Today, I checked my email and found Brooke Barker’s newsletter detailing how a teenager praised her outfit over the weekend. The headline stated, “Is this drippy,” followed by “Is that even good” — which truly made me chuckle.
Can you recall if a teenager paid you a compliment regarding your outfit (or shoes or hair or lipstick) lately? Honestly, who really cares, right? But it’s also a uniquely thrilling experience.
Here’s an excerpt from Brooke’s newsletter:
Niiiiiiice.
Eleven-year-old Anton — who was born with fantastic fashion sense (remember his stylish week?) — informed me that both these outfits were “bus,” which is a positive…and shouldn’t be mistaken for “buns,” which is a negative.
I recall a late-summer day in my preteen years; I donned a new Hypercolor shirt and cycled around our suburb. I almost felt guilty passing by others as I feared they might see me and feel a hint of inadequacy. After all, they weren’t me, and I looked good.
I adore that confidence typical of preteens and teenagers — such an exhilarating phase of life — and I hope they can experience that feeling for as long as they can. I genuinely enjoy embracing and celebrating it. I found humor during the show Nobody Wants This, when Kristen Bell mentions to her boyfriend, “You called me your friend in front of the teens, whose views matter most to me.”
One final thought: I don’t mean to boast, but my friend’s daughter actually asked to wear my sunglasses. Needless to say, I won’t be taking them off anytime soon.
How about you? Are there teenagers in your world currently? What do they consider cool or uncool?
P.S. There’s a lot more to explore about teenagers, including 21 subjective rules for raising teenage girls and boys.
**Assessing the Trendiness of This Outfit | Cup of Jo**
Fashion is an ever-changing landscape, where styles fluctuate as rapidly as the seasons. Recently, the surge of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest has quickened the emergence, popularity, and decline of fashion trends. For fashion aficionados and casual wearers alike, staying informed about what’s “in” can seem like a full-time endeavor. But how do we ascertain if an outfit is genuinely trendy or merely a momentary blip in the fashion timeline? Let’s explore the crucial factors that illuminate the trendiness of an outfit.
### 1. **Impact of Fashion Icons and Celebrities**
One clear indication that an outfit is currently trendy is if it’s sported by fashion influencers, celebrities, or style icons. These figures often have access to the latest lines from top designers and are frequently seen wearing innovative looks before they appear in retail outlets. If you notice your favorite celebrity showcasing a specific style, it’s likely to swiftly gain popularity.
For instance, when Bella Hadid or Zendaya is spotted in a particular outfit, it’s common for that look to explode in popularity. Fashion-forward celebrities tend to dictate the tone for entire seasons, influencing everything from color trends to shapes.
**Tip:** Follow fashion influencers and celebrities on social media to stay updated. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are excellent for identifying upcoming trends.
### 2. **Visibility on the Runway**
Another method to assess the trendiness of an outfit is by observing what has been highlighted on the runways during Fashion Week. Designers typically set the stage for upcoming seasons, with their collections reflecting what will be deemed “in” in the following months. If an outfit features elements showcased on the runways of Paris, Milan, or New York, it’s safe to conclude it’s in vogue.
For example, oversized blazers, striking prints, and monochromatic ensembles have been standard features in recent seasons. If your outfit includes any of these elements, it’s likely recognized as trendy.
**Tip:** Keep track of Fashion Week summaries and trend analyses from respected fashion magazines like *Vogue* or *Harper’s Bazaar* to stay abreast of what’s hot on the runway.
### 3. **Endorsement by Street Style**
While runway fashion often establishes the trend, street style is where trends come to life. Street style embodies how everyday individuals interpret and wear trends in their daily lives. If an outfit is being widely adopted by style-savvy individuals on the streets of major cities like New York, London, or Tokyo, it’s a strong signal that the look is trendy.
Street style represents a synthesis of high fashion and accessible garments, making it an excellent source of inspiration for those wishing to integrate trends into their own wardrobes. If you start seeing a certain style or outfit repeatedly in street style compilations, it’s likely a trend worth noting.
**Tip:** Explore street style blogs and Instagram profiles to observe how individuals are styling the latest trends in reality. Look for consistent themes such as specific colors, patterns, or accessories.
### 4. **Trending on Social Media**
In the current digital era, social media serves as a powerful resource for evaluating outfit trendiness. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are loaded with fashion inspiration, and ensembles that achieve the most likes, shares, and comments are often perceived as trendy.
Hashtags such as #OOTD (Outfit of the Day) and #FashionInspo can assist in discovering what’s currently in demand. Additionally, TikTok has emerged as a significant force in establishing fashion trends, with viral videos frequently leading to heightened interest in certain items or styles. If an outfit is trending on TikTok, you can be sure it’s creating a buzz in the fashion realm.
**Tip:** Utilize social media analytics tools or simply monitor trending hashtags to see which outfits and styles are gaining traction online.
### 5. **Alignment with Current Fashion Trends**
To evaluate an outfit’s trendiness, it’s crucial to consider how well it integrates current fashion trends. Each season, particular styles, colors, and fabrics dominate the fashion landscape. For instance, in recent times, we’ve seen the emergence of trends such as:
– **Athleisure:** Comfortable, sporty attire that is suitable for both workouts and casual settings.
– **Sustainable Fashion:** Eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices are gaining importance within the industry.
– **Vibrant Colors and Patterns:** Bold hues and striking designs are making a comeback, with neon shades and animal prints taking the lead.
– **Y2K Revival:** Early 2000s fashion, featuring low-rise jeans, crop tops, and
