How To Repurpose Microtrends for Maximum Wear

by Kaamya Krishnan

Over the past few decades, the trend cycle rapidly moved through different fashion eras. The 2010s gave us trends reminiscent of the 90s, such as chokers, skinny jeans, Adidas Stan Smith sneakers, and the Tumblr-era aesthetic. The 2020s began with a quasi-Y2K trend progression, with an unfortunate uptick in fast-fashion consumption, while others hit the thrift stores for more sustainable contributions to their style.

With the rise of celebrity street style aesthetics, social media influencers, and “TikTok fashion,” microtrends are pushed out and cycled through faster than anyone can keep up with. What is the purpose of clothing, if not for textile longevity and creative individuality?

Microtrends are defined as “accelerated trends that last a month instead of a season.” Beyond the trendy pieces—such as printed sweater vests, tennis skirts, and chunky Dad sneakers— recent microtrends are brand-specific: that green House of Sunny dress or that Urban Outfitters corset, among many others. As soon as too many people participate in the trend, it begins to die. The overconsumption of such trends contributes to our climate crisis, with a plethora of textiles (92 million tons) reaching landfills to make room for the following popular yet fleeting trend.

If we can’t beat the microtrends and don’t want to join them, we must find alternative ways of wearing and styling these pieces instead—blending the past with the present. Many trends that re-enter the trend cycle come back with new life. The revival of popular trends from the 1950s through the 2020s is a nod to a trend’s timelessness. For example, animal print will not be going anywhere, but the way it participates in microtrends is constantly evolving. Clothes can transcend time and any trend cycle, but only if we choose wisely.

Below are six looks that repurpose microtrends in a timeless fashion, so you don’t have to throw out an old piece of clothing that never gets enough wear.

Look #1: *White Maxi Skirt**, as seen in the 1970s, 2010s, and 2020s*

Look #2: *Fitted Jean Jacket**, as seen in the early 2000s;* *Wedge Sneakers**, as seen in the early 2010s and a current revival*

Look #3: *Oversized Blazer**, as seen in the 1980s, late 2010s, and early 2020s*

Look #4: *Faux Fur Vest**, as seen in the mid-2000s and early 2010s;* *Riding Boots**, as seen in the 2000s and early 2010s*

Look #5: *Skinny Jeans**, as seen in the late 2000s and early-mid 2010s;* *Leather Motorcycle Jacket**, as seen in the 1980s, 2000s, and late 2010s*

Look #6: *Printed Skirt**, as seen in the 1990s and early 2020s*

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about utilizing the pieces in your wardrobe that need more love. Remember: self-expression through clothing can be meaningful and even necessary for those who find subjectivity of self through their fashion. A sense of belonging can be found in someone’s identity when they choose to follow a trend. However, personal style does not—and should not—have to be dictated by the trend cycle. There are ways to make your style timeless, outlasting even the shortest trends. Have fun with it, express yourself, and wear what speaks to you!

Styling Trendy Pieces to be Timeless

How To Repurpose Microtrends for Maximum Wear

Look #1: White Maxi Skirt, as seen in the 1970s, 2010s, and 2020s

Look #2: Fitted Jean Jacket, as seen in the early 2000s; Wedge Sneakers, as seen in the early 2010s and a current revival

Look #3: Oversized Blazer, as seen in the 1980s, late 2010s, and early 2020s

Look #4: Faux Fur Vest, as seen in the mid-2000s and early 2010s; Riding Boots, as seen in the 2000s and early 2010s

Look #5: Skinny Jeans, as seen in the late 2000s and early-mid 2010s; Leather Motorcycle Jacket, as seen in the 1980s, 2000s, and late 2010s

Look #6: Printed Skirt, as seen in the 1990s and early 2020s