In the age of fast-moving digital trends, it's easier than ever to buy into viral moments—but harder to cultivate a wardrobe that feels uniquely yours.
The rise of TikTok Shop has accelerated the trend cycle: one week, it's all about clean-girl minimalism; the next, it's coquette bows and indie sleaze. Some sources of inspiration encourage creativity and longevity, while others fuel impulsive, short-lived purchases. Let's take a closer look at how trends influence our choices—and what it really means to dress with intention in the digital age.
First, we want to hear from you — where do you pull style inspiration from?
Whether your style icon is Sandy Liang or Brigitte Bardot, the way you dress is influenced by the people and media you interact with. Let's explore a few popular sources of inspiration to get a sense of what might be shaping your personal style.
Would you wear this?
You might be a victim of microtrends!
In the second half of 2023, this cropped "Brasil" baby tee was everywhere. A staple of the soccer-inspired "blokecore" aesthetic that first gained traction in 2022, vintage jerseys have been selling for twice their value on resale platforms like Depop for a few years. And after celebrities like Hailey Bieber, SZA, and Kali Uchis all posted photos wearing similar Brasil jerseys, it didn't take long for fast fashion brands like Shein to mass-produce a cheaper alternative.
If jerseys are your style, they can be a versatile staple in your wardrobe. But if you're only buying one to keep up with a trend, chances are it will end up in a landfill after just a few wears. When drawing inspiration from social media trends, consider whether a piece has longevity — will you still love it once the hype fades?
You're a conscious consumer!
In the second half of 2023, this cropped "Brasil" baby tee was everywhere. A staple of the soccer-inspired "blokecore" aesthetic that first gained traction in 2022, vintage jerseys have been selling for twice their value on resale platforms like Depop for a few years. And after celebrities like Hailey Bieber, SZA, and Kali Uchis all posted photos wearing similar Brasil jerseys, it didn't take long for fast fashion brands like Shein to mass-produce a cheaper alternative.
If jerseys are your style, they can be a versatile staple in your wardrobe. But if you're only buying one to keep up with a trend, chances are it will end up in a landfill after just a few wears. When drawing inspiration from social media trends, consider whether a piece has longevity — will you still love it once the hype fades?
Would you wear this?
You're in good company!
Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex and the City" has been a TV style icon ever since the show first aired in 1998. While many of her outfits were trendy at the time, most fans would agree they've largely stood the test of time.
If you're influenced by fashion in film and television, you might want to think less about specific pieces and more about curating a cohesive aesthetic like Carrie. But loving a character's wardrobe doesn't mean you need to copy it exactly. If you're inspired by Carrie's style, you don't have to splurge on a mink coat or snakeskin boots — focus on pieces that fit seamlessly into your own wardrobe.
Maybe you're more of a Charlotte.
Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex and the City" has been a TV style icon ever since the show first aired in 1998. While many of her outfits were trendy at the time, most fans would agree they've largely stood the test of time.
If you're influenced by fashion in film and television, you might want to think less about specific pieces and more about curating a cohesive aesthetic like Carrie. But loving a character's wardrobe doesn't mean you need to copy it exactly. If you're inspired by Carrie's style, you don't have to splurge on a mink coat or snakeskin boots — focus on pieces that fit seamlessly into your own wardrobe.
Would you wear this?
Your sense of style isn't exactly ready-to-wear.
This look premiered at New York Fashion Week as part of Tory Burch's Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The draping and pleating are stunning, but you won't find something like this at a department store or even a vintage shop.
If you follow runway trends closely, shopping for your favorite looks could get expensive. Instead, you can channel this aesthetic by experimenting with draping and layering pieces you already own.
You like to keep it casual.
This look premiered at New York Fashion Week as part of Tory Burch's Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The draping and pleating are stunning, but you won't find something like this at a department store or even a vintage shop.
If you follow runway trends closely, shopping for your favorite looks could get expensive. Instead, you can channel this aesthetic by experimenting with draping and layering pieces you already own.
Would you wear this?
For a trendsetter like you, inspiration is all around!
This photo was taken by @watchingnewyork, a.k.a. Johnny Cirillo, a street photographer known as "The People's Paparazzi." Cirillo captures the unique outfits he spots while walking around New York, a city bursting with fashion enthusiasts on the cutting edge of style.
Even if you don't live in a fashion capital, the people around you can influence the way you dress. Passing by someone using a tie as a belt or wearing their pants backward might inspire you to experiment in ways you never considered. When it comes to street style, the best looks aren't necessarily the trendiest — they're the most personal.
Experimenting isn't for everyone.
This photo was taken by @watchingnewyork, a.k.a. Johnny Cirillo, a street photographer known as "The People's Paparazzi." Cirillo captures the unique outfits he spots while walking around New York, a city bursting with fashion enthusiasts on the cutting edge of style.
Even if you don't live in a fashion capital, the people around you can influence the way you dress. Passing by someone using a tie as a belt or wearing their pants backward might inspire you to experiment in ways you never considered. When it comes to street style, the best looks aren't necessarily the trendiest — they're the most personal.
What does this all mean?
In a world where trends are dictated by algorithms and viral moments, purchases that don't integrate well into a long-term wardrobe.
The key to sustainable and intentional fashion isn't about chasing every new aesthetic. Whether your style influences come from street style, social media, the runway, or film, what matters most is finding inspiration that resonates with you. Because at the end of the day, the best style isn't just trendy — it's timeless.