Imagine finding a new style and testing recent trends virtually, without going out to buy clothes or style hair. This idea isn’t currently a reality, but due to apps like TikTok, users can view a plethora of styles in motion.
Fashion has always been a timeless form of self-expression that incorporates multiple elements like clothing, shoes and accessories. All of these elements work in unison to create an outfit with a certain aesthetic.
These aesthetics can vary from grungier, oversized clothing to more sophisticated high fashion pieces such as blazers.
Y2K and 90’s fashion have recently gained popularity through influencers on apps like TikTok. Influencers like Rich Caroline and Nazjaa use this platform as a quick way to showcase daily outfits, hauls and styling tips to their followers.
This aesthetic’s popularity has seen an emergence in trends, such as lip lining, pieces like mini skirts, and vintage graphic tees.
Sophomore Precious Azuka sees social media’s significant impact on her style. She uses online platforms to figure out her style and navigate what suits her aesthetic and what doesn’t.
“Social media has really helped me find other people who have a similar style as me and who I can look to for inspiration when creating outfits,” Azuka said.
Similar to Azuka, sophomore Constance Briggs uses social media to curate her signature style.
“Social media has allowed me to explore new affordable brands and styles and see what they look like on real bodies, which has been helpful in me trying out new things and broadening my style,” Briggs said.
On platforms such as TikTok, influencers showcase their style in motion rather than relying on still photography.
The use of videos allows a more authentic representation of real bodies and an easy style guide for followers.
“I recently started using TikTok as a source of fashion [inspiration] after finding creators who share a similar aesthetic to me,” Azuka said. “The platform has helped me figure out how to style certain pieces and create outfits I really enjoy in an accessible and fast way.”
The platform’s accessibility and fast clips have contributed to its popularity among users, particularly those refining their style throughout quarantine.
For users like Briggs, the ‘for you’ page on TikTok has helped introduce new styles. The platform has also used her likes to style new aesthetics and find brands that suit her style.
“In January, I began to get fashion TikToks, and throughout quarantine, I spent time liking a lot of hauls and other fashion content, which led the algorithm to further suggest this content and for me to explore more of this,” Briggs said.
Attempting a style and seeing what works is only half of the process of revamping one’s aesthetic.
“I am my biggest inspiration when it comes to styling. I feel like I have a good eye for it, but I also tend to gravitate towards influencers for support,” Azuka said. “In particular, I tend to gravitate towards Rhe, a TikTok fashion creator with an amazing sense of style.”
Style and aesthetics are up to our creative freedom to explore. Social media platforms facilitate creativity by creating spaces where users can virtually explore and test out trends from the comfort of their own homes.
