5 September, 2024
When I think about the 90s, I can’t help but admire how fashion was such a pure form of self-expression back then. It was a time before social media took over, when our personal style wasn’t measured by likes, shares, or viral trends. Instead, it was about being true to yourself and expressing who you were through your wardrobe.
Now I know some will feel as if the 90s fashion scene was so simple, it was just regular clothes, but I think that's what makes it special. My friend was talking about how the 90s were so effortless. "People wore clothes and it didn't look like they were trying so hard," he said, and I agree—it didn’t look forced. It felt like people were living their lives, and their clothes were just a natural part of that.
Don’t get me wrong, social media has a lot of perks. It’s filled with endless inspiration, we connect in ways we never have before, and we discover new things we didn’t even know existed. There is a real positive side to social media, but, as with everything in life, there’s always both good and bad.
During that era, fashion felt refreshingly genuine. Without the influence of social media, people were free to explore their personal style without the pressure of online validation. Trends were born from real-life experiences—whether it was the music you loved, the movies you watched, the runway shows with beautiful collections, or just how you felt that day. It wasn’t about creating a perfect online persona; it was about what you wanted to wear and what felt good on your body.
Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant, 1995
Fast forward to today, and the fashion scene has changed dramatically. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become the new trendsetters. It’s incredible how quickly trends can spread, but it also means that personal style often gets overshadowed by the need to keep up with the latest online craze. Fashion now feels like it’s constantly performing for an audience, with likes and comments sometimes feeling more important than the joy of personal expression.
When I think about the pre-social media days, it makes me appreciate how fashion used to be—simple, direct, and deeply personal. It wasn’t about curating the perfect feed or chasing after the next trend. It was about wearing what made you feel good and defining your own style without the influence of digital metrics. So, how can we turn this around? Let’s face it: social media today is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it connects us to a world of inspiration and keeps us up to date with the latest. On the other hand, it can make us feel like our worth is tied to the number of likes we get or the latest trend we follow. This constant pressure to measure up can overshadow the pure joy of personal style.
To break free from this cycle, start by taking a step back and assessing how social media influences your fashion choices. Ask yourself: Are you dressing for yourself, or for the approval of an online audience? It's easy to get caught up in the race for likes, but remember, real style comes from what makes you feel good and expresses who you truly are.
Julia Roberts, 1999
One way to reconnect with your personal style is to give yourself a break from the digital noise. Limit your time on social media and use it as a tool for inspiration rather than a standard for your fashion choices. This can help you rediscover what you genuinely enjoy wearing without the constant influence of trends.
Focus on building a wardrobe that reflects your personality rather than chasing after the latest trend. Invest in timeless pieces that you love and that can be styled in a way that feels uniquely yours. This approach allows you to curate a collection of clothes that genuinely represent your style, free from the constraints of fleeting trends.
Lastly, embrace the process of personal discovery. Fashion should be a form of self-expression, not a performance for an audience. You’re not just dressing up, you’re embracing a part of you that’s true and unfiltered.