Leopard print, coquette bows, and slick backs have fabricated society’s favorite fashion fads of 2024. Reflecting on the year, the internet has begun formulating their predictions of which trends will fall out of fashion, and what’s staying. 2025 will surely bring the hottest apparel, but with that comes the intense debate of whether or not it’s fitting.
Fisherman aesthetic: Out
Floridians are the epitome of the fisherman stereotype: the typical Bass Pro Shops hat, rash guards, polarized sunglasses, and long, baggy shorts are what most people envision. However, teens have started romanticizing the activity into an aesthetic rather than embracing the fishy reality.
Pinterest, everyone’s go-to app for matching aesthetics, explains the style as “all the cool fishermen look, but without the heavy lifting.” It further elaborates on it being a “laid-back maritime attitude,” even on your busiest days. Stripes, muted pastels, and rubber boots are the essentials to creating the perfect fisherman outfit.
In reality, when people go fishing, they come back home with a fishy scent and messy hair: not the most appealing look. The idealization of a laboring activity is always humorous for me. Although most people participate in fishing for fun, it’s a considerably unaesthetic sport, unlike social media’s idealized version. I don’t think the trend will stick, however, I predict that certain articles of clothing that produce the fishermen’s look, such as striped sweaters, will be a major hit.
Skinny jeans: Out
Since 2020, skinny jeans have not been viewed in a good light. You wouldn’t catch, mostly teenagers, in such style, only in a boot-cut, bell-bottom, or baggy jeans. However, ever since TikTok star Alix Earle posted a video strutting in skinny jeans, a large following has felt obligated to follow in her footsteps.
I feel as though that is immature. The concept that people should follow an action because their favorite celebrity did it a certain way is saddening. This is a plausible explanation as to why consumerism is at an all-time high: people are like zombies; sometimes, they can’t think for themselves. Having independence is vital to success, so you might as well start with the little things rather than depending on the internet to tell you, “What are we wearing this winter?”
Skinny jeans aren’t too bad. However, I have always found them to be less flattering and too tight for comfort from a young age, so I prefer a baggy cut.
Pant belts: In
A stylish, basic outfit always needs a little something to make it complete. Lately, belts have made an appearance in many teenagers’ closets. Although they’ve always been useful, belts have been considerably out-of-style since 2020, when shoe-lace “belts” became popular.
Over the past few years, Generation Z has grown in maturity, and with that, so did their fashion sense. Wearing belts is presumed to be a staple in a daily outfit, and one will be one of this year’s most coveted accessories. Not only do belts complement basic pants wonderfully, but they also enhance an old-money style outfit.
Hot pants: In
Hot pants: a satin material that hasn’t been seen since the 1970s. In 2024, the trend re-emerged, elevating society’s fashion sense. These pants are the perfect article of clothing for going out and keeping one warm.
Don’t be fooled, though, they aren’t the traditional hot-pants from the 70’s. Forget the bright, vibrant colors, in 2024 people embraced the dark reds, browns, and mauve shades. This piece is more mature than your everyday jeans or leggings, however, hot pants enhance the intricacy of an outfit, as well as adding class.
Whether it’s fancy belts or an attempt at matching the fishermen’s look, this year will undoubtedly hold many surprises as Generation Z sets the stage for fashion trends.
