Every season, I look forward to the fresh trends that the season will bring—something unexpected to shake up my wardrobe. As I browse store shelves and scroll through social media this autumn, I can’t shake my disappointment. On social media, the same staples—suede jackets, chunky knitwear, and leather boots—are paraded as “new trends,” yet they feel all too familiar. Suede, in particular, always seems to make a comeback, and I can’t help but ask: is it really a trend if we see it year after year?
Trends have existed since the 14th century. Originally, upper classes used trends to display their status while the lower class tried to replicate them. In the 21st century, we look more towards celebrities or social media for “inspiration,” which creates trends.
An unwritten rule in fashion is the “20-year trend cycle,” which suggests that fashion trends repeat every 20 years. However, due to the influence of social media, microtrends, and fast fashion, this cycle has accelerated, now ranging from 5 to 10 years. This makes it seem like there are no new trends, as styles from just a few years ago are already making a comeback. For example, in September, Kylie Jenner dyed her hair back to blue, a style she had in 2016. This sparked discussions on social media about the resurgence of the “2016 aesthetic,” despite it only being eight years ago.
With Vogue’s fall trend shopping articles from last year and this year, there are some unique items, but there are also a lot of repetitive “trends,” such as lace and tailored suits. Vogue reports that pant-boots are currently trending, but they gained viral attention last year when influencers like Trisha Paytas purchased and wore the Shark Lock Boots. Even at Paris Fashion Week, which celebrated its 50th anniversary, I noticed this familiarity throughout the collections. Even though the shows were undoubtedly bold and varied, many included elements of heritage and nostalgia, as well as some type of tailoring or sheer fabric.
In past seasons, trends have felt like a breath of fresh air, often driven by cultural shifts or the arrival of something genuinely new. This season, though, reflects a transitional phase in fashion where designers seem to be leaning on tried-and-true fabrics as a safe bet. But why? Much like society, could fashion be treading cautiously after years of chaos and uncertainty?
Take suede, for example. While it’s being marketed as a key trend this fall, I can’t help but think it has never really left. We’re told yearly that suede boots or jackets are essential for the season, yet there’s nothing “new” about them. Is its constant resurgence a sign of fashion creativity running dry, or is it part of a more significant shift toward embracing longevity over fast-moving trends?
Fast fashion’s cyclical nature may be contributing to trend fatigue. Brands like Zara and H&M frequently release new collections, as the demand for something different each season can become unsustainable. It’s difficult to put an end to this, especially as social media influencers continue to promote fast fashion. Influencers participate in hauls, showcase trendy and inexpensive clothes, and reinforce the idea of “shopping therapy.” Even though many are aware that Shein is a fast fashion brand and has even been accused of using child labor, there are over one million videos under the hashtag #sheinhaul on TikTok. Consequently, we’re witnessing repeated past styles being marketed as “new,” which may reflect the industry’s struggle to innovate quickly enough.
At the same time, there’s something to be said for timelessness. Perhaps suede’s resurgence year after year isn’t just laziness on the part of designers but rather a nod to the growing demand for quality and sustainability. In a world where fast fashion dominates, there’s comfort in familiar, durable fabrics that transcend fleeting trends. Still, while I appreciate the appeal of enduring materials, I long for fashion to take more risks.
I want to see inspiration from the ‘40s to the ‘70s instead of the ‘90s and 2000s. Despite the popularity of accessorizing, hats seem to be overlooked. Pillbox hats and fascinators were essential accessories in the ‘50s, and it would be interesting to see them make a comeback. Ultimately, it’s important for everyone to dress according to their own style and not focus too much on celebrity and influencer fashion. This will encourage individuality and the creation of new trends as people seek out unique clothing.
Fashion may be in a transitional phase, grappling with the pressures of fast fashion, sustainability, and the need for familiarity in uncertain times. But I believe there’s room for both—celebrating fabrics like suede for their durability while pushing the boundaries of creativity. I’m ready for the next big trend and hope the industry is, too.
