, I was rooting for y’all on the side!
Bangs
This one.. I’m guilty of. Did I cut my bangs myself? Well, yes. I’ve never done anything different with my natural hair in my entire 24 years of life, besides the big chop. Which isn’t exactly a hairstyle? So I decided to cut my hair earlier this year to do something different! I did start off more modest with the cut earlier in the year and then recommitted with more confidence in the fall for silk press season. It’s just hair! Use it as an accessory!
Ready for the Check?
Time to assess the damage… Here’s all the things I bought and how much it cost me! This by no means is a comprehensive list of everything I ever purchased this year, but for the main meat and potatoes, it’s not bad.??
Here’s to calculated purchases and limited buyer’s remorse! Cheers!
THE IDENTITY CRISIS 